G-Bliss - the O-Maker vibrator Sex toys are some of the craziest-looking, fun items out there. From the intentionally ridiculous to the ridiculously good, there are so many different toys that it’s hard to keep track of what’s available. Do you know what you’re looking for in a sex toy? Do you know what they all are even for? Keep reading, and I’ll cover as much as possible in this post!
What Are Sex Toys?
Sex toys, adult toys, masturbation aids… whatever you call them, sex toys have been around for thousands of years and aren’t going to go anywhere soon. In ancient times, people used toys and handmade objects to masturbate with or please other people. Sex toys are also used when someone suffers from a medical condition that affects their sexuality or sex life, such as erectile dysfunction or vaginismus.
You don’t have to use toys if you don’t want to. Each person’s choice to include or exclude them from their sexual life is normal, and every single person and couple is different. Some people may only want to use them solo, and some couples may only want to use them while they’re intimate. Make sure you have whatever conversations you need to have about them!
What Are The Different Types Of Sex Toys?
- Anal toys: These toys are made specifically for use inside and around the anus and include things like butt plugs, dildos, anal beads, and prostate massagers (for those who have prostates!) It’s best to choose something that has a broad base and cannot accidentally slip entirely inside your rectum while choosing an anal toy, as you’d have fun telling an ER doctor why they need to remove something questionable from your butt.
- Ben-Wa Balls: Ben-Wa balls, or kegel balls, are spherical objects used to increase the strength of the pelvic floor inside the vagina. Some of them have weights inside them, so you need to engage the muscles inside your vagina to keep them in, which can lead to stronger feeling orgasms after consistent use. You don’t have to use them for exercise, though – some people just like how they feel.
- C-Rings: Constriction rings, also called cock or penis rings, go around the wearer’s penis and scrotum to slow blood flow out of the penis while it’s erect. This can increase sensation and make an erection harder and last longer. C-rings are usually made of softer materials, and you can sometimes find them with attached vibrators that help please you or your partner that extra bit. Don’t wear these for too long, and don’t wear one if it feels uncomfortable. You don’t want to hurt yourself and damage your goods!
- Dildos: Dildos are used inside the mouth, vagina, or anus. They’re most commonly shaped like a penis but range from looking hyper-realistic to bright pink and sparkling with glitter. They come in various hardnesses, ranging from soft and pliable to more rigid plastics and even metal or glass. Dildos are all about personal preference!
- Harnesses: Strap-on harnesses allow someone to penetrate their partner when they can’t do so naturally. Harnesses are specifically designed to hold dildos with larger bases in place so that the wearer can penetrate their intended partner with glee and give both of them some incredible sensations.
- Lubricants: There are so many different kinds and flavors of lubes out there you might need help finding where to begin finding something new you want to try. Look at the kinds of toys you want to be using and what situation you’ll be in that calls for lube. There’s lube for different toy materials, lube that adds extra sensation by warming or cooling body parts, and lubes that have different flavors added to them for oral favors. You might want a flavored one that will numb your throat a little if you need some extra help deep-throating your partner or a toy, or a partner may enjoy some extra warmth as friction starts adding up. You can always buy more than one! Check out this article I wrote on lubes and other liquids you can play with in the bedroom.
- Pumps: There are pumps for just about every body part that you can imagine out there. Penis pumps, pussy pumps, and nipple pumps are the most commonly used ones. They create vacuum-like suction in a specific area, increasing blood flow and sensation. Read the directions on your pumps carefully and follow all instructions.
- Sleeves: Penis and masturbation sleeves are often soft and full of texture to create exciting and pleasurable sensations for the person using them. Some sleeves are explicitly designed to be worn during intercourse and extend the length and girth of a penis.
- Vibrators: Clitoral vibrators, bullets, wands, rabbits – there are so many vibrators with different speeds, patterns, and intensities that there’s a good chance you’ll be able to enjoy at least one of these. Get one with various functions you can work through to see what kind of stimulation you like best, and check out this guide I wrote on picking out the perfect one.
- Bonus: Couple’s Toys! Every couple can use any toy together to spice up their intimate life, but some toys are designed with two people in a couple in mind. One person can control remote-controlled toys through a physical remote or an app on a smartphone, depending on the manufacturer. Some remote-controlled toys vibrate to the beat of the music you can play through the app! Who knew Bluetooth could be sexy?
How To Safely Use Sex Toys
Sharing sex toys between partners if you aren’t in a committed, monogamous relationship can contribute to the spread of STIs. So if you’re sharing them with anyone else, ensure you’re using protection on your toys and cleaning them thoroughly between uses. Condoms aren’t just for preventing pregnancy!
Using mild antibacterial soaps or specific cleansers for sex toys is your best bet for keeping everything clean. Most toys have specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer, so be sure to read up and get any specific cleansers or storage solutions they might suggest for keeping everything working as it should be.
Safely using sex toys also means ensuring you use the proper lubricant for the toy and situation. The anus doesn’t naturally lubricate itself the way the vagina does, so make sure to use plenty when exploring and enjoying anal play. Silicone lubes aren’t suitable for silicone toys, but you can use silicone lube with any kind of condom. Oil-based lubes will degrade the latex in condoms or dental dams (or gloves!), so you should stick to silicone and water-based lubricants where latex is involved. Water-based lubes are generally considered safe to use in any situation.
Sex toys are exciting and fun, and there’s a whole world of possibility once you start looking. You can find collections of toys explicitly suited to your tastes and build the toybox of your dreams, or just find a few reliable things you like to keep around to change things up every now and then. Staying safe while you’re using sex toys is always a priority, and there are considerations to make with their care and upkeep.
The extra effort is always worth it!
If you struggle with intimacy in your relationships, I got into Clinical Sexology because of my passion for helping people better connect and experience the best intimacy with themselves and their partners. I coach people of all identities and expressions looking to deepen their lives’ intimacy and struggle to get there on their own.
Reach out to book a free fifteen-minute discovery call to see how I can help you improve your relationships with yourself and all your loved ones.
