What are Kegel balls, and which ones are best for me?
What are pelvic floor balls?
Pelvic floor balls have been used by women for centuries to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles - but also for increased sexual pleasure, and they were the geishas’ secret. In addition, they are among the world’s oldest sex toys. Usually, there are between one and three balls, either linked by a string or separate. Most of these balls contain a moving weight weighing between 20 and 100 grams. These balls are inserted into the vagina, and with the help of the weights and their movements, the internal muscles automatically begin to work - a little like letting the vagina work out at the gym.
What should you consider when buying your pelvic floor balls?
It is very difficult to say which pelvic floor balls are best suited to you - it depends entirely on how strong your muscles are to begin with. We recommend plastic or silicone balls for beginners. This is because metal balls usually weigh more and are smaller, which makes them more likely to fall out before the muscles have been trained.
We also recommend investing in a set with several different weights to choose from - because you will want to use heavier weights as your muscles become stronger! Beyond Aroused from the Fifty Shades of Grey series comes with 4 different weights that you can easily combine freely in the two interconnected balls!
Benefits of pelvic floor balls
Makes pregnancy and childbirth easier
Using pelvic floor exercises strengthens the pelvic floor muscles. This helps during a potential pregnancy and childbirth by, among other things, making it easier for the muscles to handle pushing - and thus endure more. Having well-trained pelvic floor muscles before childbirth helps you recover more quickly afterward. If you missed training your pelvic floor during pregnancy, you can easily make up for it afterward with pelvic floor balls!
Reduces the risk of prolapse
The pelvic floor acts as support for women’s internal organs. When this support is no longer there due to weak muscles, there is a risk of prolapse. Prolapse means that the organs supported and held together by the pelvic floor can descend under strain. This is most common as you get older, but it can affect you at any time in life - which is precisely why pelvic floor exercises are more important than you might think!
Prevents incontinence
According to Vårdguiden, one in three women in Sweden experiences incontinence at some point. Incontinence is most often caused by the vaginal muscles not being strong enough to stay closed - for example when coughing, jumping or laughing. By strengthening these muscles, you reduce the risk of experiencing incontinence now - or later - in life.
Better sex life
Stronger vaginal muscles mean stronger orgasms, because the muscles work harder; you will also find it easier to achieve orgasm and can control the intensity during intercourse - for both you and your partner - by squeezing. In addition, blood circulation increases, which in turn leads to increased desire and sensitivity.
Easy exercise to do
Kegel exercises with geisha balls can be performed practically anywhere - at work, while brushing your teeth, in bed, on the bus, or while cooking. It is an accessible form of exercise that does not require expensive memberships or scheduling in an already packed calendar. The kegel balls may need to stay at home at first, before you have trained your muscles, but after a while they can accompany you on errands or to work.
Step-by-step - how to use your kegel balls
Inserting and removing the kegel balls
- Start by emptying your bladder before inserting the kegel balls.
- Insert one kegel ball at a time - just as you would insert a tampon. Feel free to use a little lube to make insertion easier. If you have trouble inserting the balls, lift one leg or lie down on your back.
- To keep the kegel balls in the vagina, tense your pelvic floor muscles. You should be able to feel the kegel balls pressing downward. After a while, you won't think about it as much, just like with a tampon.
- Leave the kegel balls in for at least 15 minutes every day. Otherwise, there is no time limit. The longer, the better.
- If one of the balls happens to fall out, wash it with soap and water before inserting it again.
- Getting the balls out may seem difficult for many people. You can either rely on gravity and your own muscles by jumping, sneezing, or coughing, or you can buy kegel balls that are connected with a string.
Are you not a fitness person
Neither do we. That's why we'd like to take the opportunity to recommend our absolute favorite toy of 2023 - Elvie kegel balls.
Elvie is a kegel ball with a completely new twist. By connecting Elvie to your phone, you work out while playing a game - on the sofa, on the bus, or perhaps during lunch? The game is about collecting points - and all you need to do to control your player is squeeze! The game tells you if you squeeze incorrectly, and each round takes only 5 minutes. Kegel training has never been this much fun - and we at Mshop are absolutely thrilled with this product!
Another favorite is PERIFIT
TIP!
- Make sure to clean your kegel balls after every use to avoid unnecessary infections.
- Regardless of the Fifty Shades of Grey hysteria, we do not recommend taking the Kegel balls out for a walk. At least not at first. The most ordinary activities can easily cause your balls to slip out - which is not comfortable for anyone. It is better to wait, and when you feel strong enough, the next challenge could be a walk to the store.
- Let one or more balls remain in place during intercourse. The balls help stimulate both the vagina and the penis.
Pelvic floor training - this is how you should do it
20 quick questions about Kegel balls
Question 1: What are Kegel balls?
Answer: Kegel balls are small, round balls used to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises.
Question 2: What is the purpose of using Kegel balls?
Answer: The purpose of using Kegel balls is to train and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which can have several benefits such as improved sexual pleasure, prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence, and increased muscle control.
Question 3: How do Kegel balls work?
Answer: Kegel balls are inserted into the vagina, and the muscles around the pelvic floor are used to hold the balls in place. By doing Kegel exercises with the Kegel balls, the muscles are strengthened and trained over time.
Question 4: Who can use Kegel balls?
Answer: Kegel balls can be used by women of all ages who want to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. They may be particularly useful after pregnancy or for problems with urinary incontinence.
Question 5: How do you choose the right size of Kegel balls?
Answer: Kegel balls are available in different sizes. It is best to start with a smaller size and gradually increase the size as the muscles become stronger and more flexible.
Question 6: How long should you use Kegel balls?
Answer: It is recommended to start by using Kegel balls for about 15 minutes a day and gradually increase the time to 30 minutes or more as the muscles become stronger. It is important to listen to your body's signals and not overstrain the muscles.
Question 7: How often should you use Kegel balls?
Answer: It is best to use Kegel balls regularly for the best results. Using them a few times a week may be enough to strengthen the muscles.
Question 8: What are the benefits of using Kegel balls?
Answer: The benefits of using Kegel balls include improved pelvic floor muscle tone, a reduced risk of urinary incontinence, increased sexual pleasure, and better muscle control.
Question 9: Can you use Kegel balls during exercise or physical activity?
Answer: Yes, Kegel balls can be used during everyday activities and exercise to provide additional training and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Question 10: How do you clean Kegel balls?
Answer: Kegel balls should be cleaned thoroughly before and after each use. They can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water or a sex toy cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Question 11: Can Kegel balls be used during menstruation?
Answer: It is recommended to refrain from using Kegel balls during menstruation to avoid any potential risk of infection and to facilitate hygiene.
Question 12: Are there any risks associated with using Kegel balls?
Answer: If Kegel balls are used correctly and the instructions are followed, the risk of complications is very low. It is important not to overwork the muscles and to keep the Kegel balls clean to avoid infections.
Question 13: Can pregnant women use Kegel balls?
Answer: Yes, Kegel balls can be beneficial for pregnant women to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and prepare for childbirth. It is important to consult a doctor or midwife before starting to use them during pregnancy.
Question 14: How long can you use the same pair of Kegel balls?
Answer: The lifespan of Kegel balls varies depending on the material and quality. It is important to inspect them regularly and replace them if they show signs of wear or damage.
Question 15: Can you have sex while Kegel balls are inserted?
Answer: It may be possible to have sex while Kegel balls are inserted, but this depends on personal preferences and comfort. It is important to communicate with your partner and feel comfortable using Kegel balls during sex.
Question 16: Can Kegel balls help restore elasticity after childbirth?
Answer: Yes, Kegel balls can be useful after childbirth for strengthening and restoring elasticity in the pelvic floor muscles. It is important to consult a doctor or midwife for advice and guidance after childbirth.
Question 17: Can men use Kegel balls?
Answer: Yes, although Kegel balls are usually used by women, men can also benefit from pelvic floor training by using specific Kegel balls designed for them.
Question 18: Can you sleep with Kegel balls inserted?
Answer: It is not recommended to sleep with Kegel balls inserted. It is best to use them while awake and remove them before going to bed to avoid discomfort or the risk of them getting stuck.
Question 19: Can Kegel balls be used if you have an IUD?
Answer: It is best to consult a doctor or gynecologist if using Kegel balls while having an IUD. The doctor can provide advice based on individual circumstances and the type of IUD used.
Question 20: Can Kegel balls be used to achieve orgasm?
Answer: Kegel balls are primarily designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve muscle control. While using Kegel balls may contribute to increased sexual pleasure and improved ability to orgasm for some people, they are not a guaranteed method for achieving orgasm in themselves.