Kegel balls snowballed into mainstream media with the release of the best-selling book 50 Shades of Grey, and have been gaining momentum ever since. Also referred to as jiggle balls or ben wa balls, these little weighted balls, with regular use, strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, making your vagina feel tighter and improving bladder control. If that wasn’t enough, strong pelvic muscles also lead to more powerful sensations during stimulation and stronger, more intense orgasms. What’s not to like?
Despite their recent thrust into the limelight, pleasure balls have been around since ancient times and were used as a form of vaginal stimulation. Consisting of small balls, which are inserted into the vagina and held there by the contracting the correct muscle groups, the toys can provide very stimulating sensations. Some types of pleasure ball contain smaller, weighted balls inside that roll around as you move creating excellent internal sensations.
How Kegel Balls Work
Given their small size, Kegel balls are very discreet and easy to use. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from a singular ball to two attached ones. If you’ve never tried kegel balls before, it is best to start off with a light, larger ball, then work up to greater weights once your muscles have grown stronger. The Lovehoney Main Squeeze Single Kegel Ball 30g is a great beginner’s option.
Take the ball from its packet, give it a clean with hot soapy water and a few sprays of sex toy cleaner (optional). Then, apply a generous amount of lubricant to the ball and the entrance of your vagina, as this will make insertion much easier. Slide the ball inside until it feels comfortable. Sometimes this can be difficult so try lying down or by lifting one leg up. With most balls there will be a string or loop that will sit outside the vagina for easy retrieval.
As your body accepts this new item, it will automatically try to hold the ball inside so you shouldn’t have to worry about it falling out. To make sure your muscles are working properly, contract your pelvic floor and you should experience a feeling of fullness. To get the most from your workout you should try to keep the balls in for at least 15 minutes a day and clench at regular intervals. To get a better workout you can keep them in for longer, but do not urinate with them still inside. Always remove them first by pulling on the retrieval string or cord. When you’ve finished your workout, you should always clean your balls to avoid bacteria build-up.
Beyond Kegels
When starting out with kegel exercises, it’s a good idea to avoid doing vigorous activity to prevent the balls from slipping out. Sometimes a violent movement like a sneeze or cough can cause the balls to dislodge. However, once your muscles become strong enough to hold them in, you can start to take on more physical tasks whilst wearing them.
Blending the lines of pleasure and performance, Ben Wa balls and jiggle balls are more like a sex toy than a health tool. They contain weights that roll around inside with some being small enough to wear during penetration. The free-roaming weights move about inside the balls causing your vaginal muscles to contract. Sometimes these balls can even provoke G-spot stimulation that feels fantastic even when you’re just walking about.
So if you’re worried about bladder control, or simply want to tighten your vaginal muscles, explore the multiple benefits of using kegel exercisers, and the exciting sensations they have to offer.
Anna Lee is a blogger and sex toy expert who writes for Lovehoney Australia. You can see a list of their best-selling products here.
Comments