What Are Kegel Balls? Kegel Balls 101

November 20, 2023By Christine Kent

Kegel Balls have become quite the hype after Christian asked Ana to wear them to his parents' masquerade charity ball in Fifty Shades of Darker. But actually, these Kegel balls have been around for centuries. They can be enjoyed by any vagina owner, whether they are into vanilla sex, pelvic floor health or something more kinky.

So, what are Kegel balls exactly?

Before you think like Ana, they're not for your butt. They are these small weighted balls that are inserted into your vagina. They can be used as a sex toy or masturbation aid, or they can be used as a training device to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. They usually come in pairs and can be linked together by a string.

These balls are available in different sizes, materials, and weights and can also have a string that dangles, making removal easier.

Today, we will fill you in on all there is to know about Kegel balls, their benefits, and who they are suited for.

What are Kegel Balls?

Kegel balls, also known as "Ben Wa balls," have existed for some time. They are round and weighted devices that help strengthen your vaginal and pelvic floor muscles.

You insert Kegel balls the same way you’d insert your tampon. However, Kegel balls are wider and a fair bit heavier than your Kotex. Your pelvic floor muscles have to work to hold the Kegel balls in place while you continue your daily activities.

The ultimate goal is to “lift” the balls with your pelvic floor muscles. Most start with gentle Kegel flexes with the balls inserted. But over time, this gentle vaginal exercise helps to tone and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

The History of Kegel Balls

The strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles is considered very ancient and is practiced in many different cultures. Most of them point to an improved sex life.

It was in 1948 when Arnold Kegel, who was an American Gynecologist, invented the perineometer, a device that measures pelvic floor strength, along with an exercise named after him that aims to enhance that strength. Arnold was faced with numerous patients who experienced urinary contractions and uterine prolapse, especially after childbirth.

He discovered that many had weak pubococcygeal (PC) muscles, and he developed exercises to cure these conditions. His patients showed significant improvement after implementing his exercises.

There was also an added bonus to these exercises. They may strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which will boost your arousal and contribute to intense vaginal contractions, which will lead to more powerful orgasms.

The Importance of a Strong Pelvic Floor

Taking care of your pelvic floor muscles is essential not only for your overall health but also for your well-being. These muscles help support important organs like your bladder, uterus, and rectum. Your pelvic floor muscles also play an essential role in controlling your sexual function as well as your bathroom business.

If your pelvic floor is traumatized or weak, you might experience the following issues: prolapse, incontinence, or discomfort during sexual activities. But don’t stress! Doing your Kegel exercises can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles as well as the overall health of your pelvic floor.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of Kegel balls.

The Benefits of Kegel Balls

Doing exercises with Kegel balls may benefit you in many different ways, let’s take a look.

Your Body

Kegel balls may benefit your body in the following way:

It may improve your muscle control and urinary continence.
It may reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse.
It may help regain muscle toning and strength after having a child.
It may help you develop better back and hip support.

Pleasure & Orgasm

Kegel balls may benefit your pleasure and orgasms in the following way:

Kegel exercises will strengthen your pelvic floor muscles which will boost your arousal before and during sex
You may climax in positions that you were never able to.
You may have multiple orgasms because more blood is being sent to your pelvic area.
Your partner will also benefit from you doing Kegels as you will have a better grip and be able to hold tight onto their penis during sex.

Who Will Benefit From Kegel Balls?

Kegel Balls will benefit those who:

Leak a few drops when they cough, laugh, or sneeze.
Have urinary incontinence.
Have fecal incontinence.
Want to enhance their sex life.
Want to exercise their vaginal and pelvic floor muscles.

How To Use Kegel Balls

There are a few ways you can approach using weighted Kegel Balls. It all depends on your goals and your starting point.

I wrote a deep dive all about how to use and enjoy Kegel Balls — click to read the step-by-step.

How to Choose the Best Kegel Balls

When choosing Kegel balls, there are a few things you will want to consider to make the best choice.

#1 Start Lightweight

The weight of Kegel balls may vary between 10 and 100 grams. You might want to start with a lighter weight and gradually increase as your pelvic muscles become stronger. This will help avoid discomfort or injuries.

#2 Body-Safe Material

It is important to choose Kegel balls made from body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone, as low-quality materials can irritate sensitive tissue and be difficult to clean.

#3 Consider Vibration

Some Kegel balls are designed with your pleasure in mind and have vibration features that you can choose from, or they have smaller balls inside of them that move around and can be felt as you walk around and do your thing.

Grace is a vibrating and weighted Kegel ball that is focused on pleasure and muscle engagement. It has 8 vibe settings and a wireless remote control for comfort and easy customization.

Grace will benefit you in the following ways: Improved bladder management, accelerated postnatal healing, and heightened orgasms. Grace will level up your self-care routine.

#4 String Attached

We recommend that you start with a Kegel ball with a string attached to it. This just provides an extra sense of security as you can pull it out whenever it becomes uncomfortable.

Can Kegel Balls be Used by Any Vagina Owner?

With any exercise you do, there are always some risks involved. When you exercise with Kegel balls, side effects might be involved, like pain, discomfort, or overexertion. But you can decrease this risk by using the right weight, size, and by using a slow-and-steady training technique.

Ensure that you read the instructions on your Kegel balls' packaging. Before you use Kegel balls, you need to check in with your doctor if any of these situations describe you:

You have just gone through childbirth.
You have recently had gynecological surgery.
You're pregnant.
You have an active pelvic infection.
You have an intrauterine device.

Disclaimers When Using Kegel Balls

You need to be aware of a few factors when using Kegel balls.

Consistency is key. You need to do a few sets of Kegel exercises daily for at least a few weeks to notice a difference.
If you notice discharge or an unpleasant smell from your vagina, stop using it and contact your doctor.
If you have pain in your lower back or the surrounding areas stop use and contact your doctor.
Don't overdo your Kegel exercises, as it can lead to straining if you go to the bathroom.
Don't do Kegels while you pee. Because you can get a UTI.
It's totally fine if it's not for you. Kegels aren't for everyone.
Exercising pelvic floor muscles that are already tight can do more harm than good. Talk with your doctor to find out whether Kegel balls will benefit you.

Want to learn exactly how to use and enjoy Kegel Balls — click to read step-by-step.

Summary: So, What Are Kegel Balls?

Kegel balls are small weighted balls that you insert inside your vagina. Your pelvic floor muscles must work to keep these balls in place while you go about your daily routine. These Kegel balls may help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and may also improve your sex life.

Kegels are both a pleasure and wellness product and are something you need to incorporate into your self-care routine. Remember, like any other exercise, using the Kegel balls consistency is required to notice results.

If you're looking for Kegel balls designed with pleasure in mind, Grace will be your bae. And because she has a wireless remote control, she is also great to use with your bae.😉Taking care of your pelvic floor is important for your overall health and well-being. So give Kegel balls a go. Your body will thank you.