Kegel Balls: History and Uses

Kegel balls also known as Ben wa balls are small marble-sized balls that have been in use by women all over the world since many centuries. They were first made of glass or marble-like material when they originated in 500 CE but they gradually evolved in design to what we know today, being a metal ball and having a silicone covering.

Originally developed as pleasure balls or orgasm balls, years of medical research has highlighted several benefits of kegel balls for women’s health and now they are commonly prescribed by gynaecologists and obstetricians for improving pelvic floor strength, increasing vaginal elasticity and preventing both urinary and faecal incontinence in women. What makes them special and has sustained its use throughout history is its unique design, which combines play with function. Imagine a product that helps you improve your intimate health and hygiene while also aiding in pleasure. That’s kegel balls for you.

History of kegel balls throughout the years

The first use of kegel balls dates back to 500 AD in Japan where they were commonly used to increase sexual pleasure. They were designed as small spheres with mercury inside them which moved around when inserted creating the sensation of pleasure. They got to be called as love balls as women loved the free-flowing sensation it created when inserted vaginally. However, kegel balls, as we know them today, are so much more. They only originated in the early 1900s and are named after an American gynaecologist. Dr. Arnold Kegel. The American doctor invented the process of kegel exercises which largely popularised the use of these balls amongst women not just in America but all over the world.

As medical science advanced and the benefits of these balls were studied, Ben wa balls which had a simple marble-like design, kegel balls evolved to have solid weights with a string or a ribbon attached to them for easy removal and safe use. Today, kegel balls are available in various materials including glass, metal, plastic, latex and even jade depending on the needs of the user. However, metal balls are the safest and most effective when it comes to pelvic floor training as concluded after years of medical research.

In the modern world, kegel balls or kegel exerciser or pelvic floor exercising tools are widely used by women for strengthening their pelvic floor muscles, which has proven to have countless benefits for them. Kegel balls today mostly consist of a weighted ball or a pair of balls that are linked together with a string; hence, are also commonly referred to as kegel weights. They are designed to specifically work on the pubococcygeus muscle of the pelvic floor muscle in order to improve its tone and elasticity, which makes them much more advanced than primate ben wa balls that were only intended for pleasure. As the pubococcygeus muscle, which is a part of the levator ani muscle contracts and relaxes, the use of kegel balls helps to improve the strength of entire pelvic floor muscle group in women.

During late pregnancy, as the weight and pressure on the pelvic floor muscles increases, they weaken to a great degree leading to various issues such as leakage, incontinence and loss of bladder control in women. The use of kegel balls at this point can help in reversing these symptoms as regular contraction and relaxation of the muscles helps in improving their strength. Hence, kegel balls are regularly recommended by gynaecologists during the last few weeks of pregnancy to improve pelvic floor strength, and after pregnancy to completely regain their bladder control. Without the use of kegel balls, issues such as leakage of urine and incontinence during pregnancy continue for a prolonged time, which causes major discomfort, anxiety and relationship issues in women. Thus, historically designed only for sexual stimulation and improving vaginal elasticity in women for better sex, kegel balls today are an essential medical tool that is recommended for use to all women. It has been extensively studied by researchers all over the world helping to achieve to its current medically advanced design and uses.

While kegel exercises are beneficial for both men and women for relieving various issues associated with a weak pelvic floor and improving sexual performance, kegel balls are designed specifically for women and are meant to be inserted only inside the vagina. Although, historic ben wa balls were also used by men for enhancing sexual pleasure.

Our modern product design

Femstein’s kegel balls have been ergonomically designed keeping in mind the latest product advancements and diverse customer needs. They come with a flexible silicone loop or a ribbon that is firmly attached to the weights. This loop hangs outside the vagina and can be easily pulled out easily for removal of the balls after use. No risk of the product being stuck inside like those older designs. They are made of high-quality medical-grade silicone and have a metal weight fitted inside them for advanced pelvic floor training. Our kegel balls are also designed to have mini metal balls inside that shake upon movement giving that sensation of pleasure without exposing you to toxic materials like mercury like those historic designs.

We bring you the best of both worlds be it in terms of product functionality and pleasure, or your primal and modern-day needs. Our kegel balls are ideal for women looking to improve their pelvic floor strength whether to have a great sex life or to avoid health issues such as leakage and incontinence, especially after pregnancy or after menopause. Our box consists of a set of 3 balls for advanced pelvic floor training so that your hygiene and intimacy issues are completely addressed over continued usage. With the advancement of modern science, kegel balls have evolved to give you countless medical benefits but our intelligent product design also ensures that you feel those historically-promised vibrations and the gentle swishy movements inside your vagina so that you enjoy using the product while also building your pelvic floor strength at the same time. Good luck!