I learned about doing my kegel exercises in a child birthing class when I was pregnant with my last child. And they are something that I have continued to do semi-frequently for the past 25 years. But it wasn't until recently that I heard of kegel exercisers and ben wa balls that could actually help to increase the strength of these muscles. I really like the benefits that doing these exercises give, so the thought of making these muscles even stronger appealed to me.

So for my first set of kegel exercisers I finally decided on the Smartballs by Fun Factory. Which didn't turn out to be the right choice for me. I have read many of the reviews on these and what I've gathered is that for some women these work perfectly and for others, not so much. The problem seems to be that they're too large and/or too long for some. I'm in the, they're too long category. I had a very hard time getting and keeping the bottom one in. I had to bend them to get it in. And once in, I couldn't hold it. Which I thought was a bit strange because I know I have strong kegels. I even double checked with my husband to ask if I still did, and he said they feel just as strong to him. So I'm going to assume that it is the Smartballs and not me that has the problem.

But for those of you for whom these will work, they are very nice! Basically there are two balls (with movable weights in them) that are coated with elastomed. Which is a thermo plastic elastomer that is non-porous and phthalate free. The balls are attached at the middle by a flexible connector. The overall length of the Smartballs is 4 1/2 inches long. Each ball is 1 3/8 inch diameter. So as you can tell they aren't huge by any means. Smartballs come in a wide array of colors, which makes them really fun. I bought the ones that are red with gray accents. On one end is a retrieval loop that is about 4 inches long and also encased in the elastomed. I think that's wonderful that they thought to make sure that the loop wasn't porous.

So basically what you're supposed to do with these is, first add a little lubricant to the top ball and insert them into the vagina. Any type will work. But a sample of Fun Factory's Toy Fluid is included. Then you just go about your day doing whatever it is you do, while your PC muscles are getting a workout. The point is use the muscles to keep the balls in. According to the instruction booklet, “Smartballs can remain in the body for a few minutes or a few hours. For the greatest effect, they should be worn during everyday movements.” From what I understand, having something for the muscles to resist against makes them work even harder. And I've also read that some women get stimulation just from using these. Though I cannot attest to either statement until I find the right exercisers for my body.

The Smartballs come with very thorough instruction and even tips on how to use and care for them. They are extremely well made and should last for years with proper care. Speaking of care, the instruction say to just wash these before and after use with warm water and soap. I do not believe they are sterilizable. But they could probably be disinfected with 10% bleach solution if necessary.

Just a primer for those who might not know. Kegel exercises are meant to strengthen the pubococcygeus or PC muscles, which is basically the pelvic floor. It is shaped like a sling and holds everything pretty much in place. The benefits of doing these exercises are, it helps to increase the intensity and strength of orgasms, it helps to control urine flow, and helps to prevent urinary incontinence, prolapsed bladder and/or uterus. You can find all kinds of information on different ways to do these exercises. But the basics are to tighten up the vaginal area as though you were trying to prevent the flow of urine, Hold for ten seconds then release for ten seconds. Repeat these frequently throughout your day. Fortunately these are something that you can do anytime, anywhere.

And as a personal note I do want to say that, yes, doing kegel exercises really does work. First of all, they do help increase my orgasms, and my husband's as well. He really likes when I use them on him during intercourse. At the age of 50, issues like incontinence and prolapsed bladder or uterus starts to become an problem for many women. Thankfully this is not a problem that I am having. At a recent Dr's visit I was told that my pelvic floor is extremely strong for a woman my age. Which I think was wonderful news. It made me realize that the exercises were worth it and spurred me on to want to do them even more. So I highly recommend these exercises to everyone whether doing them with or without any additional equipment.

Ok I think I've given these sufficient time and I still don't like them. At least for my body I don't. They're too long and I can't keep them in. I do know these are perfect for many. And they are made extremely well. But be warned "One size does not fit all".