Love eggs and Kegel balls: how to use them and what to expect

Love eggs and Kegel balls are small, discreet and often misunderstood. Some people buy them for the pleasure of a gentle internal vibration, others because they're curious about pelvic floor exercises, and plenty want a bit of both. This guide explains the difference, how to use them comfortably and what's realistic to expect.

What's the difference?

• Kegel balls (sometimes called Ben Wa balls or pleasure balls) are weighted balls, usually one or two joined by a cord, that you wear internally. You hold them in place with your pelvic floor muscles, and some have a smaller ball inside that moves as you do.
• Love eggs are egg-shaped vibrators designed for internal wear, often with a remote control. They're mainly about pleasure, although you can squeeze around one too.

Both are designed for vaginal use only. Neither should be used anally, because without a flared base a toy can travel out of reach. If anal play is on your mind, choose a toy made for it, and our beginner's guide to anal play explains why.

A word about your pelvic floor

Your pelvic floor is the group of muscles that supports your bladder and bowel, and your womb if you have one. Pelvic floor exercises, often called Kegels, involve squeezing and then fully relaxing those muscles, and many people practise them with no equipment at all. A toy can make the squeeze easier to notice and a lot more fun, but it isn't a medical device, and we can't promise any particular result.

Speak to your GP first, or ask to be referred to a pelvic health physiotherapist, if any of these apply:

• You have leaking, pain, or a heavy or dragging feeling in your pelvis.
• You're pregnant or have recently given birth (your midwife can help too).
• You've had pelvic surgery or have a diagnosed pelvic floor condition.

Some pelvic floors are too tense rather than too weak, and adding weight or squeezing harder isn't right for everyone. A professional can tell you what suits your body.

How to use them

1. Wash your hands and clean the toy with warm water and a mild soap or toy cleaner.
2. Add a little water-based lube. Sliquid Naturals H20 Waterbased Lubricant-125ml (£14.99) is a good match for silicone toys.
3. Lie on your back with your knees bent, then gently insert the toy until it sits comfortably, a little like a tampon, with the retrieval cord or tail outside your body.
4. Relax for a moment, then try a gentle squeeze and a full release. With a love egg, start on the lowest setting.
5. To remove it, relax your muscles and pull slowly on the cord or tail.

Start with short sessions and only build up if it keeps feeling comfortable. It should never hurt.

Safety notes

• Only wear toys internally that are designed for it, with a retrieval cord or tail, and check it's secure before each use.
• Don't use one if you have an infection, soreness or unexplained bleeding. Speak to your GP instead.
• Take it out if you feel discomfort, cramping or tiredness in the muscles, and never sleep with one in.
• Use water-based lube with silicone toys, as silicone lube can damage them.
• If a toy feels stuck, stay calm, relax your muscles and try again after a few minutes. If you still can't remove it, get medical help. It's nothing staff haven't seen before.

Choosing a love egg

• Mina Divine 10 Function Love Egg (£42.99). A silicone egg with ten vibration functions. It sits alongside the Mina Astral 10 Function Love Egg and Mina Celeste 10 Function Love Egg at the same price, so you can choose the look you like.
• Loving Joy Remote Controlled Love Egg Vibrator (£44.99). A remote-controlled egg you can use internally or externally, handy for solo play or for handing the controls to a partner.
• Tabooboo Take Me Back To Bed Remote Love Egg (£44.99). Remote control plus a textured clitoral stimulator on one side.

Remote eggs can be a lot of fun with a partner. Just keep play between people who have agreed to it, and never involve anyone who hasn't. Our guide to app-controlled toys has more on playing at a distance.

What to expect

The first few times may feel subtle or a little odd, and that's completely normal. Weighted balls tend to feel like a gentle heaviness, while eggs give a buzz that some people feel strongly internally and others prefer to enjoy externally. Give yourself time to get used to it, don't expect overnight changes, and never push through discomfort. If it doesn't feel good, it isn't right for you yet, and that's fine.

Keeping them clean

Clean your toy before and after every use, dry it thoroughly and store it on its own. A dedicated cleaner such as Loving Joy Cleanse Sex Toy Cleaner 250ml (£8.99) makes this quick. Keep the charging port dry and follow the product's own care instructions. Our toy care and cleaning guide covers the rest.

Ready to explore? Browse our love eggs and Kegel balls collection and take things at your own pace.