Ben Wa balls explained

Ben Wa balls, also known as orgasm balls, ,^{[1] [2]} Venus balls,^[3] or mien-ling,^[4] are marble-sized balls, usually hollow and containing a small weight, that roll around and are used for sexual stimulation by insertion into the vagina. Available in a variety of forms, the balls may be solid, or contain clappers or chimes within. Other, larger versions made of plastic encasing lesser balls are called Duotone balls. They are used by inserting them into the vagina and using the pubococcygeus muscles to hold them in, stimulating movement and/or vibration. Ben Wa balls should not be confused with anal kegel exercisers and prostate stimulators: Ben Wa balls sometimes have a retrieval string or attachment of some sort, but they do not have an adequately flared base for safe anal play.^[5]

Ben Wa balls have a varied history; their origin and method of construction varies depending upon location. Most information concerning Ben Wa balls is vague and probably apocryphal. Originally they were made of a single ball placed in the vagina, used to enhance the act of sexual intercourse, but then evolved into multiple metal covered balls linked by either a chain or silk string for easy removal. Use of Ben Wa balls creates a subtle stimulation, not meant to bring the user to immediate orgasm but rather to tease. It is possible to leave Ben Wa balls in one's vagina all day, or use them while seated in a rocking chair,^[6] for an effect that some find pleasurable. Health experts caution against prolonged placement of foreign objects in the vagina due to the risk of infection.^[7]

Ben Wa balls may also be used to increase the strength of the pelvic floor muscles, much as Taoist sexual practices have been used for centuries^[8] and the Kegel exercises are used today. Similar to Kegel exercises, Ben Wa balls and other shaped vaginal weightlifting equipment are recommended by gynecologists and obstetricians to increase vaginal elasticity and bladder control.^[9]

See also

• Baoding balls

Notes and References

1. Book: Dalby, Liza . Geisha . 1998 . 2nd . 145 . Geisha Parties . California . University of California Press . 0-520-20495-6 . A rin no tama is a hollow metal ball a little larger than a quail's egg. Inside it is another, solid ball that makes a gentle click as it rolls about. Nestled deep inside the vagina, the rin no tama moves when a woman does, not exciting great waves of pleasure exactly, but making her aware of that part of her body..
2. Book: Gulik, R.H. Van . Goldin . Paul R. . Sexual Life in Ancient China . Sui Dynasty 590–618 A.D. . Brill . 2002-01-01 . 978-90-04-48786-4 . 10.1163/9789004487864_013 . 119–169.
3. Svobodova . L. . Dvorakova . M. . Rucki . M. . Kejlova . K. . Kandarova . H. . Kolarova . H. . Mannerstrom . M. . Heinonen . T. . Safety testing of adult novelties using in vitro methods . Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology . Elsevier BV . 117 . 2020 . 0273-2300 . 10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104780 . 104780.
4. Ng . M. L. . Treatment of a case of resistant vaginismus using modified Mien-Ling . Sexual and Marital Therapy . Informa UK Limited . 7 . 3 . 1992 . 0267-4653 . 10.1080/02674659208404490 . 295–299.
5. Web site: Ben Wa balls do what?. 13 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20200105160101/https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/ben-wa-balls-do-what. 5 January 2020. live.
6. Book: David Reuben. David Reuben (author). Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask). 162–163 . https://archive.org/details/everythingyoual000reub/page/162/mode/1up. Masturbation. 1969. New York, D. McKay Co .
7. Web site: Goop Settled a Lawsuit Over Jade Egg Health Claims—Here's Why You Still Shouldn't Put One in Your Vagina. We don't recommend that tampons or menstrual cups be left in for longer than 12 hours and those are either disposable or cleanable.
8. [Reay Tannahill]
9. Web site: Downey. Lillian. How to Use Kegel Balls. livestrong.com. August 29, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150904091320/http://www.livestrong.com/article/74889-use-kegel-balls/. September 4, 2015. live.