Kegel Balls: How to find the best fit for you in 4 easy steps
Ben wa or kegel balls are small, hollow weighted balls on a string that are traditionally inserted into the vagina. This was originally done in ancient Japan to improve the quality of sex for men, and add new sensations to the act during intercourse.
In recent years, it has come to light that these balls have medical benefits as well. Suddenly you could buy a sex toy for women that gave men increased pleasure and improved a woman’s pelvic floor muscles (the ones they use to hold the balls inside), which strengthened their orgasms.
In this article, we will explain how to choose the perfect size benwa/kegel ball for you, the best design for you, when not to use kegel balls and kegel exercises.
Step 1: Choosing the perfect Kegel ball
Ben wa / kegel balls can improve the elasticity of your vagina by strengthening. This can help with a number of physical issues (orgasms included).
With time the muscles in your vagina will weaken naturally or after things like having a baby. This can lead to peeing yourself (urinary incontinence). That’s why pelvic-floor strengthening exercises, a.k.a. Kegel exercises, which involve clenching and releasing your pelvic-floor muscles (the ones you squeeze to hold your pee) are so crucial.
Kegel balls come in a variety of weights, sizes, colors and materials. In our beginners guide to Kegel balls, we discuss the various types of Kegel balls available https://www.secretcorner.co.za/sex-ed/beginners-guide-to-kegel-balls-everything-you-need-to-know/
It’s important when choosing your ball that you make sure that it feels comfortable and stays in place when standing upright.
Knowing your Internal Size
Below is a simple guideline to help you determine what size is best for you.
- Preferred tampon size – small, medium or large
- Previous Caesarean section delivery/ deliveries only – usually small/medium internal size
- Snug fit 2 fingers side-by-side within the vagina – medium internal size
- Greater than 2 finger space vaginal diameter – medium to large internal size
- Previous vaginal delivery – medium/large internal size
- Small tampons slip out of position – medium/large internal size
Step 2: The Best Design for you
Ben wa / Kegel balls are avilable in two basic designs. Single ball design or two ball design.
Single Kegel ball design:
- Lightest weight
- Suited to small internal size
- Ideal for beginners
Two ball design:
- Medium to heavy weight
- Suited to medium/large internal size
- Suited to women seeking to progress Kegels
Step 3: When not to use Ben wa / Kegel balls
The easiest way to minimize any problems regarding kegel exercise and use your kegel balls is to ensure that you use the correct size of kegel ball, correct weight of kegel, and your technique is correct.
You should also check in with your doctor before using Kegel balls if you have experienced the following:
- are pregnant or recovering from childbirth
- have existing pelvic pain or an active pelvic infection
- are recovering from gynecological surgery
- have a birth control device
- are using a menstrual cup
You’re more likely to experience pain and discomfort if you use Kegel balls in any of these conditions. If you still want to try Kegel balls, check with your doctor first.
Step 4: Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises won’t help you look better but it will help you with your pelvic muscles. It will help ward off things like incontinence. Kegel exercises themselves are simple but sometimes finding the right muscles can be hard.
Locating your pelvic muscles
A good starting point with the pelvic floor muscles is to lie down, resting comfortably, or to sit in a supported position. Now, imagine you are squeezing your muscles to stop the flow of urine and the passing of wind. Focus on drawing these muscles inwardly tightly. This gives you an idea of the location and function of the pelvic floor muscles.
A good way of locating your pelvic floor muscles is by trying to stop the flow of urine while emptying your bladder. If you can do it for a second or two, you are using the correct muscles.
Another way to locate your pelvic floor muscles is by pretending to tighten your vagina around a tampon.
For more information on your pelvic floor muscles, please check out the Queensland Goverment site.
Doing Kegel exercises
If you want to add Kegel balls to your exercise routine, you should:
- Lie on your back and insert the balls. Make sure everything’s ready.
- Tighten your pelvic floor muscles to lift and squeeze the balls.
- Hold the contraction for 5 seconds, then relax for another 5 seconds.
- Repeat this step 5 times in a row to complete one set.
You can do this up to three times a day.
