Benwa has become the catch all name for adult toys that generally are two weighted balls that are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. Whilst their use as a turn on is undisputed, they have a far more important function. Strengthening your PC Muscles!
If you are young and childless this may mean nothing to you but believe me as you get older and less toned, your PC muscles become the only thing between you and a very unsexy moment.
The pubococcygeus muscle (PC for short) is the sling of muscles that support your genitals. Both women and men have a PC muscle, and can benefit sexu¬ally from exercising it. Exercising increases blood flow to the genitals, and improved muscle tone will enhance your sensitivity to all genital stimulation. Many people report easier and stronger orgasms when their PC muscle is in tone. Not only that but when you get old you will not wee in your pants when you sneeze! And that's plenty of reason to exercise!
To find your PC muscle, practice stopping a stream of urine in mid-flow. The muscle you tighten to do this is the PC muscle. Kegel exercises (named after the gynaecologist who first popularized PC exercises) involve rhythmically con¬tracting and relaxing this muscle.( I digress briefly – why is it always men that find these secret spots in women’s bodies? ) Do these exercises regularly – I find whilst waiting in the post office, license department or shopping is a great way to pass the time.
Using Benwa balls is far sexier and easier in our opinion.
Many women find it easier to locate and exercise their PC muscle when they have a resistive device in their vagina. This resistive device can be a finger, a carrot or even a dildo! We however recommend Ben Wa balls, the Kegelmaster and most recently the Ami which has 3 balls in the set, each one heavier than the next. You will know that your PC muscles are toned when you can have a wee and keep them in at the same time – no mean feat!
Ben Wa Balls can be made of silicone, jelly or hard plastic. They can also be gold-plated solid metal balls, slightly larger than a child's marbles. Whatever your Benwa , they are intended for vaginal insertion. (They are not for anal use.) In some circles, rumour has it that their movement inside the vagina can cause a high degree of sexual arousal. The question is, do Ben Was work? Here are two opinions...
NO! Benwa Balls are a load of rubbish. (Not the Opinion of Lola Montez)
Benwas are not like Mexican jumping beans. Women's vaginas envelop the balls quite securely, and you would have to jump up and down to get them to move around at all. On the other hand, whenever a Benwa wearer sneezes, or has a good laugh, the balls can pop out of her vagina. So first the unsuspect¬ing customer thinks she's a sexual failure because she can't feel a thing, and then she blows her nose at a dinner party and the balls come roiling down her leg! (This opinion was contributed by a person who does not know what they are talking about – probably a man.)
Some say that I wore them but nothing changed. If you are one of them read on.
YES! Zen and the Art of Benwas.
It is true that Benwas have enjoyed a mystique that may result in disap¬pointment for women who expect shock waves of ecstasy when trying them for the first time. It should be pointed out that the culture of their origin prizes the subtle and understated, not neon flashing blazes of quick excitement.
Use of Benwas can teach attention to subtle sensations in the vagina and present an opportunity for us to experience our vaginas in a very differ¬ent way. When you start using your Benwas you should remember that it just like any other exercise. Start with 30 minutes a day working your way up. Patience is necessary. It is just like going to the gym. One run does not make you fit or thin. They are dumbbells for your vagina. A word of caution – do wear panties with them because it is not sexy when they slip out in the grocery store! Do not be a coach potato when you have them in – motion is the secret.
They are like every other toy. Ensure that they are cleaned thoroughly after use. See our article on lubricants and taking care of your toys. Give special attention to the cords. Try Eva toy cleaner to ensure that all bacteria has been dealt with.
These balls have been around in one form or the other since 500AD when they are first mentioned in Chinese writings, and have been around ever since.
Do they work? Only if you use them regularly. But even if you don’t they are very sexy to wear just for fun.