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Plus, the best Kegel balls to shop now

It's common knowledge that performing regular Kegel exercises strengthens your pelvic floor muscles, which in turn can improve bladder control, help prepare women for childbirth and even prevent vaginal prolapse. But did you know that pelvic floor strength is also positively linked to sexual fulfilment?

That's right ladies, Kegel exercises send blood flow straight to your most sensitive parts, which could result in more intense orgasms. But if you struggle to remember to clench your pelvic floor muscles on the regular, you're not alone. While most health experts will agree that pelvic floor exercises are essential, it isn’t something us women are ever taught how to do. This is where Kegel balls come into play...

However, it's important that if you are pregnant, postpartum, suffer from pelvic pain, endometriosis, pelvic infections or any other vagina or pelvic related conditions, speak with your doctor or a sexual health professional before using Kegel balls.

Also known as Ben Wa balls, Love balls, Chinese balls, Geisha balls or Jiggle balls, women have been using Kegel balls as an alternative to traditional pelvic floor exercises for centuries. But can a simple string of balls really be the panacea for female health?

"Kegel balls are spherical devices designed to strengthen the pelvic muscles in women, a group of muscles that supports the pelvic organs including the vagina, uterus, bladder, urethra, and the last part of the large intestine, rectum and anus," explains Dr Mafe Peraza Godoy, Head of Sexual Medicine, Healthy Pleasure Group.

Kegel balls come in different sizes and weights, from basic single balls to smart-tech Kegel exercisers, so you can progressively increase the difficulty of the exercise to strengthen your pelvic muscles. "They are inserted into the vagina and are usually made up of two balls connected by a cord to help remove them," explains Dr Mafe.

"Each Kegel ball has another, smaller loose ball inside which moves, generating a vibration," she says. "This passively activates the muscles, so it’s unnecessary to contract the vagina as you would with Kegel exercises. However, you can still perform Kegels with them inserted."

For women, Kegel balls come with a number of proven health benefits. Constantly need to pee? "Women who undertake pelvic floor exercises need to urinate less often throughout the day, and it can help control sudden urination for those who suffer from stress urinary incontinence," says Dr Mafe. Kegel balls also help keep the pelvic floor strong. "A strengthened pelvic floor can help reduce pressure or bulges in the vagina caused by pelvic organ prolapse," adds Dr Mafe.

But perhaps best of all, Kegel balls have been found to improve female sexual response. "The movement of the balls stimulates the walls of the vagina, increasing blood flow and noticeably and instantly improving lubrication levels," says Dr Mafe. "The pelvic muscles contract and relax during orgasm and both active pelvic floor exercises and the use of Kegel balls strengthen these muscles, making orgasms feel much more intense."

Not sure what type of Kegel balls to buy? We've rounded up four of the best that are good for beginners and safe to use.

If you're brand new to Kegel exercise, this mid weight set is a great place to start. Featuring two free-roaming jiggle balls weighing 60g within a smooth silicone coating, use this to build up your pelvic strength or simply to enjoy the sensation.

Take your Kegel exercises up a notch with this app-controlled vibrating set that promises to tone your pelvic floor while delivering waves of internal pleasure.

This set of Kegel balls features different weights so you can start with the 1oz and gradually build up to 1.3oz as you master the art of vaginal strength!

Practised pelvic floor exercisers will love this slightly weightier 56g double ball set made from soft silicone, that comes with three vibrating speeds across four pleasing patterns to gently buzz you to ecstasy.

To effectively use Kegel balls to strengthen your pelvic floor, Dr Mafe offers the following tips.

If you're using Kegel balls for the first time, check the instructions on the individual product. And if you're at all concerned, consult a doctor or pelvic floor therapist.

If you're pregnant, postpartum, have had a pelvic floor condition or vaginal infection, you should seek guidance from your doctor before using Kegel balls. Other than that, if you plan to use Kegel balls to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, there are a few safety points to consider before you proceed.

Take a gradual approach to increasing weight or time inserted, advises Dr Mafe. "If it feels as if the Kegel ball is pushing out from the vagina during exercises, this is a warning sign and you may be using the wrong technique," she says. "If this is the case, seek specialist advice (from a doctor or pelvic floor therapist) to make sure you’re doing the correct squeezing and lifting inwards action during your Kegel exercises."

Avoid standing or walking around for long periods of time while Kegel balls are inserted. "The ball may sit like a weight on the pelvic floor and can potentially stretch and weaken your pelvic floor tissues," warns Dr Mafe. "You shouldn’t overdo Kegel exercises, but must relax and rest your pelvic floor muscles in between every exercise session to avoid developing pain or pelvic floor muscle tension."

If your Kegel balls are separate and don't come with a removal string, use lubricant and squeeze your vaginal muscles to push them out, much like with a tampon.