Yoni eggs, jade eggs, kegel balls…they have many different names, but most of them are similar in nature. So the real question is: are these things helpful or not? Do you need to be working out your vagina with these weighted balls to keep your pelvic floor healthy?
What are yoni eggs?
Yoni eggs are egg shaped stones that go in your vagina and are believed to enhance sensuality, strength, and healing. Yoni is the Sanskrit word for “womb”. They can be made of various crystals, like clear quartz, rose quartz, and jade – each type of crystal serving a specific purpose.
The idea is that the heaviness of the egg helps make the pelvic floor stronger and more toned by providing resistance.
How yoni eggs strengthen the pelvic floor
To keep the eggs in the vagina, the pelvic floor muscles must contract constantly. This is how yoni eggs may improve sexual health, reduce urinary leakage, and “tone” the muscles of your vaginal wall.
However, these eggs can actually have the opposite effect. Prolonged contraction of the pelvic floor can lead to increased pelvic floor tension and an inability to relax. You might be thinking “a tight vagina, that’s great,” but in truth a tight vagina is not necessarily what we aim for.
In order to have normal sexual, urinary, and bowel function, the pelvic floor muscles need to be able to contract AND relax. Without the ability to relax, these muscles will begin to have difficulty with normal functions. Over time, this can also cause considerable pain.
How do I use them?
If you use yoni eggs, keep them in for small amounts of time first – start with a few minutes and work your way up to 5 or 10. You should start with a larger egg, not a smaller one. This may seem counterintuitive but the larger eggs will make doing kegel exercises with it in easier.
Are they safe?
We always recommend consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist to determine if strengthening is even what you need. Remember, relaxation is equally important as strengthening. So, if you are someone who has difficulty relaxing those muscles, then strengthening may not be appropriate for you.
If you have any of the following symptoms, we do NOT recommend any strengthening until you see a pelvic floor PT.
- Constipation or pain with bowel movements
- Difficulty starting the flow of urine, difficulty fully emptying your bladder, and/or urinary leakage
- Pain with intercourse
- Difficulty or inability to become aroused or orgasm
- Low back and/or hip pain
- Tension and pain in the lower abdomen
We also advise against using yoni eggs if you have received a diagnosis for any of the following:
- Vulvodynia
- Vaginismus
- Pelvic floor dysfunction or tension
- Vaginal infection such as thrush, UTI or bacterial vaginosis
- If you are pregnant
The pros of yoni eggs
#1 Increased natural lubrication
Yoni eggs can increase blood flow and improve circulation to the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor. This can help increase natural lubrication. One thing to note is that sometimes muscle overactivity can actually lead to fragility and dryness, so use caution.
#2 Increased sensation/sensitivity during sex
Again, because yoni eggs may increase blood flow and improve circulation, they may increase sensitivity during sex. Because yoni eggs are supposed to tone and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, this can positively impact sensation and sensitivity. But, again, remember that overactivity can actually cause increased pain with sex, so we recommend using caution if this is your goal.
The cons of yoni eggs
#1 Risk of infection
One downside to consider when using yoni eggs is the risk of infection. Many yoni eggs are made of porous materials like jade or other stones, and therefore are difficult to keep clean. Even with washing after each use, bacteria can still become trapped in the porous material, leading to a potentially nasty infection.
#2 Risk of painful sex
We know we have mentioned this already, but just to be clear, it is possible to “over strengthen” your pelvic floor, leading to painful sex. Avoid leaving yoni eggs in for long periods of time, and never sleep with them in. Stop if you have pain and check in with a pelvic floor PT or your healthcare provider.
Other ways to strengthen your pelvic floor
A pelvic floor PT will be able to assess your ability to contract and relax during an exam. If you are in fact someone who would benefit from strengthening, the pelvic PT will be able to provide a personalized strengthening program. In the event that a kegel trainer would be appropriate, a few of the most frequently recommended products include:
But remember, just because these aren’t yoni eggs, doesn’t mean they are safe for everyone. Always check with a pelvic floor PT before using any sort of internal strengthening device. Also please keep in mind that there is no scientific evidence that proves that yoni eggs work (but pelvic floor PT does!).
