I’d like to know more about Smart Balls. I’ve noticed sex toy packaging can be a bit vague and it doesn’t tell me: how long I should keep them in for, can I use them every day, are there risks or problems associated with urination while Smart Balls are inserted, are they safe for women with IUDs, can they be used anally, etc.
Thanks!
H. Daisy
Denver, CO
Great question! Smartballs are part of the family of toys known as kegel exercisers. Smartballs are the brand name for the specific toy made by Fun Factory. Other similar and awesome products are Lelo’s Luna Beads, Ophoria’s K-Balls and California Exotic’s Couture Eclipse.
They ARE safe for women with IUDs. However, like when an IUD-wearer puts any object inside of them, they need to be careful when pulling it out to make sure they don’t accidentally pull the string with it. This goes for tampons, sex toys, fingers, hands and more. Anything inside just means being more careful.
As far as leaving them in, most people choose to leave them in less time (half an hour or so) to begin, and then work their way up. I wouldn’t recommend leaving them in for more than eight hours at a time, as you want to give your muscles a break. I suppose you could wear them for longer, but I might take them out, rinse them off, let your innards breathe for a few minutes, and then re-insert.
Yes! You can use them every day. It’s like a daily exercise regimen for your vagina. Build those muscles, help it work out, and watch as you reap the results of constant exercise.
Like tampons, there should be no problems urinating while they’re inside. However, some people remove them for their own comfort; mental and/or physical. As far as medical issues though, urinating won’t be a problem unless you somehow have your urethra much closer to the vaginal opening, and in that case, one might want to remove them. Again, as with tampons, you may want to hold the “string” out of the way.
Anal is a BIG NO. NO. NO. There is no flanged base (a base that is wider than the rest of the toy), which means there is always the chance that it could get sucked up by your anus, and you could have to go to the ER to get it out. There is no end to your anal cavity (like there is to the vagina with the cervix), so items can get “lost” in your anus, heading up into your intestines. If left too long, they can cause sepsis, which is incredibly dangerous and can be lethal. Long story short? Keep your balls out of your butt!
Not part of your question, but two quick notes; you CAN use a vibrator with your kegel balls, but it’s not encouraged to have penetration along side of them. Also, if you’re having trouble getting them in, a little water based lube might just do the trick.
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I just tried this last night and loved the product! I was pleasantly surprised as to how much more the balls can do than just strengthen your muscles. Thanks for confirming what the Fun Factory rep at the AASECT conference said regarding the use of the balls anally. Eden Fantasys claims that they are appropriate for anal use, which from your description is clearly not the case.