You may have heard the term bandied about, but if Kegel balls remain one of those mysteries of the universe, we’re here to help unpack it. Kegel balls, also known as Ben Wa balls, orgasm balls and vaginal weights, are small, weighted balls attached by a string. They’re primarily used to strengthen women (and people with vaginas)’s pelvic floor muscles to prevent prolapse, combat incontinence and bladder leakage, and improve sexual function.
They come in a range of sizes, weights and materials, but don’t let this overwhelm you. We’ll cover everything you need to know about starting your Kegel journey below…
How to use Kegel balls correctly
Firstly, as with anything to do with pelvic health, consult with your clinician or GP to see if using Kegel balls is right for you. Been given the go-ahead? Great. Using Kegel balls is a fairly straightforward process. Simply insert the balls into your vagina and leave them be for as long as is comfortable.
If you find they keep falling out during use, don’t worry. This is a common occurrence and just means your pelvic muscles may not yet be strong enough to support the weight of the balls you’re using. Consider starting with a lower weight and/or larger size. Once you’ve mastered that, work your way up in weight or down in size as you please.
How far in should Kegel balls go?
As long as the weighted ball itself is fully inside you, your pelvic muscles should be able to engage and support its weight. Basically, just go for what feels most comfortable to you – every vagina is different. Like a tampon, they have a string that will allow you to easily pull them out for easy extraction so there’s no need to fear losing them up there.
Can I leave Kegel balls in all day?
It is recommended you leave your balls in no longer than 6 hours.
When you’re just starting to use them, gynaecologists recommend primarily standing in one place or sitting during use. Then as you build up more muscle, experiment with moving a bit more and see how you go. Having said that, if you’re moving or walking around during this time, it is wise to shorten your usage to no more than a couple of hours. This is because the constant need to tense your muscles and fight gravity to keep them in tends to drain your energy, and then they can start causing more harm than good.
Do Kegel balls make you tighter?
Though their main goal is to strengthen your pelvic floor, some users have reported feeling their vagina tighter after frequent use than it was before. This could be because as the muscles strengthened, they also toned up a bit. Tightness is not guaranteed for every user, but it is a welcome side effect for some.
Do Kegel balls really help with incontinence?
With the strengthening of your pelvic floor, your muscles will be better equipped to combat incontinence and support your postpartum recovery. However, it’s also important to note that they are not little miracle workers. While they will assist you in these times, seeking medical advice is also highly recommended.
Shop the Vaginal balls available on the NZ market today
Tracey Cox Supersex Kegel Training Set
$109.95, at Wild Secrets
Arriving in a discreet storage box, this set of six balls easily tucks away when you aren’t using them. Made with hypoallergenic silicone, they’re suitable for pretty much anyone – simply pair them with a water-based lubricant and away you go!
Weights included:
- 50g
- 65g
- 80g
- 95g
- 110g
- 130g
Lelo Beads Noir
$75.90, at Adore Beauty
These beads were inspired by the iconically sexy 50 Shades of Grey film franchise. They’re primarily used for sexual pleasure, working easily into your foreplay routines, but they work equally as well for muscle strengthening.
If the two beads overwhelm you, feel free to start with inserting just one. Then, once you become accustomed to that feeling, try the second and see how you go. There are no set rules here (apart from maintaining sufficient hygiene), so make the experience your own.
Weights included:
- 37g per bead
Empower 7.5″ Vibrating Kegel Balls
$114.99, at Wild Secrets
Keen to mix business with pleasure? These Kegel balls will allow you all the benefits of regular ones, but with the added bonus of 10 different vibration patterns. Again, pair them with a water-based lubricant for ease of use and go about your day.
Rigid silicone lines allow for extra grip, so if you’re having trouble with your Kegel balls falling out, maybe these should be your next purchase.
Kegel Exercise Weights kit
$54,72, at Amazon
This nifty kit contains six interchangeable weighted balls, which allows you up to 21 different weight variations. Start with whichever weight suits you, and work your way through the different combinations from there. Their waterproof silicone material makes them soft, discreet and super easy to use.
Weights included:
- 15g
- 25g x 2
- 35g
- 55g x 2
Related articles:
- These sex toys will take your Valentines Day to the next level
- The best sports bras for every body shape & workout style
- The best fleece leggings to brave the winter chill
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
