Kegel balls, also known as Ben Wa balls, have gained popularity for their role in strengthening pelvic floor muscles. These muscles are crucial for controlling your bladder and supporting pelvic organs, and they can weaken over time due to factors like childbirth and aging. While commercial Kegel balls are widely endorsed by health professionals, some adventurous spirits consider DIY alternatives. But, is crafting your own Kegel balls a safe and effective option? Let’s find out！
Understanding DIY Kegel Balls
A DIY Kegel ball is essentially a homemade version of the commercially available product designed to enhance pelvic muscle strength. These homemade versions often arise from a desire to save money or from curiosity about crafting personal health tools. However, the safety and efficacy of these homemade tools are major concerns.
The Risks of Homemade Ben Wa Balls
Creating your own Ben Wa balls might sound simple and cost-effective, but the risks involved can outweigh the benefits:
- Safety Concerns: Homemade Kegel balls can harbor bacteria if not made from suitable materials, leading to infections such as yeast or bacterial vaginosis. The materials used might also be too fragile, posing a risk of breaking inside the body.
- Material Challenges: Non-medical grade materials might be porous, making them difficult to clean and prone to retaining bacteria. Additionally, inappropriate materials could cause irritation or allergic reactions.
- Consultation is Key: It’s crucial to discuss any pelvic health tool with a healthcare provider, especially if you have health conditions like IUD usage, recent childbirth, or pelvic surgeries.
DIY Kegel Ball Ideas
If you're set on exploring DIY options, here are some safer alternatives, though they still come with cautions:
- Wrapped Marbles: Using non-toxic, clean marbles wrapped in medical-grade silicone could be a safer DIY method. Ensure the silicone is hypoallergenic and completely seals the marbles.
- Silicone Molds: For those experienced in DIY projects, crafting Kegel balls from FDA-approved silicone using a specialized mold might work. This method allows for creating smooth, non-porous Kegel balls tailored to your needs.
Why Commercial Kegel Balls are Preferable
Despite the DIY allure, opting for Professional Kegel balls is generally safer and more effective:
- High-Quality Materials: Commercial balls are made from medical-grade materials, such as silicone, glass, or stainless steel, which are safe, non-porous, and easy to clean.
- Designed for Effectiveness: These products come in various weights and sizes, accommodating different experience levels and specific training needs, with many featuring a retrieval string for ease of use.
- Health Investment: Investing in professionally designed Kegel balls ensures you are using a product that is both effective for pelvic training and safe for body use.
Conclusion
While making your own Kegel balls might seem like an intriguing and economical project, the potential health risks and challenges in ensuring safety make commercial options a smarter choice. For those interested in pelvic floor strengthening, it's advisable to invest in commercially available Kegel balls, which are specifically designed to be safe, effective, and suited to your training needs. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new pelvic exercise regimen, especially involving DIY options.
Also Read；