I know the title gives away my over-all opinion of this toy, but let me start this off with an unbiased description.

The Teneo Uno was, after many hours of reviewing other reviews, my choice for my very first vaginal exerciser. I chose it mainly because of its smaller design, which seemed more suited to beginners. My other swaying factor in getting this particular ball was that the material was rated very safe.

It came in a red and silver box, complete with one pamphlet explaining how to use the exerciser and another pamphlet advertising other Fun Factory toys. I appreciated that the ball was made as one piece: not only did this mean that the pull-string was equally hygienic, but also that there was no friction points where the string was threaded. The shape was amusing, it looked for the world like a giant sperm.

Using the small packet of lubrication, I inserted the ball easily, in the same manner I would insert a tampon - and, regrettably, with the same feeling. Now, I've done kegel exercises for years, but as I mentioned earlier, this was my first experience doing them with any type of ben wa ball. While the experience of tugging on the ball while doing my exercises did have some noticeable effect (it was more difficult and I felt I was trying harder), I was hoping for a more hands-off piece of equipment or (as I had read in other reviews) something that reminded me to do kegels through the day.

I barely felt the Teneo Uno after it was in place. The rocking of the internal ball, which I had felt in my hand, was not noticeable except during my morning jog. It was very silent, for which I was grateful, because I did try it during my day at work. However, unless I was thinking about it, it did not register.

On another negative note, I noticed as I was washing it the first time that there was a small mold plug on the top, which I used toe-nail trimmers to remove. I'm glad I found it, because I would have worried about any internal irritation. Also, after I had washed it with warm water and antibacterial soap, the ball had a warm plastic odor to it (which went away after it had cooled down again).

This first experience with a ball has not thrown me off them all together, though. I have ideas for what might work better for me. First I think I may try the two-ball approach and something a little larger. Also, I think I'm going to go looking for a case for them. It would have been convenient to have a discreet case in my purse for during the day (I found I wanted them to come out when I defecated and had to wrap it in toilet tissue and put it in my purse). I have hopes that my next attempt at ben wa balls will live up to all the reviews I have read about them.

After some time off, I decided to give the Teneo Uno another try. Regrettably, I had the same non-effects. I'm thinking this just isn't the ball for me. I am a larger woman and my husband is a LARGE man.