This month’s column was inspired by a client who asked me about ben-wa balls and are they effective in strengthening the pelvic floor. Ben-wa or ben-wah balls are also known as V Balls, geisha balls, Venus balls, rin-o-tama balls or Burmese balls. Ben wa are also Kegel balls and similar to Kegel weights. Ben wa balls can be used to for sexual stimulation, by yourself or with a partner, and also with pelvic floor exercises to increase the strength of the pelvic floor. The origins of the ben-wa ball is not clear, yet it is believed ben-wa originated in Japan around 500 AD and initially used to increase pleasure for men. Yet, women also realised they too could get pleasure from ben-wa and more recently have been used as part of the training for pelvic floor muscles. Ben-wa balls were once made as a hollow ball with another ball inside them. The movement of the ben-wa sends gentle vibrations through the vagina. Ben-wa balls now are made from various material and also are not limited to one or two balls but include other designs with remote control for the vibrations.
Selecting Your Ben-Wa Balls
If you are looking for ben-wa balls you need to decide on size and type of product. Lelo recommends a small size for beginners and women who have not had children while the medium size maybe better for women for women over 30 years and/or who have had children. The team also stocks adult products inspired by ben-wa balls. At Aphrodite’s Pleasure there is a selection of ben-wa balls and ben-wa-like toys. Lelo produces Luna Beads Mini (small) and Luna Beads. Lelo’s innovation includes the options of two weights of for the internal balls: 28 grams and 37 grams. This gives you greater choice in weights and the ability to mix-n-match weights when using them for Kegel or pelvic floor exercises. Alterantively you might like the Lelo Luna Beads Noir – two balls of 29 mm. You get to choose one or two balls by using the included harness to connect them. Metal Worx also produce a set of small Ben-wa Beads and medium Ben-wa Beads version of their metal ben-wa balls. These come in their own little carry case for easy storage. Another new product at Aphrodite’s Pleasure is Laid’s Magnetic K1 V Balls. These small balls are smaller enough for any woman and the magnetics of the ball allow you to increase the size by adding more balls. If you are wanting something a little different to traditional ben-wa balls, then the new Lelo Hula Beads might be the thing. This is the world’s first ben-wa like product which has remote-controlled rotation and vibration control. Nalone, a new entrant to the Australian sex toy market, produces the similar Miu-Miu Balls. These too are remote control have 7 different settings to help you with pleasure and pelvic floor control.
How to Use Ben-Wa Balls
- Before using ben-wa balls ensure your bladder is empty
- Begin by lubricating the ben-wa balls to assist them to glide in
- If this is your fist time using ben-wa balls, you may find it more comfortable laying down
- Insert the balls into your vagina
- Now tense your pelvic floor muscles to hold them in. Begin with 10 minutes then try for longer
To remove the balls you stand up and relax your pelvic floor muscles – try a genital breath. You might also like to try coughing which will force your pelvic floor muscles to bear down. If you are having trouble you can sit or squat and bear down like you are doing a bowel movement. Some ben-wa balls come with a retrieval cord.
Ben-Wa Balls and Sex
Become comfortable with using ben-wa balls before using them with sex. When using ben-wa balls during sex it is important to try and avoid fast and/or pounding sex. The penis will move the balls around the vagina which will bring increased pleasure to you and your partner.
Looking after your Ben-Wa Balls
It is important you clean you ben-wa balls after each use and store in a dry, cool place. Read the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and care of your product. We recommend the Anti-Bacterial Cleaning Spray from Lelo. Yet, you can use warm water and a mild soap. Ensure you rinse them well to rid the balls of any soap residue. Also dry them properly before storing them.
Can Ben-wa Balls Help Strengthen My Pelvic Floor?
Based on the limited research the answer is yes. Many manufacturer’s lay claim to the combination of ben-wa, or Kegel Balls and pelvic floor exercises are good for pelvic floor strengthening. Porta Roda and colleagues reported at the Annual Meeting of the International Continence Society in 2013, that the use of vaginal spheres (ben-wa balls) in conjunction with pelvic floor exercises improved the participants’ experience of urinary incontinence. They also added the inclusion of the Kegel balls also increased likelihood of the participants maintaining their pelvic floor exercise regime. Similarly, Tiina Arvonen and colleagues (2001) reported that women who used ben-wa balls had a greater improvement in pelvic floor strength and greater reduction in urine leakage than women who used pelvic floor exercises alone. These studies provide some answers to the question. If you are experiencing urinary incontinence you need to speak to your GP or pelvic floor physiotherapist. Remember to use your toys responsibly. Good sex is everyone’s right as long as it is sane, safe and sensual.
Enjoy!
Dr Christopher
Dr Christopher Fox is a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist at Sex Life Therapy in Melbourne. He has clinics in East Melbourne and Frankston.
References: Roda, P.O., Díaz López, M.A., Vara Paniagua, J., Simó González, M., Reula Blasco, M.C., Díaz Bellido, P., Romero Jiménez, E., Sobrado Lozano P., & Muñoz Garrido, F. (2013). Use of a vaginal spheres device in the conservative treatment of stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial. Poster Presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the International Continence Society. August 2013. Arvonen, T., Fianu-Jonasson, A., & Tyni-Lenné, R. (2001). Effectiveness of two conservative modes of physical therapy in women with urinary stress incontinence. Neurourology and Urodynamics, Vol 20, 5, 591-599. Disclaimer: The information contained in this document should be read as general in nature and is only to provide an overview of the subject matter covered. Please read product packaging carefully and follow all instructions.