Ben Wa and Kegel Balls

The origin of Ben Wa balls is shrouded in mystery, lies and hyperbole.  Ok, that’s a bit harsh, but the truth is, their origin is more speculation than fact.  They were definitely developed in the Orient, and some say near the Ming dynasty period, possibly in the 15^th century.  They were originally used as a single ball, inserted into the vagina, to enhance the man’s pleasure during sex.  It is believed that the first Ben Wa balls were repurposed Bauding balls.  But, again, there is no evidence to support this claim.

 Women, of course, figured out pretty quickly how good these little gems felt rolling around in their vaginas, and started using them for their own pleasure and sexual enhancement.  Many Ben Wa balls come in decorative, pillowed boxes, and can be purchased in different sizes, depending on the skill level of the user.  Larger balls for the novice user, and smaller balls for those who have developed their pelvic floor muscles.  The smaller the balls, of course, the more effort it takes to keep them in.

Ben Wa balls can be miskaken for Bauding balls, and vice versa.  Bauding exercise balls are hollow spheres with a weighted ball and chime inside.  The two balls are held in one hand and rotated around each other, building hand strength, dexterity, whereas Ben Wa balls are often solid and weighted.  The balls are often used in physical therapy after an accident or injury.  The repetitive motion and pleasant sound of the chimes also relieves stress.  In recent years, a string or chain has been added to aid in the retrieval of the balls.  These are often referred to as Kegel balls.

Kegel Exercise Cross-Section

Kegel balls are named after gynecologist, Arnold Kegel, who invented the Kegel perineometer (to measure the strength of pelvic floor muscles.  Dr. Kegel spent a lot of time researching female genital prolapse and urinary stress incontinence at USC, and developed a series of exercised designed to strengthen women’s’ pelvic floor muscles, thus alleviating these conditions.  He published his findings in 1948, and it wasn’ t long after that people started using the balls along with Dr. Kegel’s exercise program.

Kegel exercisers can also be found in barbell form, electro-stimulators, vibrating balls, lighted, glow-in-the-dark, and a staggering variety of sizes and colors. 

 2011 saw a national run on Ben Wa / Kegal balls when they were brought to the spotlight through the hit novel series, “Fifty Shades of Grey”.  Fortunately, manufacturers across the globe have retooled their production facilities, added staff and shifts and are manufacturing balls at an impressive rate.  “Fifty Shades” is scheduled to release a movie version of the books in summer 2013.  And as more and more of mainstream America is introduced to these magical spheres, I predict another shortage.

 Ben Wa and/or Kegel balls, like any other item inserted into the vagina, must be kept clean.  Always use a quality toy cleaner before and after use.  And don’t forget a nice lubricant.  For added sensation, try a warming or cooling lube, found here at Foxy’s Toybox.  Also, please, check what material your balls are made of.  Many plastics and rubbers do not play well with silicone lubricants.  You may want to stick to water-based and (my personal favorite) gel lubes.