Ben Wa balls are small, weighted balls that are inserted into the vagina, where they work by encouraging the pelvic floor muscles to contract to hold them in place. This involuntary exercise helps to strengthen those muscles, which can have benefits for sexual pleasure, vaginal elasticity, and bladder control.
How Ben Wa Balls Function
Ben Wa balls are usually used in two ways: as a way to enhance sexual stimulation, and as a tool for pelvic floor training.
- When used for sexual pleasure, the movement of the balls inside the vagina as the body moves creates subtle stimulation.
- For pelvic floor training, the act of “holding” the balls with the pelvic muscles strengthens these muscles over time, which may help with issues like urinary incontinence and enhance sexual sensation.
Using Ben Wa Balls
- The balls are washed, covered with a water-based lubricant, and gently inserted vaginally (similar to using a tampon).
- Once inside, everyday movements or deliberate muscle contractions force the pelvic muscles to work, preventing the balls from slipping out.
- Beginners should start with lighter, larger balls and progressively move to heavier ones as muscle strength increases.
- They can be used as part of Kegel exercises by contracting and relaxing the pelvic muscles around the balls for a few seconds at a time, repeating the movement several times a day.
Safety Considerations
- Ben Wa balls should be cleaned thoroughly before and after use to prevent infection.
- It’s best not to leave them inside for excessively long periods to avoid potential health risks.
- They are not meant for anal use, as they lack a flared base for safety.
Ben Wa balls are primarily designed to make the pelvic muscles work subconsciously, leading to stronger pelvic floor muscles and potentially heightened sexual sensation.
