Ben Wa balls are small weighted balls designed for vaginal use. They may be used for intimate sensation, body awareness or as resistance during pelvic floor exercises, depending on their design.
The term is sometimes used interchangeably with Kegel balls, vaginal weights and geisha balls, although these products are not always identical. Understanding the differences helps you choose a suitable design and use it more safely.
Browse our range of Ben Wa balls and Kegel balls, or continue reading for guidance on choosing, inserting, removing and cleaning them.
What Are Ben Wa Balls?
Traditional Ben Wa balls are small weighted balls placed inside the vagina. Some designs contain an internal weight that moves during normal activity, while others provide fixed resistance.
Modern products are available as:
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Single or connected balls
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Silicone-coated balls
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Weighted metal balls
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Graduated training sets
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Vibrating or remote-controlled designs
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Products with retrieval loops or cords
Connected designs with a secure retrieval loop are generally easier for beginners to insert and remove than small individual balls.
What Do Ben Wa Balls Do?
Ben Wa balls may provide a feeling of weight, movement or internal stimulation. Some people also use weighted vaginal products while practising pelvic floor contractions.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles supporting the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. Pelvic floor exercises involve deliberately contracting and fully relaxing these muscles.
Ben Wa balls do not permanently “tighten” the vagina, and they should not be presented as a guaranteed treatment for urinary leakage or another medical condition.
Are Ben Wa Balls and Kegel Balls the Same?
The names are often used interchangeably in shops, but there can be practical differences.
Ben Wa Balls
Ben Wa balls are commonly associated with intimate sensation and may be sold as individual or paired weighted balls. Traditional designs can be small and may not include a retrieval loop.
Kegel Balls and Vaginal Weights
Kegel balls and vaginal weights are more commonly designed to provide resistance during pelvic floor exercises. They are often connected and include a retrieval loop.
Some medical vaginal cones are graduated by weight and intended for use as part of a structured pelvic floor programme. Pleasure-focused Ben Wa balls are not necessarily equivalent to clinically designed vaginal cones.
How to Choose Ben Wa Balls for Beginners
Beginners should prioritise comfort, control and easy removal.
Look for:
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A connected design
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A secure retrieval loop
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A smooth, non-porous surface
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A lighter starting weight
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A size that is comfortable to hold and remove
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Clear instructions from the manufacturer
A slightly larger, lighter ball is generally easier for a beginner to control than a very small or heavy design.
Avoid products with cracks, chips, rough edges or materials that cannot be cleaned properly. Stone or crystal “yoni eggs” should not be assumed to offer the same safety or function as purpose-designed, non-porous vaginal products.
How to Use Ben Wa Balls Safely
Always follow the instructions supplied with the individual product because designs, weights and intended uses differ.
Step 1: Inspect and Clean the Product
Check the surface, connecting cord and retrieval loop for damage. Do not use the product if it is cracked, torn, rough or difficult to clean.
Wash the product according to its care instructions before and after every use. Wash your hands before insertion.
Step 2: Get Comfortable
Empty your bladder and choose a relaxed position. Lying down with your knees bent or standing with one leg raised may make insertion easier.
Do not rush or force the product into place.
Step 3: Apply Compatible Lubricant
Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to the ball and vaginal opening.
Water-based lubricant is the safest general option because some silicone lubricants may be incompatible with silicone products. Always check the instructions for both products.
Avoid using too much lubricant because this can make the ball difficult to control during insertion or removal.
Step 4: Insert the Ball Gently
Insert the rounded end slowly while keeping the pelvic muscles relaxed. The ball should sit comfortably inside the vagina, with the retrieval loop remaining accessible outside the body.
Never force the product or continue if insertion is painful.
Step 5: Begin With a Short Session
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended wearing time. Beginners should start with a short session in a safe, private environment while learning how the product feels.
Weighted products should not require continuous, forceful clenching. Pelvic floor training normally involves both contraction and complete relaxation.
Stop and remove the product if you experience pain, irritation, numbness, unusual pressure, bleeding or difficulty urinating.
Step 6: Remove It Slowly
Relax your pelvic muscles and gently pull the retrieval loop. A small amount of compatible lubricant may make removal easier.
Do not pull sharply or use excessive force. If the ball cannot be removed or causes severe pain, bleeding or other worrying symptoms, seek medical assistance.
Step 7: Clean, Dry and Store It
Clean the product according to its instructions, allow it to dry completely and store it separately in a clean container or pouch.
Electronic or vibrating products should not be submerged unless the manufacturer confirms they are fully waterproof.
How Long Can You Wear Ben Wa Balls?
There is no single wearing time suitable for every product. Weight, size, experience level and intended use can all differ.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and begin with a shorter session. Do not sleep while wearing Ben Wa balls, and remove them immediately if they become uncomfortable.
Longer use is not automatically more effective. Pelvic floor muscles need to relax as well as contract, and excessive or incorrect training can make some symptoms worse.
Can Ben Wa Balls Help the Pelvic Floor?
Pelvic floor muscle exercises can help strengthen and improve control of the pelvic floor when performed correctly.
The NHS notes that vaginal cones may be used to assist pelvic floor training and may help some women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence. However, ordinary Ben Wa balls are not necessarily medical vaginal cones and should not replace professional assessment or a structured exercise programme.
If you have urinary leakage, pelvic pressure, pain or difficulty identifying the correct muscles, speak with a GP or pelvic health physiotherapist.
Can Ben Wa Balls Help With Stress Incontinence?
Pelvic floor muscle training is commonly recommended for stress urinary incontinence. Some people may also use purpose-designed vaginal weights or cones under appropriate guidance.
Do not assume that every product sold as a Ben Wa ball is designed or tested to treat incontinence. Choose a suitable product and seek professional advice if symptoms are persistent, worsening or affecting daily life.
Important Safety Advice
Stop using Ben Wa balls if you experience:
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Pain or burning
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Bleeding
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Numbness
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Significant irritation
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Unusual discharge or odour
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Difficulty urinating
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A product becoming trapped
Speak with a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, have recently given birth or undergone pelvic surgery, have pelvic pain or prolapse symptoms, or currently have a vaginal infection.
Ben Wa balls designed for vaginal use should not be inserted anally unless the product is specifically designed for anal use and has a wide, flared base. The rectum can draw objects farther inside, making removal difficult or impossible without medical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Ben Wa balls go?
Ben Wa balls are inserted into the vagina. A retrieval loop should remain accessible outside the body if the product has one.
How do you remove Ben Wa balls?
Relax your pelvic floor and gently pull the retrieval loop. Do not pull sharply or force removal. Seek medical help if the product becomes trapped or causes severe pain or bleeding.
Should Ben Wa balls hurt?
No. Stop immediately if you experience pain, burning, bleeding, numbness or significant discomfort.
Can you sleep with Ben Wa balls in?
No. Remove them before sleeping and follow the manufacturer’s recommended wearing time.
Can beginners use Ben Wa balls?
Yes, provided they choose a beginner-friendly design and follow its instructions. A connected, lighter product with a secure retrieval loop is generally the simplest starting option.
Do heavier Ben Wa balls work better?
Not necessarily. A weight that is too challenging may cause discomfort or encourage incorrect muscle tension. Start with a manageable weight and progress only when appropriate.
Can Ben Wa balls get lost inside the body?
They cannot travel beyond the vagina into the abdomen because the cervix forms a barrier. However, a small product can become difficult to reach or remove. A connected design with a secure retrieval loop reduces this risk.
Can Ben Wa balls permanently tighten the vagina?
No product can guarantee permanent vaginal tightening. Correct pelvic floor exercises may improve muscle strength and control, but symptoms or concerns should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
How should Ben Wa balls be cleaned?
Follow the product’s care instructions. Wash compatible non-electronic products with warm water and mild, unscented soap, rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely. Never boil or submerge a product unless its instructions confirm this is safe.
Choosing Your First Set
For a first set, choose a smooth, connected design made from a non-porous material, with a comfortable weight and an accessible retrieval loop.
Explore our complete collection of Ben Wa balls and Kegel balls, including weighted, silicone and vibrating options for different preferences and experience levels.