Introduction
The pelvic floor is one of the most important and least discussed muscle groups in the human body. Comprising a hammock-like network of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that span the base of the pelvis, these muscles play a critical role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and core stability. Despite their importance, pelvic floor muscles are frequently undertrained, overlooked, or only addressed after dysfunction has already occurred.
At Mr. Hankey's Toys, sexual wellness has always been about more than pleasure - it's about helping people develop a healthier, more informed relationship with their bodies. That philosophy is at the heart of everything we design and create. In recent years, sexual wellness research has drawn increasing attention to the relationship between sexual activity, intentional pelvic muscle engagement, and pelvic floor health. This guide explores what the pelvic floor does, how it can become weakened or overactive, and how incorporating certain practices and body-safe tools into your wellness routine may help support pelvic floor function.
Note: This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or related symptoms, please consult a qualified pelvic floor physical therapist or healthcare provider.
What Is the Pelvic Floor and Why Does It Matter?
The pelvic floor muscles attach to the pubic bone at the front and the tailbone at the back, forming a supportive base for the bladder, bowel, and uterus (in those who have one). These muscles work in coordination with the deep abdominal and back muscles to stabilize the spine and pelvis during everyday movement.
When functioning optimally, the pelvic floor muscles contract and relax in response to physical demands - holding tension to prevent leakage, releasing during urination or bowel movements, and engaging during sexual activity to facilitate arousal and orgasm.
Common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction include:
- Urinary leakage during exercise, sneezing, or laughing (stress incontinence)
- Difficulty fully emptying the bladder or bowel
- Pelvic pressure or a sensation of heaviness
- Painful intercourse or reduced sexual sensation
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect people of any gender and is influenced by factors including pregnancy, childbirth, aging, hormonal changes, chronic constipation, heavy lifting, and prolonged sitting. Understanding your pelvic floor is the first step toward taking an active role in your pelvic health — and that's something Mr. Hankey's Toys has always encouraged our community to prioritize.
The Connection Between Sexual Activity and Pelvic Floor Health
Sexual arousal and orgasm naturally engage the pelvic floor muscles. During arousal, increased blood flow to the pelvic region causes engorgement of erectile tissue and lubrication. At orgasm, the pelvic floor muscles contract rhythmically — in many people, these contractions occur every 0.8 seconds and can involve anywhere from 3 to 15 muscle contractions per orgasm.
Research published in peer-reviewed journals on sexual medicine and pelvic health has noted that regular orgasm may contribute to maintaining pelvic floor muscle tone through this repeated, involuntary contraction cycle. While orgasm alone is not a substitute for structured pelvic floor rehabilitation, the repeated engagement of these muscles through sexual activity may support baseline muscle health — particularly when paired with conscious awareness of pelvic floor engagement.
This is one of the reasons Mr. Hankey's Toys has always placed such emphasis on designing products that encourage full-body awareness during use. When a product is thoughtfully sized, shaped, and made from the right materials, it becomes more than just a pleasure tool, it becomes an instrument of genuine physical self-care. Take the Captain’s Hook for instance, it was made to stimulate the G/P-Spot. Created to stimulate even if it’s just halfway in.
How Intentional Use of Sexual Wellness Tools May Support Pelvic Floor Function
Certain sexual wellness tools, when used with intention and proper technique, can serve as a vehicle for conscious pelvic floor engagement- similar to how resistance tools are used in physical therapy contexts.
1. Encouraging Mind-Muscle Connection
One of the foundational principles of pelvic floor rehabilitation is developing awareness of the pelvic floor muscles - learning to consciously contract and release them on demand. Many people have difficulty isolating these muscles without external feedback.
Using an insertable toy during solo or partnered activity can help create sensory awareness of the pelvic floor region, making it easier to identify which muscles are contracting and to practice deliberate engagement and release cycles. Mr. Hankey's Toys offers a wide range of insertable products across varying sizes and firmness levels, allowing users to find the option that best supports their level of body awareness and comfort. For those newer to pelvic engagement practices, starting with a smaller, softer silicone option from our collection is a sensible and accessible entry point. Don’t know where to start? Order a Sample Pack and start your shopping journey with a better idea of how our firmness levels work.
2. Supporting Kegel Exercise Practice
Kegel exercises - the repeated contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles - are widely recommended by pelvic health professionals as a first-line intervention for stress urinary incontinence and general pelvic floor strengthening. Some individuals find it easier to perform and sustain Kegel contractions with the tactile feedback provided by an insertable object, as the resistance can help confirm that the correct muscles are being engaged.
The firmness options available across Mr. Hankey's Toys' silicone lineup are particularly relevant here. Our silicone is available in a range of firmness levels - from Packer Soft to firm - giving users the ability to select the resistance level that best suits their comfort and their pelvic floor goals. This level of customization is rarely available from standard wellness-focused pelvic tools, making Mr. Hankey's products a genuinely versatile option for those approaching pelvic health with intention.
It is important to note that Kegel exercises are not appropriate for everyone. Individuals with hypertonic (overly tight) pelvic floors may experience worsened symptoms from additional strengthening exercises and should seek guidance from a pelvic floor physical therapist before beginning any exercise program.
3. Promoting Blood Flow to Pelvic Tissues
Regular sexual activity and arousal promote circulation to the pelvic region. Adequate blood flow supports tissue health, lubrication, and the maintenance of vaginal wall thickness - factors that become especially relevant during and after menopause, when declining estrogen levels can contribute to vaginal atrophy and increased pelvic floor vulnerability.
Incorporating regular solo wellness practices using body-safe tools from Mr. Hankey's Toys can be a practical, low-barrier way to support ongoing pelvic circulation as part of a broader self-care routine. The key word here is consistency - just as with any other form of physical exercise, the benefits of pelvic floor engagement are cumulative over time.
Why Material Safety Is Non-Negotiable for Pelvic Health
If you are incorporating sexual wellness tools into a pelvic floor health routine, material safety is a non-negotiable consideration. The pelvic tissues are highly absorptive, and exposure to phthalates, latex, or other potentially harmful compounds found in low-quality materials can cause irritation or disrupt the local microbiome.
Body-safe materials to look for include:
- Platinum-cure silicone — Non-porous, hypoallergenic, easy to sterilize, and the gold standard for insertable toys
- Stainless steel — Non-porous and fully sterilizable; also provides firm resistance that some find helpful for Kegel practice
- Borosilicate glass — Non-porous, body-safe, and temperature-neutral
This is an area where Mr. Hankey's Toys has never compromised. Every silicone product in our lineup is made from platinum-cure, body-safe silicone - free from phthalates, latex, and other harmful additives. Our manufacturing standards reflect a genuine commitment to the health and safety of our customers, not just the performance of our products. When you choose Mr. Hankey's Toys, you're choosing products that have been designed with your whole body in mind - including your long-term pelvic health.
For guidance on how to properly clean and care for your Mr. Hankey's silicone toys to maintain their hygienic integrity, visit our Care & Cleaning Guides.
Important Considerations and When to Seek Professional Guidance
While intentional pelvic floor engagement during sexual activity can be a meaningful component of an overall wellness practice, it is not a medical treatment and should not replace professional care. The following circumstances warrant consultation with a pelvic floor physical therapist or physician:
- Persistent urinary or fecal incontinence
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Chronic pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
- Post-surgical pelvic recovery
- Pregnancy or postpartum recovery
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized, evidence-based field, and a qualified therapist can provide personalized assessment and a structured rehabilitation plan that no consumer product can replicate. Mr. Hankey's Toys encourages all of our customers to work with qualified healthcare providers when addressing specific pelvic health concerns.
Conclusion
The pelvic floor is an essential but frequently neglected component of overall physical health. While structured physical therapy remains the gold standard for addressing pelvic floor dysfunction, growing research supports the idea that regular sexual activity, conscious pelvic muscle engagement, and the use of body-safe wellness tools can contribute meaningfully to pelvic floor awareness and baseline muscle tone.
At Mr. Hankey's Toys, we believe that sexual wellness and physical wellness are inseparable. Our commitment to body-safe materials, thoughtful product design, and ongoing sexual health education reflects our belief that the products you use intimately should support your health — not compromise it. Whether you are just beginning to explore pelvic floor awareness or looking to complement an existing wellness routine, our collection of platinum-cure silicone toys offers a safe, high-quality, and customizable starting point.
Explore our full collection at mrhankeystoys.com and take the next step in your sexual wellness journey with confidence.
This article was written for educational purposes. Mr. Hankey's Toys does not provide medical advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider or pelvic floor physical therapist for personalized guidance.
