Multifunctional perineal and vaginal exercise device

Abstract

The invention relates to a multifunctional perineal and vaginal exercise device that reduces the routine use of episiotomy application in order to ensure that every period of a woman's life is quality and comfortable, prevents urinary incontinence for menopausal women, puts an end to painful sexual intercourse, is ergonomic, portable, low cost, can be used both in the hospital and at home, meets the privacy requirement, and can be easily applied by the woman herself.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] MULTIFUNCTIONAL PERINEAL AND VAGINAL EXERCISE DEVICE

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to a multifunctional perineal and vaginal exercise device that reduces the routine use of episiotomy application in order to ensure that every period of a woman's life is quality and comfortable, prevents urinary incontinence for menopausal women, puts an end to painful sexual intercourse, is ergonomic, portable, low cost, can be used both in the hospital and at home, meets the privacy requirement, and can be easily applied by the woman herself.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Labor consists of four phases. The second stage refers to the process until the cervix is fully dilated and the baby is born. At the end of the second stage, the perineal and vaginal muscles may be damaged as the baby passes through the vagina. This may negatively affect women's quality of life in the future. The perineum consists of the pelvic floor, levator ani, ischiocavernous, bulbocavernous, superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles. These structures that make up the pelvic floor play an important role in providing continence, preventing prolapse, providing sexual function and realizing delivery.

[0007] During labor, it is sometimes necessary to cut the bulbocavernous, superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles of women to prevent irregular tearing of the perineal muscles as the baby passes through the vagina. This procedure, which is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by health professionals in normal vaginal delivery, is called episiotomy and the World Health Organization recommends that episiotomy should not be used routinely. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent irregular tearing and damage to the muscles in the perineum during labor by regularly massaging and warming the perineum during pregnancy.

[0008] It is known that perineal massage accelerates blood flow in the area, increases circulation in that area and relaxes the tissues. In this way, vaginal delivery will become easier, the need for episiotomy during labor will decrease, and it also helps to prevent vaginal atrophy by keeping the cells in the perineum alive.

[0009] The pelvic floor area consists of the lavator ani muscles. These muscles, which allow the fetus to move through the vaginal canal during labor, are located in the last three centimeters of the vaginal opening. These muscles, which expand before and during labor, lose their strength and weaken. As a result of the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles in these periods when the pelvic floor is negatively affected such as pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, women's complaints of involuntary urinary incontinence and vaginal gas formation occur. In order to prevent the occurrence of these complaints and to strengthen the pelvic floor, Kegel exercise is the most popular, simple, non-invasive method that the woman herself can easily apply daily. Kegel exercise ensures that the levator ani muscles in the pelvic floor work effectively and correctly with regular repetitions. Training the correct muscle group is of great importance for the effectiveness of the exercise.

[0010] In the current system, apparatus to support perineal massage such as perineometer, kagelmaster, vaginal cones have been developed. There are many patents or utility model applications and articles about these devices.

[0011] The application numbered "TR2021 / 020117", which is in the known state of the art, relates to a thermal perineal expander apparatus made of flexible silicone or rubber, which prevents uncontrolled perineal tears and soft tissue damage that may occur during childbirth, wraps the anterior and posterior parts of the perineum, has a massage feature at the bottom of the apparatus and contains pressure tubes that function as expanders evenly distributed to all parts of the apparatus. The apparatus in question includes a puar, which is connected from the side of the apparatus and can be added and removed to provide more perineal width when necessary during labor, and a heat-retaining silicon dioxide gel embedded in the surface tissue of the apparatus for hot application.

[0012] The application "CN209004667U" in the known state of the art relates to the field of massage devices, in particular to an improved pelvic floor muscle massager comprising a massage chair and a massage body. The machine is connected to a massage seat cushion. The lower end surface of the massage chair cushion has a slide rail parallel to the slide, and four sliding parts are mounted on the slide rail. The other end of each connecting rod enters through the corresponding sliding track to connect with the perineal support, perineal protrusion, anus protrusion and long strong protrusion respectively, and the four sliding parts are provided with loosening and tightening knobs to prevent slipping. The massage machine can meet the health care and adjuvant treatment requirements of most patients with body types. The application numbered "CN106691825 A" in the known state of the art relates to a portable pelvic floor muscle recovery massager comprising a massage unit, a control unit and a seating unit. The massage unit comprises Changqiang point and perineum point massage heads and mainly functions to massage two acupuncture points. The control unit can adjust the distance between the massage heads, massage modes, massage time and massage power through a controller. The seating unit has the function of fixing and supporting the massage heads. According to the traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis of pelvic floor muscle relaxation, a Changqiang point and a perineum point are massaged in a targeted manner, the main and side channels are dredged, and the functions of the pelvic floor muscles are improved.

[0013] The application numbered "TR2019 / 03958", which is in the known state of the art, is an exercise probe for training pelvic floor muscles for the use of people of both sexes in all age groups who want to strengthen their muscles before the above-mentioned problems, which are likely to occur with all disorders (urinary incontinence, gas incontinence, fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunctions, sagging organs, etc.) in which the muscles that cover and cover the pelvic floor (pelvic floor muscles) are weak and the loss of muscle strength, which is an effect of aging. The probe; It is characterized by the fact that it is an equipment with a form suitable for the anatomy of the region for people to train the pelvic floor muscles with contraction-relaxation movements by placing it in the anus entrances and vaginal entrances, that it contains an oval surface that provides easy access to the anus entrance and vaginal entrance at least at one end, and that it has an elasticity configured to undergo a discontinuous deformation after the contraction-relaxation movement of the pelvic floor muscles while in the anus entrance or vaginal entrance.

[0014] As can be seen from the above patent or utility model applications, there is no sensor system in the current systems and devices to check whether the kegel exercise is performed correctly and effectively. In addition, it does not allow for perineal massage while doing the kegel exercise at the same time.

[0015] As a result, due to the negativities described above and the inadequacy of existing solutions on the subject, there is a need for a perineal and vaginal exercise device that includes a sensor system that controls whether the kegel exercise is performed correctly and effectively, strengthens the pelvic floor muscles with kegel exercise, prevents damage to the levator ani and superficial muscles during labor with massage and heat application, and reduces menopausal complications. Brief Description and Objectives of the Invention

[0016] The invention relates to a perineal and vaginal exercise device. In particular, the invention relates to a multifunctional perineal and vaginal exercise device that reduces the routine use of episiotomy application in order to spend every period of women's life in quality and comfort, prevents urinary incontinence for menopausal women, puts an end to painful sexual intercourse, is ergonomic, portable, low cost, can be used both in hospital and at home, meets the privacy requirement, and can be easily applied by the woman herself.

[0017] The aim of the invention is to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles through kegel exercise. The device is versatile, providing maximum benefit in the perineal / vaginal area and solving many problems. The device can also be used in the treatment of vaginismus, which makes sexual intercourse difficult and impossible.

[0018] Another aim of the invention is to prevent damage to the levator ani and superficial muscles during childbirth by applying massage and heat to the perineum of women in the prenatal, birth and postpartum periods. Thanks to the micro-heater card placed in the device, the perineum can be heated and the blood flow in the area can be accelerated. In addition, varicose veins, which are manifested by enlarged and tortuous veins in the perineum, can be prevented with the heat and massage feature of the device.

[0019] Another aim of the invention is to strengthen the pelvic floor in menopausal women and reduce menopausal complications. The invention can also prevent sagging in the perineum of women who lose weight. In addition, perineal / vaginal and anal sphincter injuries that may occur during childbirth can be reduced.

[0020] Another purpose of the invention is to check whether the kegel exercise is performed correctly. When a woman does the kegel exercise, she is in control of contracting all of her muscles. Therefore, the woman is exercising all of her pelvic muscles. Thanks to the pressure sensor placed in the device, the strength of the pelvic floor muscles can be measured and the development of muscle strength can be monitored.

[0021] With the invention, every woman (including women with disabilities and pregnant women with disabilities) can use it without the need for any support person, considering the restriction of movements during pregnancy. In addition, the woman's sense of privacy is not harmed.

[0022] In some cases, the abscess formed in the area as a result of the blockage of the bartholin glands that provide the lubrication of the vagina during sexual intercourse causes the woman to feel pain. With the device developed with the invention, the bartholin glands can be massaged to prevent blockage.

[0023] These Figures are as follows;

[0024] Figure-1: cross-sectional view of the device in y-axis (vertical).

[0025] Figure-2: top view of the device.

[0026] Figure-3: left side view of the device in y-axis (vertical).

[0027] Element Numbers in Figures

[0028] In order to better explain the perineal and vaginal exercise device developed with the present invention, the parts and elements in the figures are numbered and the equivalent of each number is given below:

[0029] 1. Device

[0030] 2. Servo motor

[0031] 3. Massage balls

[0032] 4. Pressure sensor

[0033] 5. Mi cro heater b oard

[0034] 6. Silicone elastic coating

[0035] 7. Servo motor and pressure sensor fixing part

[0036] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0037] The invention relates to a multifunctional perineal and vaginal exercise device that reduces the routine use of episiotomy application in order to ensure quality and comfort in every period of a woman's life, prevents urinary incontinence for menopausal women, puts an end to painful sexual intercourse, is ergonomic, portable, low-cost, can be used both in the hospital and at home, meets the need for privacy, and can be easily applied by the woman herself.

[0038] Perineal and vaginal exercise device (1); servo motor (2) that converts high speed to low speed and high torque with a gear mechanism in front of it and transmits this energy to massage balls (3) for massage; massage balls (3) that massage the perineal muscles with the circular motion provided to the balls at the end by the servo motor (2); a pressure sensor (4) to measure the amount of pressure on the muscles in the vaginal area during massage and to control the process by recording this pressure through a processor; a micro-heater board (5) embedded in the device (1) and positioned to be insulated with silicone, which increases the temperature of the muscles to ensure that the perineal region is at an optimum temperature; a silicone elastic covering (6), which acts as a sheath on the outside of the device (1), in which the device (1) is placed, and a servo motor and pressure sensor fixing part (7) in which the servo motor (2) and the pressure sensor (4) are placed.

[0039] The perineal wearable device (1) is sized to fit the average female perineal area. The device (1) is turned into a solid model in the CAD program as shown in Figure-2 and printed in PLA filament type on a 3D printer, one of the additive manufacturing methods. Since this device (1) will not create an ergonomic solution for users, a soft print of the model is created with the help of molded silicone. The silicone elastic coating (6) coming out of the mold is shown in figure- 1. The perineal and vaginal exercise device (1) is placed in the silicone elastic coating (6), i.e. the silicone elastic coating (6) acts as a sheath for the device (1).

[0040] On the device (1), micro servo motors (2), massage balls (3) integrated into the shaft of the servo motors (2) and the pressure sensor (4) are insulated with a thin layer of silicon and embedded in a combined form. In addition, a micro-heater board (5) is used to increase the temperature in the muscles in order to extend the positive effect of the massage. The microheater board (5), embedded in the device (1) and insulated with silicone, ensures that the perineal area is at optimum temperature.

[0041] The massage process of the device (1) is performed by geared micro servo motors (2). These servo motors (2), which operate with 6 V, provide circular massage movement by converting the high speed in the rotor of the servo motor (2) into low speed and high torque with the gear mechanism positioned in front of it. A circular crank arm shaped part is placed on the rotor shaft for massage and massage balls (3) are attached to this crank arm. Thanks to servo motors (2), the massage balls (3) are activated and massage the perineal muscles with small circular movements (friction).

[0042] The pressure sensor (4) measures the amount of pressure on the muscles in the vaginal area (lavator ani muscle) during the kegel exercise in analog form. The pressure sensor (4) operates with a DC (direct current) supply in the range of 3.3 V to 6 V, powered by an adapter or an external power supply. It outputs voltage according to the pressure force applied on it and the amount of flexing that occurs accordingly. This output value is read by connecting to the ADC pin of the processor with an o-pump amplifier. With the mathematical formulas in the processor code, the value in terms of force is obtained and depending on this value, the development in the ongoing process of the exercise can be controlled. The pressure sensor (4) transmits pressure values to the processor and these values can be stored in a memory to control the process.

[0043] The perineal and vaginal exercise device (1) facilitates vaginal delivery because it combines massage and warm application to the perineal muscles. It reduces episiotomy intervention during labor and also prevents vaginal atrophy by keeping the cells in the perineal area alive. The device (1) also allows the woman to exercise her muscles under her own control. Thus, the entire pelvic musculature can be exercised. Thanks to the pressure sensor (4), the strength of the pelvic floor muscles is measured and the development of muscle strength is monitored by working together with the processor.

[0044] The device (1) is also an ergonomic, easy-to-carry and convenient device that can be used by every woman, including disabled individuals, considering the restriction of movements during pregnancy.

[0045] Since perineal massage is a practice that requires contact with the vaginal area, it is very difficult to ensure privacy. In terms of women's beliefs or personal characteristics, it may not be appropriate for someone else to perform perineal massage. With the device (1) developed with the invention, the need for another person for perineal massage is eliminated and privacy is protected.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Perineal and vaginal exercise device (1) characterized by comprising;• a servo motor (2), which converts high speed into low speed and high torque with a gear mechanism positioned in front of it and transmits this energy to massage balls (3) for massaging,• massage balls (3) that massage the perineal muscles with a circular motion provided to the balls at the end by means of a servo motor (2),• a pressure sensor to measure the amount of pressure on the muscles in the vaginal area during massage and to control the process by means of a processor (4) by storing this pressure in a memory,• a micro-heater board (5) embedded in the device (1) and positioned to be insulated with silicone, which increases the temperature of the muscles to ensure that the perineal area is at an optimal temperature.

2. A perineal and vaginal exercise device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a silicone elastic coating (6), which acts as a sheath on the outside of the device (1), in which the device (1) is inserted.

3. A perineal and vaginal exercise device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a servomotor and pressure sensor fixing part (7) in which a servomotor (2) and a pressure sensor (4) are positioned.

4. A perineal and vaginal exercise device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises 6 V powered micro servo motors (2).

5. A perineal and vaginal exercise device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a pressure sensor (4) powered by a DC supply in the range between 3.3 V and 6 V by an adapter or an external power supply.

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