Toy Tuesday: Ben Wa Balls

Hi, guys. Today's first world problem is brought to you courtesy of some white lady, who had this to say as she was leaving the shop: "You know how sometimes you go to a motel and they have those cheap covers? Like, instead of 1000 thread count, you only get 500? I hate that, so I add the edible dust to make them look more luxurious."

Good Lord. Here's the toy of the week:

Today's Toy: Ben Wa Balls

If you've read Fifty Shades Darker, the sequel to Fifty Shades of Grey, you know what I'm talking about. Ben Wa Balls are small, marble-sized, balls that are inserted into the vagina to stimulate and strengthen the muscles. They are normally made from metal or glass, since the weight is what cause the muscles to contract in order to keep them in.

The origin of these tools isn't known; however, there are records dating back to the end of the sixteenth century by English merchant, Ralph Fitch, that state they were used in Burma by men. Another merchant, Francesco Carletti, reported a decade later that the balls were also used by men in Thailand, to enlarge the penis.

Nowadays, only women are recommended to use Ben Wa Balls, and there are numerous benefits as to why.

• They strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
• They help with vaginal elasticity
• They increase bladder control
• They heighten sexual pleasure

When purchasing Ben Wa Balls, it is important to know the difference between them and other similar products, so here are the other kinds of Kegel weights you might encounter:

• Ben Wa Balls: Again, these balls are normally made from metal or glass to give its weight. Originally, only two balls come together, and they do not have a connecting string. Some manufacturers have decided to add a string, similar to a tampon, for easier removal, and provide silicone and plastic options. You can also sometimes find them in fancy cases like Pipedream's version. This is the one I have, and they are awesome.

• Duotone Balls: Duotone Balls, on the other hand, will always be attached by a string. They may have up to 4 balls on one cord, each 1.5 inches in diameter. These balls are silicone or plastic on the outside and will have a smaller weighted ball inside. Because of the duo-spheres, this may cause a sensation of vibrating when walking or rocking.

• Kegel Weights: The Kegel Weight is pretty straightforward. It's a small weight with a string or hoop on the end. They are sometimes round or egg-shaped, but mostly teardrop-shaped for easier insertion.

When shopping, know that some companies might refer to these products as Love, Goddess, Venus, Orgasm, or Smart Balls.

When using Ben Wa Balls, always remain relaxed. When using them for the first time, lie down in a comfortable position, or bend forward standing and touch your toes, preferably in front of a mirror so you can see what you are doing. Lubricate the balls, either with saliva or lubrication (if the balls are silicone, stick to water-based products) and then gently insert one ball at a time. Don't be intimidated by the size, ladies; remember, we've put much bigger things in there before (hopefully). Once they are in, you should feel a slight tugging at the bottom of your vaginal wall and a slight fullness. Don't stand up too suddenly since this can make one of the weights come out. Try walking around, and always try this at home first. I've heard stories of women going to grocery stores with them in, and having them fall out in the middle of the aisle. Doctors and experts recommend leaving the weights in for at least 15 minutes a day, a have not specified any limits on how long they can stay in there. Some women leave them in all day. You can even use these toys for masturbation or during sex. This website has good tips for either.

Remember, Ben Wa Balls, and other similar products, are meant for vaginal strengthening. Even though men used to use them to elongate penises, I don't recommend this, and never, NEVER use them anally. Anal beads and Duotone/Ben Wa Balls are completely different, and manufactured as such. I'll talk about anal toys later, but only stick to the front door with these toys.

Once you've finished using them, remember to always clean them. Warm water and anti-bacterial soap, toy-cleaner, or rubbing alcohol do the trick just fine. If your toys are made from silicone, glass or metal, you may dip them in boiling water for two seconds to sanitize them as well. If they come with a case, remember to put them back, if not, try to find some place cool, away from the sun.

Difficulty to use: 

They are easy enough to put in, as long as you are relaxed, it's keeping them in that proves to be a real challenge. It took me four attempts to keep those suckers in, so I would suggest Duotone or silicone Ben Was to beginners.

Versatility: 

I'll give it 1 pair of lips for each use: Strengthening, masturbation, and sex

My Rating: 

I think they are awesome! They feel spectacular, and they are a turn on once they are in, especially when I walk. Just having them in felt amazing, but I'm giving them a 4.5 because I still haven't gotten a complete hold of them yet (no pun intended). Definitely worth a try.

Boyfriend's Rating: 

The jury's out on this one, sorry guys. My boyfriend and I still haven't had the chance to have sex with these in yet. I will let you know once we do :)

Before I go, here's a fun video explaining how to use the balls.