the following detailed description discusses the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention . the description is not to be taken in a limiting sense , but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention , since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims . 10 — strengthening device ; 12 — arm ; 14 — handle ; 16 — hinge ; 18 — sleeve ; 20 — resistance axis ; and 22 — guide rod . referring to fig1 and 2 , strengthening device 10 in the compressed position is generally elongated with a cylindrical or ovoid cross - section having a rounded head , two semi - cylindrical or semi - ovoidal ( collectively “ semi - round ”) arms 12 , and two semi - cylindrical or semi - ovoidal handles 14 , separated by hinges 16 . device 10 can be used in accordance with methods set forth herein , or it may be used in another manner in order to maintain or develop pelvic health . as shown in fig1 , the vagina is ovoid in shape . similarly , the present invention is preferably ovoid . it is desirable that the diameter ( average between longest and shortest diameters of oval ) of compressed arm 12 is a variety of different diameters , corresponding with different “ levels ”, preferably levels 1 - 4 . it is desirable that the lowest level , level 1 , has a diameter of approximately 2 centimeters , the highest level , level 4 , has a diameter of approximately 5 . 5 centimeters , and the mid - levels have diameters there between . the various levels ( diameters ) accommodate the ranges in sizes and shapes of vaginal orifices due to genetics , trauma , birthing or other factors . the variability of the diameter can be accomplished in a variety of ways , all of which are within the scope of this invention . in one embodiment arms 12 are sized differently . in other words one device 10 is scaled for level 1 , another device is scaled for level 2 , and so forth . in practicing methods of this invention the user would employ multiple devices , probably levels 1 - 4 , one device at a time , as they progress through a given program . in another embodiment , arms 12 are detachable from handles 14 , and different sized arms 12 are used in accordance with the desired level . in other words a user would employ one set of handles 14 , and interchange multiple sets of arms 12 , probably levels 1 - 4 , one set of arms at a time , as they progress through a given program . in yet another embodiment , sleeves 18 of various thicknesses are used to add girth to arm 12 . in other words , one device 10 is used , and different level sleeves 18 are interchanged , one sleeve at a time , as a user progresses through a given program . one sleeve size is depicted in fig5 . even if sleeve 18 isn &# 39 ; t employed to add girth to arms 12 , a thin version of sleeve 18 may provide additional comfort for some users , and / or be desired for hygienic reasons . sleeves , whether for girth or comfort / hygiene , may be constructed of silicone or other material that optimizes patient comfort . in use , the device is longitudinally compressed and inserted , rounded head first , into the vagina . the proper position is depicted in fig1 . upon releasing the device within the vagina , the device goes from compressed ( fig1 ) to expanded ( fig5 ) due to the outward force of the resilient members . the woman then performs contractions , thereby bringing arms 12 together to the compressed position , along the longitudinal axis , possibly in parallel , and subsequently releasing the forces so device returns to expanded position . the contraction can be held for a variety of durations . these exercises are preferably performed in a progressive strengthening regimen that includes both static and dynamic movements thereby allowing for greater carryover into functional activities . the device can be used to overcome vaginal gapping , which is the degree to which the woman has difficulty in achieving vaginal closure , and to provide stability to the pelvis . vaginal gapping is a factor that increases the likelihood of prolapsing , incontinence , lower back pain , and decreased to nonexistent orgasmic potential . in one embodiment of the invention a woman may use the device in a method that lessens vaginal gapping . in this method , the proper level , which corresponds with arm diameter , is selected , based on the size of the user &# 39 ; s vaginal orifice . typically this would be a level 4 or 3 . the user initiates therapy by performing specific exercises ( specific repetitions of contract , hold , release for specific time increments ) using various resistance , over a specific period , typically six weeks to six months . after the specified time the user is evaluated , or self - evaluates , for improvement in the desired area . such evaluation may be assessment of back pain and mobility , support of the viscera , enhancement of orgasm , sensations during vaginal penetration , and so forth . after establishing successful completion of the current level , the woman then substitutes the next lower level . using the next lower level she performs the specific exercises over a specific period , then reassesses for suitability of progressing to the next level . the goal is to reach level 1 over a period of time . in this manner , vaginal gapping decreases . another method , basically the reverse , may be employed with women who suffer from dyspareunia , or painful intercourse . in this method , the woman would initiate the program using device 10 at the appropriate level , probably 1 or 2 , based on the size of her vaginal orifice . after performing the specified regimen , the user is evaluated or self - evaluates for improvement . if acceptable improvement is achieved , she progresses to the next higher level . the goal is to reach level 4 over a period of time . in this manner the vagina is trained to comfortably accept a penis during intercourse . referring to fig9 , the pelvic floor musculature is divided into three unique layers based upon their depth within the pelvic cavity . these three layers correspond with three distinct resistance axes 20 along the length of the device . this is shown in fig4 . the actual resistance is preferably provided by resilient members , not shown , within guide rods 22 . a resilient member , here a spring , is shown , but not numbered in fig7 . the resilience of the resilient members can vary , and is preferably interchangeable , in accordance with the woman &# 39 ; s needs and limitations . guide rods 22 ( including resilient members ) are preferably 1 . 0 to 1 . 5 cm apart from each other , and can offer symmetrical resistance or graded resistance , depending on the needs of the woman . in addition , the structure of device 10 lends itself to calibrated resistance functionality whereby a user can adjust resistance as desired . in one method , device 10 is outfitted with the appropriate resistance ( via resilient members within guide rods 22 ), and the user performs a series of muscular contractions . by way of example , she may be instructed to increase endurance by contracting and holding for 10 seconds and repeating 10 - 20 times . she may be instructed to train fast twitch muscles with single second holds which are repeated 20 - 100 times / session . an example of a method to overcome vaginal gapping would be to for a woman to start at a circumference that allows for full contact of the device throughout the vagina and still provides a means of closure . for a specified duration the user performs a set number of contractions . an example of a regimen is 30 - 100 contractions of one second apiece , for ten times . as discussed above , arm diameter is decreased over time . a user that can &# 39 ; t accept penetration during intimate activities would begin with the smallest overall circumference required so that there is no pain upon insertion . by way of example , the regimen would start at level 1 , and the user would perform a set number of contractions , commonly ten seconds , ten times and 30 - 100 contractions of one second apiece . as she progresses , and penetration is tolerated the device can be adapted to allow a greater circumference . levels will be increased until penetration during intercourse is comfortable . an example of a method to heighten orgasm would be for a woman to isolate each specific layer of musculature by contracting / holding / releasing the device , most preferably in a rhythmical fashion . generally a regimen would include 10 repetitions of maintaining a 10 second contraction , 100 repetitions of one second contractions , or somewhere between the two . the specific resistance employed would depend on the woman &# 39 ; s strength . it should be understood , of course , that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims . by way of example , resilient members can be springs or other resistance providing materials such as gaskets . also , it is possible to rotate the device for vertical closure exercises . it should also be understood that ranges of values set forth herein inherently include those values , as well as all increments between . also , “ approximately ” shall refer to +/− 10 %.
a hinged vaginal strengthening device has three points of resistance along its length , which correspond with the three layers of pelvic musculature . the device is inserted into a vagina and compressed by the pelvic floor musculature , in accordance with various regimens to achieve goals such as decreasing vaginal gap or overcoming painful intercourse . the device is of various dimensions , thereby allowing a user to progress through multiple steps to achieve their goal of increasing or decreasing their vaginal space , as well as increasing muscle tone .