Whether you are just curious to know or actively considering trying a sex toy, the entire sex toys topic can be quite interesting and honestly a little overwhelming too. If it’s not learning the different types of toys, it’s learning how they work and where to find them in the first place. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most sort out questions about sex toys.
What are sex toys?
Sex toys, also referred to as adult toys or “marital aids” are objects people use to have more pleasure during sex or masturbation. There are many different types of sex toys, and people use them for lots of different reasons. You’ll be surprised to learn that sex toys are also used for medical reasons. Medical reasons? Yes! they can also have medical uses for those who have a sexual dysfunction or medical condition.
Is it okay to use sex toys?
Yes! It is absolutely okay to use sex toys and also absolutely okay not to. We will explain.
The use of sex toys is a personal decision. Everyone is different and some people might be interested in trying them out and for others, it is non-negotiable. As long as you’re using sex toys safely, there’s nothing harmful about it and no one should ever force you to use one or stigmatise you for using one. It’s all up to you!
Why do people use sex toys?
As mentioned before, people may choose to use sex toys for many different reasons. For others, using sex toys is the easiest (or only) way they can have an orgasm. Others use sex toys to help them masturbate. Some couples use them during sex together. People with disabilities or limited mobility use sex toys to make it easier to masturbate, have sex, or do sexual activities or positions that would otherwise be harder or not possible for them.
For some, sex toys help them deal with the sexual side effects of certain medications, health conditions, or menopause — like a low sex drive or decreased sensation in their genitals.
What are the types of sex toys?
There’s a wide range of different sex toys out there. But the most common ones are:
Vibrators
They vibrate (move continuously/buzz) to stimulate your genitals. Mostly used to stimulate the clitoris and other parts of the vulva and vagina. However, vibrators can also stimulate the penis, scrotum and testicles, nipples, and anus. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some can go inside a vagina or anus, and others are meant to be used outside the body.
Dildos
These go inside a vagina, anus, or mouth. Dildos come in many shapes and sizes, but they’re often shaped like a penis. Some may look like realistic penises, and others are more abstract. They can also be slightly curved, to help stimulate your g-spot or prostate. They are made out of different materials, like silicone, rubber, plastic, metal, or, break-resistant glass.
Anal toys
These stimulate and/or go inside your anus. They include plugs (usually called butt plugs), anal beads, prostate massagers, and dildos with a wide base. To use anal toys safely you need to use lube. Any toy you put in your butt must have a flared base (meaning it’s wider at the bottom) or some other way to pull the toy out, so it can’t accidentally go all the way in. If it does, it could get stuck and you may have to go to the doctor to get it out.
Harnesses
Also, known as straps or strap-on harnesses are garments that hold a packer, dildo, or other sex toys against your body. Some are worn like underwear, and others may go around other parts of your body, like your thigh.
Sleeves
Also known as masturbation sleeves, penis sleeves, or strokes. They are soft tubes that a penis is inserted into. Sleeves come in all shapes and sizes and often have different textures on the inside for more sensation. Some even have vibration or suction.
Ben Wa balls
Also called Kegel balls, Kegel trainers, vagina balls, and orgasm balls. These are round objects that you put inside your vagina. They can help you do exercises that tone and strengthen your Kegel muscles. Kegel balls are usually weighted so you have to squeeze your vagina to keep them inside your body. Some are hollow with smaller balls inside that roll and bounce when you move, making a jiggling sensation. You don’t need these balls to do Kegel exercises, and not everyone uses them for that purpose — many people just like the way they feel inside their vagina.
Pumps
Vacuum-like devices that use a hand or battery-powered pump to create suction around your penis, clitoris, vulva, or nipples. Pumps drive blood flow to the area, which helps increase sensitivity and sensation. Some pumps are designed to help treat erectile dysfunction, genital arousal disorder, and orgasm disorder. But most of the pumps you buy in sex stores or adult shops are not medical devices, they’re just meant to enhance pleasure during sex and masturbation. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging, and don’t pump for longer than the instructions say. And talk to your doctor before using a pump if you have a blood disorder, or are on blood-thinning medication.
Penis rings
Rings that go around the scrotum and/or penis. Penis rings slow blood flow out of the penis when it’s erect, which can increase sensation, or make erections harder and longer-lasting. The safest penis rings are made from soft, flexible materials that you can easily remove, like silicone, rubber, or leather with snaps. Some penis rings have little vibrators on them, to stimulate you and/or your partner. Because penis rings restrict blood flow, one should not have it on for longer than 10-30 minutes, and it should be taken off right away if one feels any pain or discomfort.
Packers
These are objects that look and feel like a realistic penis (usually soft) that create a “bulge” in your underwear or clothes. Some packers also let you pee standing up (called stand-to-pee or STP packers). Many trans, genderqueer, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people use packers to help affirm or express their gender identity. Like with anyone’s genitals, packers aren’t always sexual or used for sex. But some packers can be worn bent down or stuck up, so they can resemble both a non-erect (soft) penis and an erect (hard) penis and can be used for sex.
How can I use sex toys safely?
Know what materials your sex toys are made of - Some toys are made with phthalates. These chemicals, which are present in some plastics, have been banned for use in such products as children’s toys and pacifiers because they may disrupt human hormones.
Clean your sex toys after use - Sex toys should be cleaned between every sex act and in between every partner
Use condoms to reduce the risk of infection - That is because even if you diligently clean your toys, there is still a chance of transmitting infection
Use sex toys as intended - Take time to read the directions. If you are new to sex toys, ease in slowly, and stop if anything feels uncomfortable.
Buy from a credible source - Buy from a reputable manufacturer or company that is transparent about their products with detailed information about the materials used and specifics on how to use and clean the toys.
Where can I get sex toys?
Depending on the policies of your country, you may have to be over a certain age (like 16 or 18) to buy one. Some pharmacies, drug stores, or large retail stores sell a small variety of the more common sex toys such as dildos and vibrators. Many sex toy brands have websites where you can buy products online (they usually mail them in plain packaging for privacy). It’s best to buy from trusted stores or websites that have detailed information about their products.
Summary
Choosing whether to try a sex toy and which one to buy all comes down to what you want and prefer. Before you spend your time researching what you want, establish your needs and preferences first!
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