Ben Wa balls are small, weighted balls that you insert into your vagina for sexual pleasure. Also called love balls, orgasm balls, and Kegel balls, they usually come in pairs linked together by a cord. The nylon or silicone cord dangles from the end so you can easily remove the balls.
There are a variety of weights, sizes, and materials to choose from, including metal, glass, silicone, and plastic. The balls are used as a sex toy and to enhance masturbation. Although some people use the balls to train the pelvic floor, this may not be the best idea for everyone.
Find out why people like Ben Wa balls and how to clean and safely use them.
Why Do People Like Ben Wa Balls?
Most people use Ben Wa balls as sex toys or to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. Some people claim that different Ben Wa ball sizes and weights can create pleasure. But others don't get as much pleasure from the balls.
In fact, some have said they feel similar to a tampon. But there are some advantages to Ben Wa balls. They can help create sexual play or fantasy and aid in masturbation.
Sex toys
You can use Ben Wa balls alone or add other sex toys to the mix — such as a vibrator. The balls usually aren't moved in and out of your vagina, like you might use a dildo.
Instead, try using the balls to heighten your awareness, arousal, and sensations by leaving them inside your vagina and moving them gently.
Some studies show that sex toys such as Ben Wa balls can help you:
- Feel more sexual desire
- Be more lubricated
- Have more orgasms
- Have more intense orgasms faster
Studies also report that a healthy sex life can improve your mental health.
Pelvic floor training
Your doctor can suggest different pelvic tools to help train your pelvic floor. They may suggest starting out with Ben Wa balls.
Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues. The muscles can squeeze and relax to support your bladder and colon. This allows you to control your urine and stool.
But your pelvic floor muscles can become stretched out from certain medical conditions such as:
- Pregnancy or childbirth
- Muscle or nerve problems
- Surgery
- Menopause
If your pelvic floor gets weaker, you may get symptoms such as leaky urine or stool (incontinence) or sexual dysfunction. But pelvic floor training can work certain muscles around your bladder to prevent urine and stool leaks.
Stronger pelvic floor muscles may also improve sexual sensations by raising blood flow to the area. Some studies suggest this can help you contract your muscles easier and make sex more enjoyable.
Can I Use Ben Wa Balls for Pelvic Floor Training?
Although Ben Wa balls can be used for pelvic floor training, there are many tools your doctor may suggest.
A recent study reported that some people reviewed Kegel balls for pelvic floor training, and:
- About 12 in 100 people said they weren't helpful.
- Almost 12 in 100 people said vibrating Kegel balls helped avoid urine leaks.
- About 8.7 in 100 people said Kegel balls helped improve sexual function.
Your doctor will likely talk to you about your medical condition before deciding which tool can help you best.
Ben Wa balls
Also called Kegel weights or vaginal balls, some devices even vibrate and come in different weights and sizes. Even though Ben Wa balls aren't made for pelvic floor exercise, some studies report similar muscle strength after using balls or cones.
But it's still unclear because there aren't many large studies about pelvic floor training using Ben Wa or Kegel balls.
Pessaries
Usually weighted sets, these silicone donuts, rods, rings, squares, and inflatable balls are made in different shapes. It often depends on your medical condition, but these are either used for support or space-filling.
Biofeedback tools
These tools help you see how your pelvic floor muscles squeeze or relax. You usually do this with the help of a physical therapist. There are also some devices approved for you to use at home.
Internal electrical stimulation
Your physical therapist inserts a small probe inside your vagina. It can send a tiny, harmless electric shock to contract your pelvic muscles. You won't feel any discomfort, and you'll learn what a Kegel feels like.
External electrical stimulation
You'll wear a device such as bike shorts that sends a harmless little shock to the outside of your skin. This makes your pelvic muscles contract, so you learn how to do Kegels.
What is the Difference Between Ben Wa Balls and Anal Beads?
Unlike anal beads (a sex toy with multiple small balls attached together in a row), Ben Wa balls are not made for your anus.
Anal beads are also called:
- Prostate massagers
- Prostate stimulators
- Butt plugs
The anal beads are made to be inserted to and removed from your rectum for pleasure. Although you'll want to squeeze from both ends to do a proper Kegel, never insert Kegel balls into your anus. Keep Ben Wa balls out of your rectum because they can get lost and fall too far into your colon.
How to Clean and Care for Your Ben Wa Balls?
Cleaning your sex toys helps keep your body healthy and lower the risk for infection. Read the instructions for your sex toy so you know how to properly care for and clean it.
Here are a few tips to help keep you safe:
- To avoid STDs, don't share your Ben Wa balls.
- Put your sex toy inside a condom before using it.
- Before you start, wash your hands with antibacterial soap, dry them off, and apply lubricant.
- If your Ben Wa balls have batteries, read the instructions — they likely can't go into the water.
- Always clean and disinfect before and after each use.
You can never be completely certain that you've killed all the germs. So, the safest and best way to avoid infection is to never share your sex toys.
Cleaning hard Ben Wa balls
Hard, metal, glass, or plastic balls are cleaned with antibacterial soap and rinsed with warm water.
Next, disinfect your balls for 10 minutes by soaking them in a bleach mixture. Make the bleach solution by mixing 1/4 cup of household bleach with 2 1/4 cups of water. You can also place your balls in the top rack of your dishwasher — if it doesn't use batteries.
Cleaning silicone Ben Wa balls
Silicone Ben Wa walls are less likely to cause allergic reactions. You'll clean and disinfect them just like hard Ben Wa balls. You can clean the balls with antibacterial soap before rinsing with water.
Then, you'll soak the toy in a bleach solution made from 1/4 cup of household bleach mixed with 2 1/4 cups of water. You can also boil your silicone toy or wash it in the top rack of the dishwasher.
How to Try Ben Wa Balls Safely
Before you put Ben Wa balls in, apply some lube to the balls and your opening. Try a water-based lube if you have silicone balls.
Just like inserting a tampon, it can be easier to put the balls in if you lay down first. Try spreading your legs and relax your muscles. Allow the string at the end to hang out so you can remove the balls later.
Start by using your Kegel balls for a few minutes a day. You'll slowly add to the time — you can keep your balls inside, working up to 15 minutes a day. Try silicone or plastic first, as they're easier to grip and keep inside. Next, you can move to the slippery types, such as metal or glass.
Don't use Ben Wa balls if you're:
- Pregnant
- Healing from childbirth
- Recovering from surgery
- Have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other pelvic infection
- In pain when using the balls
- Diagnosed with overactive pelvic floor muscles
- Have atrophic vaginitis, prolapse, or excessive vaginal dryness
Make sure to clean your Ben Wa balls before and after every use. And keep the expiration date in mind. Some balls have materials that may last about 10 years when stored at room temperature.
Are Ben Wa balls safe for pelvic exercises?
One size of Kegel balls doesn't fit everyone. Some experts studied the balls for pelvic floor training. But others claim the balls may lead to overactive pelvic muscles.
To keep the balls from falling out, your muscles must squeeze and hold the balls in place as you walk and move around. But some studies suggest this may cause certain pelvic muscles to get too tight and become overactive.
Because you can't tell if you have an overactive pelvic floor, it's best to talk to your doctor and physical therapist first. They can diagnose you and put the best exercise plan in place for your specific problem.
Takeaways
Ben Wa balls are small, weighted balls made of glass, metal, plastic, or silicone that you insert into your vagina for sexual pleasure. Also called love or Kegel balls, you can clean and disinfect them using soap, water, and a 10% bleach mixture, or place them in the top rack of your dishwasher. Although some experts claim the balls can help strengthen your pelvic muscles, always talk to your doctor to get diagnosed first to avoid overactive, tight pelvic muscles.
Ben Wa Balls FAQs
Are Ben Wa balls safe to use daily?
Clean Ben Wa balls can be worn safely each day for a few minutes. Start slowly and work your way up to 15 minutes at a time. Your pelvic muscles will get stronger, and you'll be able to hold the balls in longer. Don't keep them in for more than 30-45 minutes a day to prevent strained or overactive pelvic floor muscles.
How do you insert and remove Ben Wa balls?
Before you put Ben Wa balls into your vagina, apply some lube to the balls and your opening. Stick with a water-based lube for silicone balls. It can be easier to put the balls in if you lay down before inserting them. Relax and spread your legs wide as you insert the balls. Let the string hang out so you can remove the balls later.
To take the Ben Wa balls out, lay down again, and gently pull on the string. Or if you like, stand with one leg up on the bath or toilet seat. Gently tug on the string until the balls slide out.
What's the difference between Ben Wa balls and Kegel balls?
Kegel balls are the same thing as Ben Wa balls. It's just another name for the same thing.
