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Types of Dildos: Beads & Balls

Non-vibrating beads and balls provide gentle, erotic stimulation vaginally or anally. Joined balls, often classified as "anal balls" (although you can use them vaginally, also), are inserted then slowly withdrawn for a delicious sensation. Loose balls, often called "Ben Wa Balls," are inserted into the vagina and then rolled around internally for a subtle sensation.

Some people really enjoy the subtle sensations produced by these types of toys. Others say that beads and balls don't do much for them. Either way, you'll experience a totally different sensation than you would with a vibrator or regular dildo, so be patient and keep an open mind. You might find a new favorite!

BenWa Balls

Legend has it that women in ancient Japan or China first inserted egg-shaped hollow balls carved from ivory, then spent hours gently rocking back and forth, eventually experiencing a subtle-yet-satisfying orgasm. Today, BenWa Balls are made from a variety of substances, including gold plating, silver, steel, plastic, Lucite and any combination thereof. Fancier models are packaged quite glamorously, and can make a fun gift for your lover.

Some women claim they wear them all day, experiencing clandestine fun at the office, the grocery store - even on dates. Other women enjoy using them for partner sex, and say their male partners love encountering the smooth balls during penetration. However, some women say the toys are little more than useless, producing a sensation so slight, they may as well not be using the balls at all.

While many Ben Wa novices express alarm at the thought of inserting and removing the balls, it's relatively simple: just pop them in and squeeze them out. You may want to experiment with location; some people enjoy holding them lower in the vagina, while others try to position them directly behind their G-Spots. Just don't aim for the cervix - while you're unlikely to have a problem with them slipping past your body's gateway to the uterus, you probably won't enjoy any kind of clanging sensation that close to your cervix, a region some women find particularly sensitive.

Anal Beads

Anal beads are great for men and women who are beginners or experts at anal play. Constructed of soft or firm materials, these toys usually consist of five or six spheres connected by a piece of cord or flexible plastic. They're used by gently inserting the string, bead by bead, into the anus. Some people like to leave them there until they're ready to have an orgasm, whereupon they or their partner gently pull the beads out, intensifying their climax. Others enjoy the sensation created by inserting and removing the beads. Whichever you choose to experiment with, please remember the following:

• Use lots of lubrication!
• Test the strength of the cord connecting the beads. If it seems weak, don't use the toy - you don't want to lose a bead during play!
• Check the surfaces of all the beads for seams or rough spots. File down any sharp places with an emery board.

If you've never experimented with anal play, beads might be a great way to start. Many people find them a less intimidating alternative to anal dildos or anal vibrators.