Ben Wa Balls: Contested Reports and Potential Hazards
In recent years, Ben Wa balls have gained popularity as a tool for pelvic floor exercise and potential sexual pleasure enhancement. However, it is essential to understand the facts surrounding their use and the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.
Ben Wa balls, also known as kegel balls, vaginal weights, or pelvic floor weights, are small weighted devices typically made of materials like glass, metal, or plastic with metal ball bearings inside. They range in size from that of a marble to 2 inches in diameter.
**Pelvic Floor Strengthening**
Ben Wa balls are widely recommended by physical therapists for women with confirmed pelvic floor weakness who can already perform a proper kegel exercise without weights. The current scientific evidence primarily supports their use for pelvic floor strengthening, particularly in women, with limited direct evidence specifically addressing sexual pleasure improvement.
These devices provide progressive resistance, similar to dumbbell training, which helps increase muscle tone, endurance, and awareness of pelvic floor contractions. This can lead to improved bladder control and a reduction in urinary incontinence, which is a common issue for women after childbirth or as they age.
Clinical and user experience testing has shown subjective improvements in muscle strength, ease of use, and confidence in muscle control. However, these findings are based on user feedback rather than rigorous experimental data.
Experts advise against using Ben Wa balls during pregnancy (unless cleared by a physician), after recent pelvic surgery, if experiencing pelvic pain, or if there’s an overactive pelvic floor. They are also not recommended during menstruation due to increased risk of slippage. Professional evaluation by a pelvic health specialist is recommended before starting.
**Sexual Pleasure Enhancement**
The scientific literature on the use of kegel exercises (with or without weights) for sexual function is mixed and often limited to populations with sexual health concerns. Most studies focus on men with erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence, not on healthy women using Ben Wa balls for sexual pleasure.
There is some indirect evidence that stronger pelvic floor muscles may enhance sexual sensation and orgasm, and many users report subjective improvements in sexual function. However, these claims are not strongly supported by scientific research, and most available data comes from anecdotal reports, testimonials, or studies with methodological limitations.
**Recommendations and Precautions**
When starting to use Ben Wa balls, it is recommended to try them for a short period, such as 5 minutes, to ensure the body tolerates their use. Before using Ben Wa balls, it is important to speak to a doctor about potential risks if a person has had gynecological surgery, is recovering from childbirth, is pregnant, has an intrauterine device, uses a menstrual cup, has an active pelvic infection or pain, or has had gynecological surgery.
If anyone is unsure about using Ben Wa balls, they may want to talk to their doctor before using them. Cheaper materials used in the production of Ben Wa balls carry greater risks to a person's health.
Ben Wa balls can be inserted a few hours to a few minutes before sexual activities and removed before vaginal sex. When using Ben Wa balls, it is important to have plenty of lubrication, clean hands, and access to the string for easy removal.
If the balls do not come out easily, the user could try to add more lubrication and then jump or move around to help force them out. Ben Wa balls can also be used for solo masturbation by moving the balls in and out.
**Safety and Cleanliness**
It is crucial to thoroughly clean Ben Wa balls before and after use to prevent infections. Balls made of glass, metal, or medical grade silicone that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have registered or approved are the safest to use.
When removing Ben Wa balls, the user should lie down, add more lubrication, and pull the balls out. Users should keep their hands and the balls clean when using to help prevent infection.
In conclusion, Ben Wa balls are well-supported for pelvic floor strengthening in women with confirmed weakness, but the evidence for their role in directly improving sexual pleasure is limited and largely anecdotal. Professional assessment is recommended before use, especially for those with existing pelvic health concerns. It is essential to use Ben Wa balls responsibly and follow recommended safety guidelines to ensure their benefits outweigh any potential risks.
- Ben Wa balls, while popular for pelvic floor exercise and potential sexual pleasure enhancement, primarily support pelvic floor strengthening, particularly in women, with limited evidence for sexual pleasure improvement.
- Professionals advise against using Ben Wa balls during pregnancy, after recent pelvic surgery, if experiencing pelvic pain, or if there’s an overactive pelvic floor, and they are not recommended during menstruation due to increased risk of slippage.
- The scientific literature on the use of Ben Wa balls for sexual function is mixed, with most studies focusing on populations with sexual health concerns, and claims of sexual enhancement are not strongly supported by scientific research.
- When starting to use Ben Wa balls, it is important to speak to a doctor about potential risks, keep the balls clean before and after use, use plenty of lubrication, and have access to the string for easy removal.
- It is crucial to use Ben Wa balls responsibly and follow recommended safety guidelines to ensure their benefits outweigh any potential risks, as evidence supports their use for pelvic floor strengthening but not directly for improving sexual pleasure.
