Ben Wa Balls: What They Are & Why You MUST Use Them

Ben Wa balls – are they the real deal? Will they change your sex life? Are there medical benefits? Or is it all just hype with nothing to back it up? We’ve got the low down on everything you need to know about Ben Wa balls.

You might have heard of Ben Wa balls, which made an appearance in the Fifty Shades books and movies. Thanks to that story, Kegel balls are experiencing renewed popularity (and you can even buy Fifty shades branded Kegel balls). However, Ben Wa balls were used by Japanese men for more pleasurable sex, and some even made noise sometime around 500 A.D. Women, too, used Ben Wa balls for similar purposes as they do today.

What Do Ben Wa Balls Do?

The function of Ben Wa balls is twofold. First, they’re supposed to provide stimulation for the woman wearing them. Secondly, Ben Wa balls can be used to strengthen your pubococcygeus muscles, also known as the PC muscles and the muscles you use to stop the flow of urine [1] and the very same muscles that contract during orgasm. Learn just where PC muscles are in your anatomy.

This may help you have better orgasms or achieve multiple orgasms.

Recent sex research has shown that doing Kegels leads to better orgasms and increased arousal for postmenopausal women who perform them [2].

If you’ve given birth to a baby, your doctor probably recommended Kegel exercises as there issome evidence they may help manage urinary incontinence [3], specifically stress urinary incontinence [4], which can even affect teens and young women [5]. More on that in this post about Kegel exercises.

Kegel exercises can benefit people with fecal incontinence and vaginismus, too [6] [7] [8].

A note on Ben Wa balls and anal use: balls without retrieval cords are not safe for anal use. Stick to anal beads instead. Learn how to use anal beads.

It’s unlikely you’ll orgasm through the use of Ben Wa balls alone, but they can certainly act as a tease to help get you in the mood. This is especially true if you find a set of Ben Wa balls that stimulates your G-spot. Read more about vaginal orgasms through G-spot stimulation.

This pressure may help you squirt. More about squirting.

Plus, you’ll be extra aware of your genitals and erogenous zones, and there’s nothing wrong with that!

Traditional Designs

Whether you find Ben Wa balls and the more modern kegel balls to be pleasurable depends on personal preference and the type of balls you’ll use. Traditional Ben Wa balls are made of metal and smaller than their modern counterparts, typically sized between 1/2″ and 2″ in diameter. Some describe these similar in size to “pigeon’s eggs” [9].

Sometimes you’ll find lighter, plastic Ben Wa “beads” of a similar size. Magnetic hematite can even be smoothed to a sphere that you can wear inside. This metal is especially hefty, with some sets weighing almost 5 ounces!

Glass Ben Wa balls, usually in clear or black, are more recent and often larger than the traditional balls. They’re still weighty and smooth, which can make it difficult to keep them in, especially when you first start with your exercises. Some manufacturers will add colored glass or even a flower bud in the center of the glass ball for visual appeal. Egg-shaped glass balls, sometimes with ridges, depart from the traditional shape of ben wa balls.

Remember that larger and lighter balls are easier for a beginner because they’re less likely to slip out than smaller, heavy Ben Wa balls.

Ben Wa Bells in the 21st Century

The modern take on Ben Wa balls offers some user-friendly and hygienic updates. You can now easily find vaginal balls made from body-safe silicone, like many of the vibrators that are on the market.

Bodysafe Materials

Silicone lacks pores, so you can completely disinfect your Ben Wa balls. Plus, the retrieval cords can also be made from a softer silicone so that the entire thing can be sterilized. Two brands to consider are Fun Factory, which makes Smart Balls, and Luna Beads by Lelo.

Lelo’s Luna Beads were the original to allow you to swap between two different weights of beads but Jopen and California Exotics have similar offerings, too. Interchangeable systems mean you can start with lighter Ben Wa balls and add weight to increase the intensity of your pelvic floor workout. However, this isn’t necessary for most people.

Some Ben Wa balls are connected with a cord or thread that’s simply cotton or a similar material. This is quite unhygienic because you can never fully disinfect the cord. The same is true of anal beads, which should only be used when they’re made of silicone. Nylon cords could potentially wear thin over time and break when you’re trying to remove the balls.

Silicone balls tend to be lighter — from 1 to 3 ounces, typically – and larger with more texture, which makes them easier to grasp during insertion and removal. They also tend to include inner balls that vibrate free within the outer shell as opposed to solid glass Ben Wa balls. As you do exercises or simply go about your day, you can feel those inner balls vibrate.

According to the companies, this causes involuntary contractions of your pelvic floor muscles, which strengthens them passively. This might be more pleasurable and a greater motivation to perform your kegel exercises than traditional Ben Wa balls, which you might not even feel while they’re inserted.

Different Sizes and Shapes

Finding the right size is important for comfort and satisfaction with your Ben Wa balls. Fun Factory makes a single Smart Ball while you can buy single balls, which are a better option if dual balls tend to be uncomfortable and if wearing two of them causes pinching, from makers such as Vedo and Jopen or in a set by Lovelife.

Other options include single egg-shaped Ben Wa balls, which may be made of glass, stone or silicone. The tapered design is more comfortable and pleasurable for some women. If you ever wanted to know just how strong your PC muscles are, sex toy maker Minna Life has a smart kegel exerciser that measures this and helps you improve!

You have several choices if you want to be able to choose the weight and size of your kegel balls. Systems such as Lelo’s Luna Beads and Ami by JeJoue, which comes with three difference pelvic exerciser options, mean you don’t have to settle for one-size-fits-all Ben Wa balls anymore. As your PC muscles become stronger, you can adjust size and weight for a more impactful workout!

Vibration and More

Of course, companies have figured out how to add vibrations to Ben Wa balls, too. Maia, for example, makes a vibrating, dual-ball toy for internal use. And some of those egg-shaped toys work well for this, too. Jopen has an option for you, too. Because they’re insertable, these vibrators tend to have unique control systems. They may be remote controlled, like Lelo’s Hula Beads or CalExotic’s Inspire, have a button on the device or even respond to your muscle contractions to provide vibrations.

Inflation has also been used for Kegel exercisers. The Intensity is a device unlike Ben Wa balls or anything we’ve discussed. Insert it, inflate it, and perform your Kegel exercises.

Vibrance is a Kegel exerciser that has actually been studied and found to help women improve urinary stress incontinence [10].

Smart Kegel Toys

Today’s smart Kegel toys are a far cry from the original Ben Wa balls. Smart toys typically vibrate and are Bluetooth-enabled, so you can connect them to your phone, launch an app, and do your Kegel exercises with the help of technology. Below are a few of the smart Kegel balls available, but we’re sure more will enter the market soon!

• We-Vibe Bloom comes with two sets of balls, vibrates, and is waterproof.
• Lovelife Krush comes with an app like many of the company’s toys and senses your muscle movements.
• Elvie doesn’t look like traditional Ben Wa balls; the device looks more like a couple’s vibrator, but it actually measures the strength of your PC muscles.
• Minn kGoal inserts and inflates. Your muscles squeeze it, triggering sensors to track your progress. The app includes simple games to get your workout in.
• G-balls are similar to those toys above with apps that walk you through exercises and track your progress. The shape is similar to JeJoue’s Ami.

Smart Kegel toys mean you never have to ask “Am I doing this right?” or “Is this working?” because you can feel and see the difference. While Ben Wa balls can cost under $20, smart toys will typically run over $100, however.

Getting Started with Ben Wa Balls

Before using any sex toy, you’ll want to wash it with soap and water. Ben Wa balls, like most insertables, are better with lube. If your Kegel balls are made from silicone, and you want to use a silicone lube, do a small spot test of lube and rub vigorously for 10 minutes. If any deterioration occurs, you should only use water-based lube with the balls.

You can generally use your favorite lube, but you might prefer a thicker one because it’s less messy. Find out how to choose the best lube.

Some people recommend lying down when you insert Kegel balls, but you might have an easier time if you squat. For dual Ben Wa balls, insert one ball at a time. Remember to breathe as holding your breath will keep your muscles tense and make it more difficult to insert the balls. Avoid holding your breath during Kegel exercises and keep breathing during your workout to relax [11] [12].

Dual balls may “bend” when they’re inside. That’s okay. Let the balls shift to a comfortable position. Just make sure they’re pushed in enough to be behind your pubic bone.

If you’re having a hard time with dual balls, a single ball or an elongated design might be more comfortable.

You might very well like or even love the sensation of Ben Wa balls after they’re inserted, but there’s no guarantee. So go into things with realistic expectations. Pleasure isn’t guaranteed, but you can still get a workout with them!

Psst, you have to read this article about hands-free orgasms.

Work Out Your PC Muscles

So what’s a good workout anyway? For starters, you should be standing up. Gravity works to pull those balls out once you’ve got them inserted – squatting can help with this – so you use your muscles to keep them in place. Any kegel exercises you do without tools can be done with a Ben Wa ball or two inserted. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Push your hips forward while tensing your abs and butt muscles. Release those muscles as you push your hips back. Repeat eight times.
• Quickly contract your kegel muscles around the Ben Wa balls for three seconds. Your butt should remain still as you flex your muscles. Release tension for three seconds. Repeat ten times.
• Do Kegels four times per day, each time performing three contractions that last for two breaths, separated by two breaths [13]. This particularly regime of four times per day is for men, but women can also benefit from it.
• Sit with legs crossed. Contract your PC muscles for a count of fifteen short inhales. Release your muscles and breath at the same time, slowly.
• Contract your muscles around the kegel balls. Imagine trying to pull them up inside of you. Hold for up to ten seconds.
• Tug on the cord for three to five seconds with your finger while holding your kegel balls in with your PC muscles.
• If you’ve got dual balls, you can squeeze as you pull out the first ball and try to pull it back inside.
• You can use Ben Wa balls during sex if you and your partner enjoy them [14].

Many of these activities can be done while you’re running errands, doing chores or even watching TV! It might not seem like much of a workout, but your man will feel the difference when you have sex. Discover the key to tightening your vagina.

Some activities can greatly increase the stimulation, including wearing your kegel balls while running, while sitting in a rocking chair and during vigorous exercise. You can press a wand type massager against a kegel ball or its retrieval cord to make it vibrate, which is especially interesting when it’s the type with the inner ball.

Some people wear Ben Wa balls for hours at a time, but that’s up to you. You might wear them long enough to do some targeted workouts, while you run to the grocery story or clean your house. If the balls become uncomfortable, take them out.

When you’re ready to remove them, use your PC muscles and the string to pull them out before washing.

Kegel balls can be difficult to remove, especially if they’re the type that are unconnected with a string. Although, some women who have had a hysterectomy might want to avoid this type of Ben Wa ball. Squat and push with your muscles to help expel the Ben Wa balls.

If you’re not sure whether Ben Wa balls are for you, you could try inserting a bullet or egg vibrator. This is a good approximation for vibrating Kegel balls, especially. Of course, it’s not exactly the same, but it can give you an idea.

You may notice improvements in just a few weeks, but it can take 3-6+ weeks to notice changes in your pelvic floor muscles [16] [17] [18].

For many women, using Ben Wa balls is pleasurable, but it can also help increase the elasticity of your PC muscles, which has real health benefits.

Resources

Sara Dobie Bauer talks about how Ben Wa balls weren’t as exciting she was expecting in this post on SheKnows.

This Forbes article discusses how sex toys went mainstream, mentioning the original use of Ben Wa balls as far back as 500 A.D.

Lovense provides a comparison of some popular Kegel balls along with an overview of their use.

Dr. Sherry is a medical doctor who discusses ben wa balls on her blog.

You can also find recommendations for the right ball size on Kegels.com.

LoveHoney has also created this video that gives a good overview of Kegel balls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Ben Wa balls get stuck?

A: Most women have a cervix, the tight opening between vagina and uterus. The cervix prevents anything from entering your uterus while allowing blood to exit during menstruation. Even if you cannot easily reach Ben Wa balls that may have moved, they’re not going anywhere. You can always squat and bear down to try to push them out.

However, you can avoid any hassle and provide yourself with reassurance by using a newer style kegel ball that has a retrieval cord.

Q: What material should I look for when it comes to Ben Wa balls?

A: You have plenty of options. If you’re looking for a better workout, opt for heftier balls like those made of metal or stone. Glass will be a medium weight while plastic and silicone are the lightest. All of these options are nonporous, so you don’t have to worry about them harboring bacteria. However, if your balls are connected by regular string, the string is porous.

Q: Does size matter?

A: Just as penis size matters, so does the size of your Ben Wa balls. But no one size fits all. If you’re more advanced, you might want smaller balls to work your PC muscles harder. If you’re new to Kegel exercises, a larger Ben Wa ball might be better.

You may need to try a few different styles and sizes of Ben Wa balls before you find the right one for you. Your build may make larger balls uncomfortable. Or you may prefer a single ball or a more ergonomic shape to the traditionally-spherical vaginal balls. If you’re unsure, look for cheaper Ben Wa balls as you search for the right ones for you.

Q: Are smart toys better for Kegel exercises?

A: Smart toys have a few benefits:

• They guide you through exercises.
• Many vibrate, which provides pleasure and feedback.
• You can track your progress.
• You can see a score or measurement of muscle strength without needing a perienometer, the device that Arnold Kegel invented to measure pelvic floor contractions [19].

The major downsides are price — smart toys and toys that vibrate typically cost more than basic Ben Wa balls — as well as the necessity of a compatible device (i.e. your smart phone) and the need to charge the smart toy.

Q: Do Ben Wa balls really feel amazing?

A: You might be a little disappointed if you put in the balls and they don’t feel amazing. For some people, the novelty and naughtiness can do wonders. Just using Ben Wa balls helps get them horny (Read: How to Get Horny).

Others can feel the inner “vibrations” but find them underwhelming. Some people don’t even feel Ben Wa balls when they’re inserted and yet others find the sensation to be uncomfortable to painful.

Keep your expectations realistic before using Ben Wa balls for the first time.

Q: What if they slip out?

A: Ben Wa balls may occasionally slip out. It’s good to test them in the comfort of your home before taking them outside. Larger and lighter balls are less likely to slip out. Also, make sure you’re inserting them far enough to stay in.

Q: Do I really need Ben Wa balls for Kegels?

A: You really don’t. But they can be a useful tool and provide additional pleasure.

Q: My Ben Wa balls seem loud. Can others hear them?

A: If you’re hyperaware of the inner balls bouncing around, you might think you can hear them. You might even be able to hear them if you listen closely. This can make some people feel self-conscious, but don’t worry. Others are unlikely to hear your Ben Wa balls if their ears aren’t next to your vagina!