Ben Wa balls
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Ben Wa balls, also known as orgasm balls, Template:Transliteration,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Rp Venus balls,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> or mien-ling,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> are marble-sized balls, usually hollow and containing a small weight, that may be inserted into a vagina, and held in place by the pubococcygeus muscles. They may be used as a sex toy by creating sexual stimulation or pleasure by rolling around in the vagina stimulating movement and/or vibration. They create a subtle stimulation that does not bring the user to immediate orgasm, but rather teases.
They may also be used for a medical purpose, such as to increase the strength of the pelvic floor muscles, much as Taoist sexual practices have been used for centuries<ref>Reay Tannahill (1980) Sex in History, Stein and Day</ref> and the Kegel exercises are used today. Similar to Kegel exercises, Ben Wa balls and other shaped vaginal weightlifting equipment are recommended by gynecologists and obstetricians to increase vaginal elasticity and bladder control.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
It is possible to leave the balls in place in the vagina all day, or use them while seated in a rocking chair.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Health experts caution against prolonged placement of foreign objects in the vagina due to the risk of infection.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
DescriptionEdit
The balls are available in a variety of forms, and may be solid, or contain clappers or chimes within. Other, larger versions made of plastic encasing lesser balls are called Duotone balls. The balls sometimes comprise multiple metal covered balls linked by either a chain or silk string for easy removal, but they do not have an adequately flared base for safe anal play.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The balls should not be confused with anal kegel exercisers and prostate stimulators.
HistoryEdit
Ben Wa balls have a varied history; their origin and method of construction varies depending upon location. Most information concerning Ben Wa balls is vague and apocryphal. Originally they were made of a single ball placed in the vagina, used to enhance the act of sexual intercourse, but then evolved into multiple metal covered balls linked by either a chain or silk string for easy removal.