Get excited team, our most popular series is BACK – yes, it’s I’ll Have What She’s Having, our monthly panel of real, honest sex toy reviews, powered (wink) by our pals at Peaches and Cream (where you will, of course, find the best sex toys in NZ!). We have a brand-new group of diverse, fun and fabulous panellists who are ready and willing to try out some new products and give you their real, honest (and often hilarious) reviews. This month, our panel is testing out Pretty Love’s Kegel Tighten Up – a curious option for our panel who have VERY different takes! Are Kegel balls are a vibe? Let’s find out!
“Consistency is key…but if you can stick at it, they’re fabulous”
Jane, 36, newly single following a 10-year marriage and mum to two kids. She’s new to toys, as during her marriage the topic was ‘banned’, so she’s open to trying new things!
I was really keen to give these Kegel balls a try, and overall I think they’re a good option if you’re prepared to actually be intentional about using them. They’re comfortable, discreet and easy enough to incorporate into your routine, but I definitely found they require a bit of consistency rather than being something you’ll get much from using once in a while.
One thing I noticed was that they tended to migrate down a little while I was wearing them, so I had to adjust them quite a few times. It wasn’t a major issue, but it was slightly distracting initially and meant I was more conscious of them than I expected to be.
The cleaning is probably my biggest annoyance. The weighted balls come out of the silicone holder, which makes cleaning a little more fiddly than I expected. It’s not a huge deal, but it does add an extra step and makes the whole process feel slightly less convenient.
That said, once I got used to them and worked out what felt comfortable, they became much easier to use. I think they’re a good product if you’re willing to make them part of your routine and stick with it. Definitely more of a “small effort over time” product than an instant-fix item, but overall I’m happy with them and would recommend giving them a go.
“It isn’t an overwhelming or particularly intense feeling… and for me, that was a huge positive!”
Jamie, 31, a first-time mum to an eight-month-old little girl whose sexy time with her husband has been slow to heat up following having their daughter. They’ve never really tried toys together before, but are wanting to experiment to help get the spark back post-bubs.
As a postpartum mum, I feel like my pelvic floor and I have been through some things. So when I saw a toy that promised to work my Kegels while not having to actively think about it, I thought, why the hell not?
I’m going to be honest, this thing scared me! I was so nervous to try this I put it off for as long as I could. BUT I was pleasantly surprised!
The silicone is soft and smooth, and the little tail makes it easy to insert and, more importantly, remove. The balls inside are weighted and free-moving, so the idea is that as you move around, they move inside the silicone and encourage your pelvic floor muscles to contract.
I will admit, I was expecting to feel a little more happening. There is definitely a noticeable sensation from the weighted balls moving around, particularly when you’re walking or moving around, or in my case, chasing a crawling baby, but it isn’t an overwhelming or particularly intense feeling. For me, that was a huge positive. I could comfortably wear them while doing things around the house without feeling like I had made a questionable life choice. I also liked that they didn’t feel overly bulky or uncomfortable once they were in place. The silicone is soft enough that I didn’t really notice them after a while.
I set myself a goal to use them every day for a week to really try get the best results. After day two, life got the better of me and I forgot. So the only real con for me would be the admin that comes with this!
Overall, I think these are a great option if you’re looking for something simple to incorporate into your routine. And if you’re a busy mum like me, maybe set yourself a reminder?
“My God, it was hard to ignore the knocking of the weights… using this toy was an EXPERIENCE”
Rowen, 21, studying to become a sex educator and a gender non-conforming, single, mingling, bisexual who loves anything that helps release the daily load!
I was stumped by this one for a while. It’s not the style of toy I would typically reach for myself, but I will admit, it did make for an interesting fidget on my desk with the weights for a while! I think intimidated would be the wrong word – I mean, I laughed when I first saw them! It reminded me of frog eyes if it were in a “cute core” aesthetic.
As for functionality, it’s easy to clean. The ability to remove the balls was a dream for the clean freak in me and the silicone is incredibly soft and smooth.
Using this toy was an experience. I was apprehensive to try it at first and I genuinely had no idea what to expect. But once the heat was flowing, the experience was good. I started just running a few errands around the house. I didn’t really notice much at that time; that came when I returned to the bedroom. With repositioning and some pleasure-seeking arches, the true nature of this toy emerged. I am not blessed with sensitive internal nerves – but my God it was hard to ignore the knocking of the weights! Slightly confusing at first, but overall it was a fun new sensation.
This wasn’t exactly the toy I would reach for on a shelf, nor do I think it joins my regular rotation. But I certainly will not be returning to a box under the bed. If you are looking for something new, something to set the mood during the day. This is a comfortable toy, and the strengthening workout should not be overlooked!
“If there was ever a toy this mother of three should try… this is it!”
Dominique, 43, at the age where her hormones are against her in the bedroom, even with her super-hot (and often horny!) husband. She’s wanting to see how toys help find her vibe again, both solo and with her partner.
If there was ever a toy I should be on the list to try, it’s a Kegel strengthener! My generation doesn’t like to complain and after three kids, the impacts of my weakened pelvic floor are just mine to bear – or so I thought.
A PSA for anyone about to or in the process of having kids – see a pelvic floor specialist and ensure you recover appropriately after childbirth. It’s not care that’s provided by your midwife or even doctor. It’s up to you – in amongst the nappy changes, washing and lack of sleep. You can see how it falls down the priority list.
I was interested to see how this balanced Kegels with good vibes and for me it certainly leaned more toward the Kegels. I may have over compensated on first wear – tightening too much in worry that it may slip out mid step. And as a result I think I overworked these muscles that have very much been on holiday these last 14 years! So after some time I tried again with a more relaxed approach. The gentle movement inside the balls wasn’t overly noticeable so I didn’t get a sexual kick out of it so much, but I can definitely see how this toy could help improve my strength down there and hopefully increase sexual satisfaction as a result… not a bad secondary benefit! It certainly takes the effort out of having to remember to do your kegels!