How do you use Kegel balls?

Kegel balls, or Ben Wa balls, have been used for centuries to strengthen vaginal and pelvic floor muscles. The small, weighted balls come in a variety of different weights and sizes to help you contract and release different muscles with ease.

But Kegel balls do more than getting your pelvic floor in shape. They’re well known for enhancing sexual pleasure to such a degree that they’re called orgasm balls, Venus balls, jiggle balls, geisha balls, love balls, and pleasure balls.

With shout-outs on “Broad City” and “50 Shades”, Kegel balls have seen an up in popularity as more people begin to explore their many wonderful and intimate uses.

If you do have a pair and aren’t sure where to start, or if you’re unsure of which one to buy, read more below. We’ll walk through how to choose the right pair and what to do after you made your choice.

Who can use them?

Exercise always come with a few risks, including:

• overexertion
• tearing
• pain or discomfort

The same goes for using Kegel balls. A good way to limit your risk is to make sure that you’re using a size, weight, and technique suitable for you.

Reading the product’s packaging is a good place to start, and if in doubt, you should also check with your doctor. They can tailor an advice specific to your needs.

You should also talk with your doctor before use if you:

• are pregnant or recovering from childbirth
• have existing pelvic pain or an active pelvic infection
• are recovering from gynaecological surgery
• have an intrauterine device
• use a menstrual cup

You’re more likely to experience discomfort if you use your Kegel balls in any of the above conditions. If you still want to try Kegel balls, do check in with your doctor first.

How to prepare Kegel balls

If you have a pair of Kegel balls but aren’t sure what to do with them, follow the below recommendations.

To prepare your Kegel balls for use, you should:

1. Wash your Kegel balls with warm water and antibacterial soap, and then dry them off with a clean, lintfree towel.
2. Rub generous amount of water-based lube on the balls so they’re easy to insert.

How to insert them

Now that you have prepared your Kegel balls, the real fun can begin!

Make sure you apply a liberal amount of lube to your vaginal opening before getting into position, this will help prevent discomfort as you insert the Kegel balls.

When ready, you should:

1. Lie down in a comfortable position (spread eagle is often best).
2. Slowly and steadily insert the first ball.
3. Kegel balls are usually connected to each other by a small piece of string or plastic, so slip that inside your vagina as well.
4. Once the string is tucked in, gently start to insert the second ball into your vagina.
5. Push the balls into your vagina as far as you’re comfortable with. If your balls have a removal string or loop, it should hang outside of your vagina, so make sure it’s not accidentally tucked in with the rest of the balls.
6. Tighten your pelvic floor muscles to hold your Kegel balls inside of you, and go about your day!

The balls should feel secure inside your vaginal canal. If you feel like they’re about to fall out — or the first ball is visible outside of your vaginal opening - gently push them deeper into your vagina.

How you feel with the balls inside varies from person to person, but it’s generally a subtle, tingly sensation. This feeling usually intensifies with movement, like walking, bending down, or reaching up.