What are Kegel Ben Wa balls?

Kegel Balls, also known as Ben Wa balls are small, weighted balls that can be inserted into the vagina to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises. They have traditionally been utilised for strengthening vaginal and pelvic floor muscles. These small, weighted balls are available in various weights and sizes to assist in mastering muscle contractions and releases, ultimately enhancing the pelvic floor. However, they have gained popularity in recent years for their role in sexual pleasure, leading to the introduction of alternative names such as geisha balls, Venus balls, jiggle balls, orgasm balls, love balls, love eggs, and pleasure balls. If you own a set but are unsure how to use them, or if you're considering a purchase and need guidance on selecting the right set, the following information could be beneficial.

Kegel Balls Demystified: Essential Tips and Tricks

Reading articles such as this, reading the products packaging, and checking with your doctor are all great places to start when determining who can use them and how.

The easiest way to minimise any risk of pain or discomfort, is to ensure that you’re using the correct size, weight, and of course you are using the correct technique. The following information should provide you with the basics to get you started.

Firstly, you should check with your doctor if you:

• are pregnant or recent childbirth
• have any pelvic pain or an active pelvic infection
• suffer from any form of Prolapse
• have suffered a pelvic floor injury
• have recently had any form of gynecologic surgery
• have an intrauterine device
• use a menstrual cup

You are more likely to experience pain and discomfort if you use Kegel Balls while in any of these conditions.

Preparation

So you are ready to go, you have bought your Kegel ball and have no idea what to do next!

How to get your Kegel balls ready for use:

• Make sure your hands are clean before you handle the Kegel Balls.
• Wash your Kegel Balls with antibacterial soap and warm water, then dry them with a clean towel.
• Applying a sufficient amount of water based lube on the Balls makes them easier to insert.

Insertion

Make sure you apply sufficient lubrication to your vagina before you get into position. This will help prevent discomfort as you insert the Kegel Balls.

• Find a position that you are comfortable with that makes access and insertion easy for you.
• Slowly and gently insert the first Ball.
• Kegel Balls are usually connected to each other by a small piece of string or plastic, so insert that into your vagina too.
• Once the string is inserted, start to insert the second Ball slowly and gently.
• Push the Balls in as far as you find comfortable. If your Balls have a removal string, it's best to leave it hang outside your vagina, so make sure it’s not accidentally inserted with the Balls.
• Tighten your pelvic floor muscles to hold your Kegel Balls in place.

Ensure that the Balls are securely positioned within your vagina. If there is a sensation that they might slip out or if the first Ball is noticeable externally, delicately insert them further inside. Sensations experienced with the Balls inside may differ among individuals, commonly described as a mild, tingling feeling. This sensation tends to increase with movement, meaning that the more you move, the greater the sensation you will experience.

Now they’re in...What next?

For solo play

Kegel Balls are usually not utilised in the same manner as conventional sex toys. The usual practice involves keeping them inserted while incorporating other toys like a clitoral stimulator to amplify the sensations produced by using both toys simultaneously. It is recommended to explore and discover what works best for you, as your body and pleasure are of utmost significance.

For play with a partner

If you want to increase your sensitivity during sex, Kegel Balls can help you and your partner get the "Ball" rolling, so to speak.

You can either insert them yourself before your encounter, or you can include your Kegel Balls as part of your foreplay. Just remember, the longer the Balls are in, the more aroused you’ll be when it’s time to progress to the main event.

Just make sure to pull the Balls out before your partners penis, or another toy, is inserted in your vagina.

Kegel Balls can also make anal sex more interesting and pleasurable (remember Kegel balls do not go in your anus). Anal penetration can push the Balls against your erogenous g spot , increasing the intensity of sensations through your body.

An important note: You should never insert Kegel Balls into your anus. They aren’t made for this purpose and could cause discomfort, and are at risk of getting stuck.

Anal beads specifically made for anal play are available from Bed Buddies for this purpose.

For pelvic floor muscle exercises only

If you want to add Kegel Balls to your regular routine:

• Insert the Balls as described above.
• Tighten the muscles of your pelvic floor to lift and squeeze the Balls.
• Hold the muscle contraction for 5 seconds, then relax for another 5 seconds.
• Repeat this step 5 times in a row to complete one set.

Be careful not to over exert yourself, so pace yourself with what you feel comfortable with. Start by doing up to three sets a day and progress slowly as your body allows.

Once you’re comfortable with these traditional Kegel exercises or other pelvic floor exercises, consider adding different weighted and sized Kegel Balls.

Removing them

Typically, you can leave Kegel Balls in for up to six hours, depending on the Balls used and how your body copes with them. If you're not sure, please always consult your doctor, who can tell you more about best practices for you and your body.

If your Kegel Balls have a removal string or chord:

• Find a position that you are comfortable with that makes access and removal easy for you.
• Add more lubrication to your vagina to help take the Balls out.
• Slowly pull on the removal string until they come out.

If your Balls do not have a removal string or chord:

• Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip distance apart.
• Slightly bend your knees until you’re in a comfortable squat.
• Squeeze your pelvic muscles to push them out, much like with another sex toy or even a tampon.

If the Balls don’t come out straight away, you may be able to coax them out by adding more lubrication. You can also cough, move around, or even jump up and down to help your muscles contract and release.

Hygiene and Storage

Keeping your Kegel Balls clean is very important. If they aren’t cleaned and stored correctly, they can introduce bacteria into your vagina which could lead to infection.

After you remove your Kegel Balls, it is best practice to:

• Wash them with warm water.
• Thoroughly clean them with an antibacterial toy cleaner.
• Rinse them in warm soapy water, and then run them under water to wash off any residue.
• Dry them with a clean towel. You can leave them to dry for an hour or two before putting them away, to ensure that they’re completely dry.
• Once they’re dry, store them in clean, dry container.

Are there risks?

Although Kegel Balls are considered safe, there are few things to consider.

For any women suffering from pelvic floor injuries or the various types of Prolapse, including pelvic organ prolapse, Kegel balls should only be considered after consultation with a medical professional, in particular a women’s health/pelvic floor Physiotherapist who can help to determine whether the use of Kegel balls is suitable and safe for their own personal situation. Although pelvic floor exercises may not correct the prolapse, they may help control symptoms and limit the worsening of prolapse, as well as improve sexual health and orgasms for both men and women. If you are unsure about performing Kegel exercises correctly, it is important to contact your health care provider. They may refer you to a physical therapist who specialises in pelvic floor exercises for further guidance on how to do Kegel exercises the right way.

You should only squeeze and contract your pelvic floor muscles for about 5 seconds at a time, with breaks of at least 5 seconds between. Squeezing for too long or without a break could over exert your muscles and cause a strain and possibly discomfort.

Kegel Balls should not be used for more than four to six hours at any one time. Any longer and you may begin to over exert your pelvic floor muscles.

It is extremely important to always clean your Kegel Balls before and after every use for proper health care. Using contaminated Kegel Balls can result in infection.

How to select the right Kegel Balls

Consider beginning with a lightweight plastic or silicone set of Kegel Balls with attached Balls and a removal string. Beginner sets usually consist of two Balls attached together, allowing you to adjust the number as you gain experience.

Progress by changing the size of the Balls or switching from lighter materials to heavier ones like metal or glass. Using Kegel Balls correctly can greatly benefit your sexual wellness.

What are the benefits of using kegel balls for pelvic floor exercises?

Kegel balls are a popular tool for strengthening pelvic floor muscles, offering a range of benefits such as improved bladder control, postpartum recovery, and enhanced sexual satisfaction. By incorporating Kegel exercises with these balls into your routine on a regular basis, you can not only increase vaginal tightness but also boost blood flow to the pelvic area, which contributes to overall sexual health. Additionally, the use of Kegel balls can help prevent urinary incontinence and bowel incontinence, and support women in maintaining pelvic health throughout different stages of life, including menopause. These exercises can also benefit men, as studies have shown that regular pelvic floor exercise can improve erectile dysfunction and may make sex better by giving you more feeling during an orgasm and greater control over ejaculation. It is important to start with the right size and weight of Kegel balls based on your comfort level and gradually progress as your muscles strengthen. Regular practice of Kegel exercises with Kegel balls can lead to noticeable improvements in pelvic muscle strength and function over time, reducing the risk of leakage and improving overall bladder control. Remember that consistency is key when it comes to reaping the benefits of Kegel exercises with Kegel balls.

Can Kegel balls really noticeably get my vagina to be tighter?

Kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor exercises, are often recommended to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, which can potentially improve muscle tone in the vaginal area and sexual function. Consistent practice of Kegel exercises over time may help some individuals experience increased muscle strength and control in the pelvic floor region, which could lead to improved tightness sensation. These specific exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, target the muscles of the pelvis, which is the area between the hips that holds the reproductive organs. It's important to note that individual results may vary, and it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or a pelvic floor physical therapist for personalized guidance on Kegel exercises and their potential benefits.

How long does it take for Kegels to work?

The time it takes for Kegel exercises to show results can vary from person to person. Some individuals may start noticing improvements in muscle strength and control within a few weeks of consistent practice, while for others, it may take a bit longer, possibly a few months. It's important to perform Kegels regularly and correctly to achieve the desired outcomes, such as improved muscle control and urinary continence. If you have specific concerns or questions about your progress with Kegel exercises, consider consulting a healthcare provider or a pelvic floor therapist for personalised guidance and support. Additionally, Kegel exercises may also have long-term benefits in preventing the worsening of conditions related to muscle control through repetitions.

A few things to remember

1. Don’t expect to be able to hold your Kegel for five or 10 seconds right away.
2. You should perform at least two to three sets of these exercises per day
3. When you first start doing Kegel exercises, tense the muscles in your pelvic floor for a count of three, then relax them for a count of three.
4. Try to do at least 30 to 40 Kegel exercises every day.
5. You may not feel your bladder control improve until after 3 to 6 weeks
6. If you can’t do 10, do as many as you can and build up over time.
7. Although results vary, you may notice changes in pelvic muscle strength within 6-8 weeks

And last of all enjoy it, Kegel exercises are a great way to help your personal health and only do as much as you are comfortable with, everyone is different. Consistency is key...