Benwa balls: What Are They And How To Use Them?

Ben Wa Balls, also known as Kegel balls, are small weighted spheres used to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles through exercises. Originally made of metal, they are now commonly available in silicone and other safe materials, designed to improve bladder control, pelvic health, and sexual pleasure. In this article, we will discuss how Ben Wa Balls work, their benefits, types, and a step-by-step guide on how to use them effectively, along with safety and cleaning considerations.

What Are Ben Wa Balls?

Ben Wa Balls are small, round devices inserted into the vagina to help tone the pelvic floor muscles. They have been used for centuries for both medical and sexual wellness. The weighted nature of the balls creates resistance, which helps to engage and strengthen the pelvic muscles. Ben Wa Balls come in various sizes, weights, and materials, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

The balls are also used to perform Kegel exercises, which involve repeatedly contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. This practice can lead to enhanced sexual sensitivity, better bladder control, and improved core stability. Understanding the different materials and sizes available is important when choosing the right Ben Wa Balls for your personal needs.

How Ben Wa Balls Work

Ben Wa Balls work by providing resistance to the pelvic floor muscles, forcing them to contract and strengthen during daily activities or specific exercises. The added weight increases the difficulty of Kegel exercises, leading to more effective results in toning the pelvic region. As the muscles contract to keep the balls in place, this builds strength over time.

The physiological effects include improved pelvic health, as stronger muscles help prevent issues like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Regular use also supports core stability, contributing to overall physical well-being. Ben Wa Balls can also enhance vaginal strength, making them beneficial for women at various stages of life, including post-childbirth recovery.

Benefits of Using Ben Wa Balls

Improving Pelvic Health: Using Ben Wa Balls can significantly improve pelvic floor health by strengthening the muscles responsible for supporting the bladder, uterus, and bowel. Regular Kegel exercises with Ben Wa Balls can help prevent and correct pelvic floor dysfunction, including pelvic organ prolapse. Strong pelvic muscles also aid in maintaining vaginal elasticity, which can decrease over time due to factors like aging or childbirth.

Enhancing Bladder Control: Strengthened pelvic muscles improve bladder control, helping to prevent and manage urinary incontinence. This is especially beneficial for women who have given birth or are experiencing the natural weakening of muscles that comes with aging. With regular use, Ben Wa Balls help restore muscle tone, which directly affects the ability to control the bladder.

Enhancing Sexual Pleasure: One of the lesser-known benefits of Ben Wa Balls is their ability to increase sexual pleasure. By strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, Ben Wa Balls improve vaginal tightness, sensitivity, and orgasm control. Some women also experience heightened sexual arousal during use due to the subtle stimulation caused by the movement of the balls inside the vagina.

Post-Childbirth Recovery: After childbirth, many women experience a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Ben Wa Balls offer a gentle way to regain strength in this area. By using them regularly, women can tone their pelvic muscles, leading to quicker postpartum recovery, improved vaginal tone, and reduced risk of pelvic floor-related issues.

Types of Ben Wa Balls

There are several types of Ben Wa Balls available, each designed to suit different needs and experience levels. It is important to choose the right type based on your personal preferences and goals.

Weighted vs. Non-weighted Ben Wa Balls: Weighted Ben Wa Balls are ideal for women with stronger pelvic floor muscles or those who want to advance their Kegel exercises. The extra weight increases resistance, providing a more challenging workout. Non-weighted balls, on the other hand, are perfect for beginners as they are easier to control and insert.

Single vs. Double Ben Wa Balls: Single Ben Wa Balls consist of one weighted ball, making them easier to insert and control for beginners. Double Ben Wa Balls, as the name suggests, come in pairs and provide more resistance, which is beneficial for more experienced users.

Vibrating vs. Non-vibrating Ben Wa Balls: Some Ben Wa Balls come with a vibrating function that can be used to enhance sexual pleasure during Kegel exercises. Non-vibrating Ben Wa Balls focus more on muscle toning and pelvic strengthening without the additional stimulation.

How to Choose the Right Ben Wa Balls

Choosing the right Ben Wa Balls depends on several factors, including your experience level, desired results, and comfort preferences.

For Beginners: Beginners should start with lighter, non-weighted Ben Wa Balls, which are easier to insert and control. Silicone materials are typically recommended for beginners because they are softer and more comfortable to wear. Smaller balls are also easier to insert and remove, making them a good starting point.

For Advanced Users: Advanced users can opt for heavier, weighted Ben Wa Balls to intensify their workouts. Double balls are also a good choice for those looking to challenge their pelvic floor muscles further. Advanced users may want to explore vibrating options to combine the benefits of pelvic strengthening with enhanced sexual pleasure.

Factors to Consider: When choosing Ben Wa Balls, it’s important to consider factors like size, weight, material, and ease of cleaning. For beginners, starting small and light is crucial to avoid discomfort or injury. Advanced users, on the other hand, can look for heavier and larger options to increase resistance. Silicone balls are easier to clean and softer, while metal or glass balls offer greater resistance and durability.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use Ben Wa Balls

Preparing Your Ben Wa Balls: Before using Ben Wa Balls, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned using warm water and a gentle, unscented soap. Dry them completely to prevent bacterial growth. Always check for any damage or wear and tear before each use, especially if you’re using older balls.

How to Insert Ben Wa Balls: To insert Ben Wa Balls, find a comfortable position, such as lying down or standing with one leg raised. Apply a water-based lubricant to both the balls and your vaginal opening to make insertion easier. Gently push the first ball in, followed by the second if using double balls. Make sure the retrieval cord is accessible for easy removal.

Performing Kegel Exercises with Ben Wa Balls: Once inserted, perform Kegel exercises by contracting and holding your pelvic floor muscles for a few seconds, then releasing. Start with a few repetitions and gradually increase the duration and frequency of your contractions. These exercises can be done while sitting, standing, or walking around, making them easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

Wearing Ben Wa Balls During Daily Activities: Ben Wa Balls can be worn while doing daily activities, but it’s important to limit the duration, especially for beginners. Start with 10-15 minutes and gradually increase the time as your pelvic muscles become stronger. Wearing them during movement increases the challenge and effectiveness of the exercises.

Comparisons Between Ben Wa Balls, Kegel Balls, Vaginal Weights, Yoni Eggs

While Ben Wa Balls and Kegel Balls are often used interchangeably, they differ from other pelvic toning devices such as vaginal weights and yoni eggs.

Vaginal weights are heavier than Ben Wa Balls and are typically used solely for strengthening pelvic muscles. Yoni eggs, made from crystals like jade, have gained popularity for their claimed spiritual benefits as well as physical pelvic health improvements.

Health and Safety Considerations

Safe Use of Ben Wa Balls: Ben Wa Balls are safe when used correctly, but there are a few precautions to consider. Beginners should limit use to 10-15 minutes initially to avoid overexerting the muscles. Gradually increase the duration of use as your muscles strengthen. Avoid wearing Ben Wa Balls overnight or for extended periods to prevent discomfort or muscle fatigue.

Contraindications for Using Ben Wa Balls: Ben Wa Balls may not be suitable for women with certain medical conditions, such as severe pelvic organ prolapse or active vaginal infections. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns, especially if you're pregnant or recovering from surgery.

How to Remove Ben Wa Balls Safely: When removing Ben Wa Balls, gently pull on the retrieval cord while relaxing your pelvic muscles. Avoid straining or tensing, as this can make removal uncomfortable. If you experience any difficulty or pain, take a break and try again once your muscles are fully relaxed.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Ben Wa Balls

Proper cleaning and maintenance of Ben Wa Balls are essential to prevent infection and ensure long-term use.

Proper Cleaning Techniques: After each use, wash Ben Wa Balls with warm water and a mild, unscented soap. Avoid harsh chemicals that could irritate sensitive tissues. Some materials, like silicone, may also be cleaned with a specialized toy cleaner for added hygiene.

Storing Ben Wa Balls Safely: After cleaning, allow your Ben Wa Balls to air dry completely before storing them in a clean, dry place. Many Ben Wa Balls come with a storage pouch to keep them free from dust and contaminants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ben Wa Balls

How Long Should I Use Ben Wa Balls for Best Results? For best results, aim to use Ben Wa Balls for 10-15 minutes daily or a few times a week. As your muscles strengthen, you can gradually increase the duration and intensity of your exercises.

Can I Sleep While Wearing Ben Wa Balls? It is not recommended to sleep with Ben Wa Balls in place. Extended wear, especially overnight, can lead to discomfort, irritation, or muscle fatigue.

Are Ben Wa Balls Safe for Pregnant Women? Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using Ben Wa Balls. In some cases, using them during pregnancy may not be advisable, particularly if there are complications or medical concerns related to the pelvic region.

Conclusion

In summary, Ben Wa Balls, or Kegel Balls, offer significant benefits for pelvic health, bladder control, sexual pleasure, and postpartum recovery. They come in a variety of types, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users. By understanding how to use them safely and effectively, you can enhance your overall pelvic health and well-being.