Have you ever watched an episode of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and wondered, "Have you done your kegels?" What does it mean? Well, that was the scenario we found ourselves in a long while back! We were engrossed in the conversation within a culturally famous family but had no idea what kegels mean.
That's what we're going to discover in this article right now! It's all about Kegel Balls – what they are, what their features are, how to use them and how to care for them! So what are Kegel Balls? According to Healthline, they're also known as "Ben Wa" balls or Kegel Weights which are small, weighted balls that can be inserted into the vagina and help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
If you're sitting there wondering how important pelvic floor strength is to overall health, that's because they're responsible for supporting the uterus, bladder, small intestine and play a significant role in sexual function. Imagine that! That's why it's imperative to strengthen this muscle to prevent urinary incontinence, improve sexual sensation and prevent prolapse! So, if you're ready to get started then keep on reading!
Benefits of Using Kegel Balls
After defining what a Kegel Ball is, let's carry on to exploring its many benefits to the body with Cleveland Clinic:
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Improved bladder control: As we age and experience significant changes to our bodies, our pelvic floor muscles begin to weaken, especially in women who have given birth or are going through menopause. That's why it's important to work them out to have and maintain control of your bladder.
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Better sex: When it comes to pleasure, Kegel Balls can also help in that realm! By strengthening those pelvic floor muscles, it leads to an increase of sexual sensation and stronger orgasms! Literally mind-blowing!
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Prevention of Prolapse: Aside from the sexual and lifestyle improvements, using Kegel Balls could also help when it comes to health! It prevents what's called a pelvic organ prolapse which is defined as the condition in which the pelvic organs such as the uterus, bladder and rectum, bulge into the vaginal canal – leading to damage or weakness to a point where it can no longer provide support.
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Improved recovery after childbirth: In childbirth, the body adjusts to make way for a baby to come out of the body and into the world, which can cause immense trauma on the body which is why it's important to invest in ways that can bring a healthy and speedy recovery – one of which is using Kegel Balls! That's because it strengthens the pelvic floor muscles to reduce the risk of incontinence and prolapse as well!
How to Use Kegel Balls
Now that we're aware of the good things Kegel Balls brings to our lives, it's time to get through how to use them!
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Clean them! Before using it, make sure to rinse them thoroughly with mild soap and warm water then pat them dry with a clean towel.
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Lube it up! The same way as with sex toys, it's important to use the proper lube onto the Kegel Balls to make insertion into the vaginal opening easier and more comfortable!
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Insert them! Carefully insert the balls one at a time into the vagina using either your fingers or an insertion tool that will be used solely for your body. Make sure to leave the string out of the body to make it easy to pull out!
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Hold them in place: Once they're all settled inside, start contracting the pelvic floor muscles to hold them in place! This is the actual exercise so you might find this difficult at first but inspire yourself with the possibility of having a grip so tight, the cock or anything phallic will never want to leave! But on a more technical side, start with short intervals, such as 5-10 minutes, and gradually increase the time as your muscles get stronger.
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Remove the balls: To remove the balls, gently pull on the retrieval cord or use your pelvic muscles to push them out.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Kegel Ball Practice
Don't think it ends there but you may have all the features, benefits and how-to-use but it won't hurt to know more about getting the most out of these Kegel Balls:
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Start Slow: Because if you're new to using Kegel Balls, it's better to be slow and safe than fast and at risk for damage. Start with short intervals then gradually increase the time as your muscles adjust and get stronger. Remember to not rush it as it may lead to soreness and injury.
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Be Consistent: Because just like any other exercise, this isn't a one-hit wonder but a long-time commitment since the longer you do it, the more results you get. So aim for three sets of 10-15 contractions per day.
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Use the Right Size: As with any other sex toy, it's important to consider the size so that it's easier and more comfortable to insert inside but also doesn't mentally overwhelm you because it's too big, too fast. If you're at a loss, then you can definitely start with Bluebell – a 3-size-and-weight Kegel Ball set so it'll be easier for you to pick and choose what feels right!
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Combine with other Exercises: Kegel exercises can be combined with other exercises, such as squats or lunges, to provide a more comprehensive workout for your pelvic floor muscles.
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Listen to your Body: It's important to pay attention to your body language and adjust your practice as needed to prevent pain while using these Kegel Balls. So don't ignore the signs, heed them to make sure you're getting the most out of it!
Conclusion
There you have it! You now know what the Kardashians are talking about! Kegel balls can be a valuable tool for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and improving bladder control, sexual sensation, and overall pelvic health. By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating kegel exercises into your regular routine, you can experience the benefits of kegel balls and improve your pelvic health over time.
