Kegel Balls*: Effects, Use and Differences

* Note: Terms such as Ben Wa balls, Geisha balls, vaginal balls or pelvic floor training balls all refer to the same principle: a solid inner ball rotates within a hollow outer ball and creates stimulation through vibration when you move.

This guide is based on my decades of experience as a midwife and pelvic floor therapist. You will learn how true Kegel balls* work, which designs exist, which sizes/weights make sense, how to recognise quality, and which materials are genuinely body-safe. You will also find certified medical Kegel balls (Viball®) for women, men and couples – including everyday use, targeted training, and partnered sex.

What are Kegel balls* and how do they work?

Draft of kegel balls how they work with inner and outer ball

In the original sense, a Kegel ball* consists of a hollow outer sphere with a freely rolling inner sphere. When you move, the inner ball rolls and produces vibration that stimulates nerves and activates the pelvic floor muscles — vaginally or rectally. The more movement, the stronger the effect. Electrically vibrating products are vibrators and do not replicate this mechanical effect.

Efficiency depends on the dimensions: if the inner ball is too large (too little play) or too small (too little mass), vibration is weak. Thick outer shells, threads, eyelets or screws reduce inner space and slow the inner ball — again reducing vibration. Single balls are usually more efficient than rigid double-balls, which rarely oscillate in sync.


Small Kegel balls

Small balls are best for short, active exercises. For long everyday wear they are often unsuitable because you tend to “hold” them – encouraging unnecessary baseline tension up to hypertonicity. Physically, larger balls generate stronger, more perceivable vibration during movement.

Recommendation: For daily wear choose the largest comfortable size. It will rest above the vaginal opening without the need for constant “holding”.

Large Kegel balls*

Large balls are ideal for everyday life and sport: they sit more securely without ongoing increased muscle tone and produce stronger vibration. Many also enjoy the fuller sensation erotically.

Construction note: With some metal balls, thick shells, threads or inward eyelets reduce inner space and limit the inner ball’s roll — vibration suffers. Efficient balls feature a thin-walled outer shell and optimised inner/outer ball dimensions.

Selection of Kegel balls by size

Diameter (mm) Brand Model Material
28 Satisfyer Balls C02 Single Silicone
28 Luvsex Kegel balls Silicone
29 Lelo Luna Beads Mini ABS, Silicone
31 Magic Shiver Kegel balls Silicone, PU
32 Satisfyer Balls C03 Double Silicone
34 Mshop Kegel balls Silicone
34 Satisfyer V Balls Silicone
35 Lelo Luna Beads ABS, Silicone
35 BEQOOL Kegel balls Silicone
35 Amorado Pink Kegel balls Silicone
36 Fun Factory Smartballs Duo Silicone
36 Je Joue Ami Kegel Balls Silicone
36 Theros® Viball® 36 Implant-grade steel AISI 316L
36 Sweet Smile Kegel Training Balls Silicone
40 Theros® Viball® 40 Implant-grade steel AISI 316L
45 Theros® Viball® 45 Implant-grade steel AISI 316L
45 Sweet Smile XXL Balls Silicone
50 Theros® Viball® 50 Implant-grade steel AISI 316L
55 Theros® Viball® 55 Implant-grade steel AISI 316L
60 Theros® Viball® 60 Implant-grade steel AISI 316L

Heavy Kegel balls*

“Heavy” is often sought to intensify training. As a pelvic floor therapist I recommend: use weights/cones only short-term for active exercises, not for hours in everyday life. For daily wear prioritise maximum suitable size rather than maximum weight — relaxed, secure and effective.

Selection by weight

Diameter (mm) Weight (g) Brand Model Material
28 103 Luvsex Kegel balls Silicone
34 80 Satisfyer V Balls Silicone
34 109 Satisfyer V Balls Silicone
34 149 Satisfyer V Balls Silicone
36 130 Sweet Smile Kegel Training Balls Silicone
36 140 Theros® Viball® 36 Implant-grade steel AISI 316L

Extra heavy: Theros® Massive Balls – see below.

Alternatives to Kegel balls*: Hollow or solid balls

Hollow XXL balls and solid balls do not contain an inner ball and therefore do not create mechanical vibration. They are used for specific goals: maximum fullness (hollow) or high weight/pressure/mass (solid) — e.g. for short, intense drills, rectal use, or extra contact during sex. Always check precise material specifications (see Materials).

Hollow balls (XXL)

They provide fullness rather than vibration. New: Viball® offers true vibrating XXL Kegel balls (36–60 mm) made of implant-grade steel — as certified medical devices.

Solid balls (extra heavy)

They work via weight/pressure/mass. Not for prolonged vaginal wear, but ideal for short, intensive strength work, for anal use, and during sex (more contact/G-spot stimulation). Example:

Theros® Massive Balls – sizes & weights

Diameter (mm) Weight (g) Brand Model Material
36 190 Theros® MB36 Implant-grade steel
40 270 Theros® MB40 Implant-grade steel
45 380 Theros® MB45 Implant-grade steel
50 520 Theros® MB50 Implant-grade steel


Kegel balls* made of silicone, metal or stainless steel?

“Medical silicone” is not a protected legal term. Compositions (plasticisers, adhesives, coatings) vary, and with long wear some products may release substances. For metal products without exact alloy designation (“stainless steel” without a standard), allergies and coating fakes are a risk.

Implant-grade steel AISI 316L is biocompatible, anti-allergenic, smooth, durably hygienic (disinfectable/sterilisable), odour- and stain-resistant and fully recyclable. Steel also transmits vibration far better than silicone. Bottom line: For vibration efficiency, health, hygiene, longevity and sustainability, implant-grade steel is the best choice.

How to use Kegel balls*

Insert gently with a little lubricant. Effect depends on movement – best are pendular/circular activities (walking, dancing, cycling). Avoid jumping/stomping, especially with a weak pelvic floor. Do not wear while sleeping; avoid long internal wear with plastic/silicone products.

What movement works best?

Optimal movement with Kegel ballsCircular/pendular pelvic movements — e.g. brisk walking, cycling, dancing (belly dance is ideal) — create the strongest vibration.

Which factors determine quality?

1. Fit

More sizes = better fit and secure hold without “clenching”.

2. Weight range

Like strength training: progressive loading enables measurable gains.

3. Vibration energy

A thin-walled hollow ball plus correctly dimensioned inner ball produces maximal vibration.

4. Material

Transparent specs (e.g. AISI 316L), biocompatible, seamless, disinfectable/sterilisable.

Which Kegel balls* for which application?

Quick overview: Active use = short, targeted pelvic floor exercises focusing on strength and muscle control (like using dumbbells). You may choose smaller/heavier balls — but only for limited time. Passive use = relaxed use in daily life/sport for steady, movement-dependent vibration and erotic stimulation. Choose the largest comfortable size that sits securely without holding.

Active pelvic floor workout (short-term)

Smaller/heavier balls for short, focused drills. Do not wear for extended periods.

Everyday life, sport & pleasure (long-term)

Larger balls for secure hold, stronger vibration and relaxed, sustainable use — no “clenching”.

Which Kegel balls* are right for me?

Marketing claims are not evidence. Only certified medical devices must prove safety and efficacy. Terms like “medical” without certification are meaningless.

Viball® – medical Kegel balls* for women, men and couples

Viball® combines the key quality criteria: highest efficiency through optimised physics, implant-grade steel AISI 316L, six sizes, nine weights, fully without string for invisible wear, and certified as a medical device. Ideal rectally (including prostate stimulation), as a “contact enhancer” during sex, and for passive everyday stimulation.

Viball® – all sizes at a glance

Six sizes and pairs of Viball medical Kegel balls made of stainless steel with a 3-year warranty for men, women and couples

Why they help after pregnancy

During daily use, occasional vibrations increase pelvic floor awareness, promote contractions and thus support recovery and continence — pleasantly aided by arousal, which boosts motivation to keep training.

Key questions & answers

What are Kegel balls*?
True Kegel balls = hollow outer ball + freely rolling inner ball → vibration through movement.

Why do some barely work?
Poor dimensions or inner obstructions slow the inner ball — weak vibration.

Which size is right?
The largest comfortable size — it rests securely above the vaginal opening without holding. Viball® offers six sizes.

Which material is best?
Implant-grade steel AISI 316L — biocompatible, anti-allergenic, smooth, hygienic, durable; transmits vibration best.

How long can I wear them?
Daily use: as long as you like (with suitable size/material). Training weights: short-term only.

* Note: Terms such as Ben Wa balls, Geisha balls, vaginal balls or pelvic floor training balls all refer to the same principle: a solid inner ball rotates within a hollow outer ball and creates stimulation through vibration when you move.

You may also be interested in

Vaginismus and painful intercourse
Anal fissure: symptoms & treatment
Kegel exercises: For women and men
Kegel balls against pelvic floor dysfunction after pregnancy
Haemorrhoids (Piles): causes, home remedies and treatment
Haemorrhoids (Piles) after birth and pregnancy
Kegel exercises for men
Prostate massage
Cystocele (Bladder prolapse)

Hera Schulte Westenberg
Hera Schulte Westenberg

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