What are Kegel balls for?

Kegel balls are pelvic-floor training devices. They work by adding resistance to the pelvic-floor exercises (Kegels) that the NHS recommends for bladder control and reproductive health.

What the pelvic floor does

The pelvic floor is a sheet of muscle and connective tissue across the bottom of the pelvis. It supports the bladder, uterus (in people with one), and rectum. When it's strong, it works invisibly; when it weakens (commonly after childbirth, with age, or with sustained stress), problems include:

• Urinary incontinence — leaks when coughing, laughing, exercising.
• Pelvic organ prolapse — organs descending into the vaginal canal in serious cases.
• Reduced sensation during sex — less muscle tone means less grip and less sensation.
• Slower recovery from childbirth.

The NHS recommends pelvic-floor exercises (Kegels) as the first-line treatment for most pelvic-floor issues.

How Kegel balls work

Kegel balls add resistance to the exercises:

1. Insert the balls vaginally, retained by gravity and pelvic-floor tension.
2. The pelvic floor naturally contracts to hold the balls in place.
3. Walking, standing, or doing daily activities with the balls in place gives a passive workout.
4. Active squeezes while wearing the balls give a more intense workout.

Modern variations include weighted progression sets (start with lighter balls; progress to heavier), and some include vibration for pleasure-focused use.

UK Kegel ball options

• Je Joue Ami (£35) — three-stage progression set; silicone; UK-friendly distribution.
• Lelo Beads Plus (£70) — premium; magnetic; multiple weights.
• Elvie Trainer (£170) — app-connected; biofeedback; not a "ball" but the modern category leader.
• Lovehoney Main Squeeze (£10-£25) — entry-level; reasonable for first-time use.
• Inner Goddess (£15-£25) — UK-distributed beginner set.

For first-time use, the Je Joue Ami progression set or the Inner Goddess starter set are sensible UK picks.

How to use them

1. Start with the lighter ball in a progression set — typical first weight 35-45g.
2. Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant. Silicone balls require water-based lubricant only.
3. Insert — the balls go in like a tampon; should feel comfortable, not uncomfortable.
4. Wear for 15-30 minutes the first session. Build up to longer over weeks.
5. Combine with active Kegel exercises — squeeze and release the pelvic floor while wearing the balls.
6. Remove by relaxing the pelvic floor and gently pulling the retrieval string.

How often to use them

The NHS guidance is similar to Kegels without aids:

• 10-15 minute sessions, 2-3 times daily, for several weeks before noticing benefits.
• Benefits typically appear within 4-12 weeks of consistent use.
• Maintenance use — once-daily or every other day; reduces to occasional use after strength is established.

Who shouldn't use them

Consult a GP or physiotherapist before use if:

• You've recently given birth — wait at least 6 weeks postpartum; longer if recovering from tearing or episiotomy.
• You're pregnant — your doctor or midwife will guide on appropriateness.
• You have a current pelvic infection or unusual discharge.
• You have a known prolapse — physio-led pelvic-floor rehabilitation may be more appropriate.
• You have pelvic pain conditions — vulvodynia, endometriosis pain.
• You have an IUD recently fitted — wait until your check-up.

UK NHS pelvic-floor services and the Bladder & Bowel Community charity can refer to a specialist physio if needed.

Common questions

• "Can the balls get stuck?" — extremely rare with proper retrieval strings. They're designed to be retrievable; the retrieval cord stays accessible.
• "Can I use them during sex?" — usually no; they're training devices, not sex aids. Some products combine both, but plain Kegel balls aren't designed for partnered use.
• "How do I know if they're working?" — improved bladder control; firmer pelvic-floor contraction; reduced incontinence symptoms. Benefits accumulate over weeks.

See our Kegel balls UK guide for the longer breakdown.