Smartballs Teneo uno - vaginal balls discontinued by Fun Factory - review by Polyserena

DESIGN
I recommend using the Realsize function to have a look at the size of the toy- (button is available on the product page under the picture). It is made of a very firm but velvety feeling silicone, and the string is made of very stretchy velvety silicone.The toy does have some texture to it in the form of ridges which are presumably to give the vagina a bit of something to grip so it doesn’t pop out at inopportune moments. It is hollow with a ball inside which move when you move, and this feature is supposed to stimulate the vagina to contract around the toy. It is barely heard when deliberately rattling it in the hand and silent to wear.


INSERTION
I first apply a water based lubricant to the top of the ball and hold it by the textured sides to insert it into my vagina. Once the top of the ball is in I use the finger depression between the silicone strings to push it up as with a tampon. It was surprisingly easy to insert even the first time I tried it. Because of the texture I would recommend always using a moderate amount of lubricant for insertion, even if you think you have enough of your own.


WEARING IT
It sat snugly and securely although it could be moved with Kegel exercises. I would not feel afraid to sneeze and have it pop out. It tends to maintain roughly the same position in the vagina as when inserted. They didn’t come out even when ‘on the dunny’(toilet) although I would by no means want to guarantee this - just take some care. The strings can be placed inside the vagina if the egg travels downwards, but on first insertion are not long enough outside the body to provide discomfort. I would not describe the silicone material of the strings as particularly uncomfortable, however.


KEGEL MUSCLES
This toy was very useful. I had been aware of the benefits of kegel exercises for some time before the purchase of this toy. However when I started to use this toy I became aware that most of the time I was barely using my Kegel muscles. I was mainly using muscles farther back. The toy helped me to isolate those muscles that would cause its movement and I was able to transfer this knowledge to when it is not being used, such as lovemaking. I think my guy really appreciated it.

If you intend to do Kegel exercises with it in this should definitely improve your muscle tone and is a gentle reminder to do so. My vagina contracts around it at times when I am off doing other things, but it is barely perceptible. This may be because it is a reflex and therefore the other accessory muscles are not being used. I am unsure of the effectiveness of this passive use on improving muscle tone.


PLEASURE
It gives me a feeling of mild arousal which can be very pleasant especially when first inserted. It tends to sit just above my G-spot which is still a very pleasurable area for me, but will not stop you from going about your daily activities. Kegel exercises feel nicer to do with the ball in place. Vibrators can be used with it in place which tends to travel through the toy pleasurably. Nevertheless pleasure gained directly from the use of Teneo Uno was not my primary consideration in selecting the toy. When walking (but especially running) the feelings from it are more perceptible.


REMOVAL
I quickly learned how to remove the ball. The string is of no doubt a great help to get it most of the way down, but the muscles at the entrance are the naughty ones. It is easy to remove if you imagine that you need t let go or even push out slightly with your pelvic muscles while pulling it out – this will help you to avoid an uncomfortable vagina vs ball tug of war.


CARE
As it is silicone it can be sterilized by boiling. Since I only use it on myself I use very hot water and soap, and use an alcohol wipe which I leave to dry on the toy. There does need to be some special attention paid to some short thin grooves that can collect secretions.

The jade egg practice is a Taoist female sexual tradition explained in the book The Multi-orgasmic Woman. Although not as slippery as a jade or crystal egg, it does have a similar form. It is a quite heavy compared to other ball products (even compared to the combined weight of the two ball product Teneo Duo). I have been using the techniques described in this Taoist book with the Teneo Uno. I have noticed that the horsewoman stance that is described for their jade egg practice is a very effective way of determining whether the egg is moving. This involves standing with feet apart and knees slightly bent and (for some reason) with elbows bent, hands positioned as though holding reigns and placed on legs at about hip level. For anyone interested in Taoism this is also supposed to encourage the flow of chi through the meridians.

The silicone string is not usually uncomfortable, but if the egg falls down a little more they can become slightly irritating. The strings can be pushed into the vagina where they will stay easily and they are then not noticeable. However the movement of the strings past the labia minora does provide some extra validation that the Kegels are working well so it might be wise to leave them out for a little while.