This smooth pink probe features three graduated and lightly weighted bulges, which are meant to be used internally to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. You don't need to be 'expecting' to benefit from this vaginal exerciser. Pubococcygeus (or PC) muscles are used during labor and delivery, but they are also used during urination and play a large role in sex. Toned PC muscles can increase the intensity of orgasm and allow for interesting sensations during foreplay or intercourse, such as massaging your partner's fingers or penis while inserted in your vagina.

If Kegels aren't your thing, the Crystal Premium Glass probe can also be used for sensual play, either vaginally or anally.

Glass may be hard, but it's hard not to like glass… "The entire NS Novelties Crystal collection is made of 100% hand-blown, premium borosilicate glass." This pink wand is smooth, nonporous, hypoallergenic, and quickly reaches body temperature after it is inserted. It's a BFF for sensitive skin. For added fun, it can be heated or cooled for temperature play— just make sure to test before penetration to avoid hot or cold burns.

The pink probe is a perfectly straight 7.5" (19 cm) long, 4" of which are insertable. It has three stacked bulbs, followed by a long shaft (or handle) and a bulb at the base. The first bulge, measuring just over .75", has a dull point which makes it easier to insert. The second bulge is just over 1" wide, and the largest bulge is about 1.25" in diameter. The entire probe weighs 4.5 ounces (130g).

The Crystal Premium Glass Kegel is designed for vaginal exercises; however, it works equally well for sex play. As long as you maintain a firm grip and thrust gently, the toy is safe to use vaginally or anally and won't cause any bruising.

If you're using this as a "toy", the instructions are simple: insert into your orifice of choice and enjoy. But if you're using this for the purposes of Kegel exercises, it's slightly more complicated. The goal is to be able to insert the wand to the widest point, then flex your muscles around it to keep the Kegel from falling out. Technically, you can work the muscles without a vaginal exerciser, but the Crystal Premium Glass Kegel will help you isolate the muscles.

Start with the depth you're most comfortable with (even if that's just the tip), and practice flexing the muscles while lying down. You should hold or contract the pelvic floor muscles for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. Don't hold your breath, and don't flex your thighs or glutes— only flex the PC muscles. The goal is to be able to do five repetitions of 10-second contractions, followed by 10 seconds of rest. Once you've built some PC muscle tone, progress to the larger bulbs and try to hold the probe in while standing or on your hands and knees.

Never use the exerciser while your bladder is full. That can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and possibly lead to a urinary tract infection. Whether using a Kegel exerciser or not, it is best to empty your bladder before working the pelvic floor muscles.

As with any intimate toy or tool, standard warnings apply: "To avoid injury or aggravation of pre-existing {sic} condition, this device should not be used on swollen or inflamed area of skin lacerations. No medical claims are warranted or implied by the use of this product."

Glass is easy breezy to use since it's compatible with all lubricant types: silicone, oil and water. The manufacturer recommends washing the wand with liquid antibacterial soap and water after use. You can also use rubbing alcohol to wipe it down, or you can boil it, or you can place it in the top rack of the dishwasher (make sure there is no soap or rinse agent in the machine when you run the wash cycle, and do not use heated dry). Another option is to clean it with a a 1:10 solution of bleach and water. Whatever method you use to clean it, pat it dry with a soft, cotton towel when you're done and allow it to air dry.

For the protection of your glass exerciser, consider purchasing a medium-size padded pouch. Borosilicate glass is extremely durable; however, you do not want the surface to become scratched, as it will be harder to clean and sanitize.

A picture of the Crystal Premium Glass Kegel is on the front of the white and purple box, and the actual toy can be seen through the clear plastic "windows" on the side. The back of the box touts "100% Borosilicate glass" in several languages. One side has "care instructions" and the other has the URL for the NS Novelties website; however there are no instructions whatsoever on how to use a Kegel exerciser (please see the Performance section above for this information).

Two Styrofoam squares hold the wand in place and protect the ends. Check the toy for any residual threads of plastic or glue once you remove the squares. The cardboard is recyclable; however, the plastic "window" insert and Styrofoam should be trashed.

The point of Kegels is to exercise the supporting muscles of the pelvic floor. The exercises were named after Dr. Arnold Kegel, who developed the original pelvic toning device: the perineometer.

Do Kegels daily and you may one day steal the crown from the current world record holder, Tatiata Kozhevnikova. She set the bar at 30.86 pounds (14 kilograms) in 2009, and no one has dethroned her yet. Quoting her (in translation): "It's enough to exercise your vagina five minutes a day, ladies, and in just one week you'll be able to give yourself and your man unforgettable pleasure in bed." Unforgettable pleasure may be days away, but Tatiata trained for 15 years to reach the 14kg mark.

I've always done Kegel exercises, but never with a tool made especially for them. The experience was different. Rather than simply flex the muscles in the general region, I was able to focus on the pelvic muscles, which not only let me hold the Glass Kegel inside, but also let me pull it in slightly— think of the possibilities during intercourse! I won't have the title of "World's Strongest Vagina" anytime soon, but using this just a few times over a 10-day period (together with my normal practice of contracting the PC muscles without a vaginal exerciser), I saw slight improvement in my pelvic muscle control. Someone who commits to a few minutes every day will likely see a large improvement in their muscle control.

I dropped one star from the rating, because height-wise I'm petite, and the exerciser is too long for me to sit upright or recline at an angle while using it (those who are average-height or taller, or have a longer vaginal canal, may be able to use the exerciser in those positions). In the plus column, I did my usual test of dropping the item from a height of about six feet onto a carpeted floor, and it passed with flying colors. The probe has a deceptively slim and fragile look to it, but it literally bounced off the carpet once, then settled without a chip or scratch.

As a toy, the Crystal Premium Glass Kegel has all the benefits of glass, with the choice of an easy-to-insert tip and variety of bulges on one end, and a smooth, rounded tip atop a uniform shaft on the other end. My preference is for silicone, but if I'm in the mood for glass, this is on the short-list.

A word of advice: the Crystal Premium Glass Kegel can be used with any lubricant, but if you're using it to work your PC muscles, skip the lube if possible. Lube will make it harder to hold onto, especially if you're in an upright position.