As ancient as man and woman, sex toys are objects dedicated to enhancing the erotic experience. They can be used solo, to make masturbation easier, more effective and exciting, or as a couple, to make the shared experience even better, strengthen intimacy, bring the timing of pleasure closer.
Just as there are infinite types of people and different ways for these people to enjoy their bodies, so there are different types of sex toys. There are sex toys for those who prefer internal stimulation and for those who prefer external stimulation, for those who love anal sex and for those who love oral sex, for those who seek caresses as sweet as silk and those who prefer a firm touch… in this vast sea of offers it is essential to make the right choice for your tastes and needs.
Whether you are a curious passerby, or a seasoned consumer of cybernetic caresses, this guide is for you. It will help you navigate the complex and varied world of sex toys, learn the lingo, discover all the options available to your pleasure and, finally, make the right choice.
Understanding Sex Toy Categories
Sex toys are generally divided into sex toys for her, for him and couples’ toys, although more and more brands are presenting a more inclusive and gender-neutral selection. Sex toys for couples are often designed for heterosexual couples but, in many cases, can be enjoyed by queer couples as well. Within these three large sex toys categories, sex toys are divided based on the erogenous zone they are intended to excite: we have sex toys for the G-spot, clitoral stimulators, sex toys that are a mix of the two, anal toys and penis toys. But be mindful, within these subcategories, shapes and functions can change drastically.
For example, penis rings and masturbators are both penis toys but could not differ more in shape and function. And so, there are remote-controlled sex toys, rubber and glass sex toys, sex toys that move to the rhythm of music and sex toys that can be controlled even from afar. The choice, as we said, is virtually infinite.
Vibrators
These are vibrating toys that are able to transmit sensations to the body that are very often orgasmic. Obviously, even vibrators, which are among the most popular sex toys, exist in many different forms. There are bullet vibrators that are intended to be used internally by women: they are inserted into the vagina and, by vibrating, stimulate the erogenous zone of the G-spot. Wand vibrators are, generally, larger and very powerful massagers. They have an elongated shape with a vibrating head and are intended for body massage and stimulation of external erogenous zones. Rabbit vibrators are for women and generally combine two parts, one intended for the external erogenous zones and one that is inserted into the vagina targeting the G-spot. These two parts, in many models, are able to vibrate simultaneously, managing to ensure, in some cases, overwhelming mixed orgasms. Clitoral vibrators, as the name suggests, are those designed for the stimulation of the external female erogenous zones and, in particular, the clitoris, while those for the G-spot are intended for the erogenous zone found inside the vagina.
Each of these models is, obviously, dedicated to an erogenous zone, or rather to a woman or a man who enjoys the stimulation of that particular erogenous zone. There are some models of rabbit vibrators that, despite having a very different shape from the classic rabbit (i.e. a longer part for internal stimulation and a smaller one, which can take on the most varied shapes, often reminiscent of a rabbit’s ears targeting the clitoris), nevertheless ensure the same function, i.e. simultaneous stimulation of the G-spot and clitoris. These different models are generally intended to be used by couples. As well as bullet vibrators, which, in the most advanced models, have a remote control that makes erotic games between two partners, one who wears the bullet and one who regulates its vibrations, possibly even in public, extremely exciting. Other sex toys, such as simple rabbit or anal vibrators, are designed for solo use. This does not take away the fact that watching a partner masturbate or being watched while you caress yourself can be extremely exciting and therefore even sex toys designed for single use are very exciting to be used in a couple.
Dildos
These are erotic objects that date back to the dawn of time, with a name whose etymology some trace back to the Italian word ‘diletto’, dildos are… vibrators that do not vibrate, inanimate objects with a generally phallic shape, made of the most varied materials (and shapes) possible. At one end of the spectrum there are real rubber phalluses that reproduce with impressive accuracy the appearance and, in some cases, even the consistency of the human penis. At the other end, there are rarefied shapes that no longer have anything phallic, except the function. In between, a great sea of shapes, sizes, materials, colors that is a testament to human creativity.
Let’s say that the function of a dildo is generally quite clear: it serves to replace a male penis and can be used with equal satisfaction by men and women. However, there are some different models. There are dildos that have two different ends and can be used either by the same woman to provide a different type of stimulation, or by two women to stimulate each other at the same time or, often, they are inserted inside a harness called a strap-on, so that they can stimulate both the woman wearing the strap on, and another woman with the other end. There are also rubber dildos that have one end that can adhere to a surface.
Anal Toys
Anal toys also come in all shapes (and sizes!). Among these we remember the anal plug, conic shaped objects that are inserted in the anus for a certain amount of time. With their presence, in addition to providing a satisfying, filling sensation, they stimulate the anus’ nerve endings for a subtle and continuous pleasure. Anal beads are spheres, generally, but not always, of variable size, increasing or decreasing that, these too, are intended to be inserted into the anus. In this case, much of the pleasure is obtained from the act of insertion and especially extraction of the spheres. Finally, prostate massagers are vibrators with a special shape, designed to stimulate the prostate in men, a powerfully erogenous zone, often neglected by heterosexual men.
A feature that all the objects we have talked about must have in common for safe use is a flared base or, in the case of anal beads, a retrieval cord. Otherwise, the possibility of the object being sucked into your body is very real. Anal sex toys should also always be used in combination with a generous amount of lubricant to make insertion as natural as possible.
The best beginner sex toys, for all those who are curious about anal sex but also, perhaps, a little intimidated, are those of small dimensions and those that allow for very delicate stimulation modes. Anal sex has the potential to be infinitely pleasurable, but it should be approached with great caution to avoid the risk of having a negative first experience and being negatively influenced by it.
Couples’ Toys
All sex toys can be used by couples, but among these there are some that are designed specifically for this purpose. Like wearable vibrators that allow you to put into action one of the most exciting foreplay of the 21st century: the one in which one of the two partners wears the toy, perhaps in public and, if the toy is also remote-controlled, the other regulates its functioning. Another type of sex toy for couples is, in fact, that of sex toys equipped with remote control. Using the remote control it is generally possible to change the settings and the intensity of vibration and this obviously lends itself to countless erotic games. Another classic of sex toys for couples are penis rings: they are worn around the penis and give the penis greater turgidity, while the models that have a vibrating head can also stimulate the partner during intercourse.
There are two levels of couple games: the first level is the one in which the sex toy is positioned between the bodies of the partners and can stimulate both at the same time. This is the case with penis rings and wearable sex toys like TIANI Harmony. Another level of play is with wearable sex toys where only one of the two partners, the one wearing the sex toy, receives actual stimulation, but the game is extremely exciting for the partner who controls the toy as well, maybe not on a physical level, especially if you are in public, but absolutely on a mental level. And, as you may know, the most important erogenous zone in the human body is the brain.
BDSM and Sensory Toys
Known to all by the acronym BDSM (Bondage & Discipline, Dominance & Submission, Sadism & Masochism), this is an erotic game that explores the subtle difference between pleasure and pain and how to move from one to the other, often seamlessly. BDSM toys include erotic accessories such as handcuffs, blindfolds, whips, spankers, nipple clamps, all objects that do not provide immediate pleasure like, for example, a vibrator but that are nevertheless used with great enjoyment by both partners who, consensually, use them in a game that is as mental as it is physical.
Among these sex toys of sorts, we mention objects such as feather dusters and tools for playing with temperatures that give extreme or very light sensations to the body, often bringing to the person receiving the stimulation an exhausting pleasure. This category includes candles used to play with hot wax (which must be made specifically for this purpose, to avoid burns, especially in sensitive areas) and the very common ice cubes or any object, such as a steel dildo, that can be heated or refrigerated to add an extra level of sensations.
Penis Toys
They include the so-called masturbators: cylinders containing a sleeve made of the most varied materials. Penis rings are mostly used by couples, but can also be used alone.
The use of sex toys such as masturbators and penis rings can have a beneficial effect on male pleasure. For example, there are masturbators that allow you to keep track of your performance and, therefore, improve it over time. While penis rings are very often used to overcome problems such as erectile dysfunction. That’s why they are also often used by couples with very satisfactory results.
Specialty and High-Tech Toys
Among the wide variety of sex toys available, some are more high-tech than others. For example, the masturbator we mentioned above that not only allows you to receive a series of enlightening statistics on your performance, but can also be controlled via a dedicated app. Then there are sex toys that can be worn inside the body (such as bullet vibrators, anal plugs and spheres), and sex toys that can be worn outside the body, such as strap-on dildos, which allow a woman (or a man, for that matter) to secure a dildo or vibrator to their hips to penetrate their partner. Finally, there are extremely innovative sex toys dedicated to the triple stimulation of women’s erogenous zones or with absolutely unsuspected shapes.
A key concept of our times like sustainability could not fail to touch the world of sex toys. And in fact, there are more and more brands that present toys made with sustainable and reusable methods and materials, which are safe for the body and environmentally friendly. While a category of their own is represented by luxury sex toys, objects often custom made, in fine materials, in limited numbers. For extra special sensations.
Choosing the Right Toy
Always start from the type of stimulation you prefer, observe what sets you off, is it oral stimulation, anal stimulation, clitoral stimulation? There is a sex toy to reproduce all these sensations.. Choose a sex toy that is always appropriate for your level of experience. If you are a beginner, choose sex toys with simple shapes and functions, which allow you to vary the intensity of stimulation, so that you can start with light sensations. Also consider any impediments you may have and choose toys that are easy to adjust, that come with a remote control or have a flexible shape.
Never skimp on the price when it comes to the basic quality. The materials must be safe for the body, and this cannot be ignored, because these objects are intended to come in contact with your most delicate areas. Sex toys must, if possible, also be easy to clean, because cleaning your toy is another thing that guarantees your health. For you and the people you use them with.
Safety and Maintenance
The sex toys you use should be clean, should be made of body-safe materials, should, if you want to use them anally, have a flared base. If you decide to share a toy with a partner, be sure to sanitize it before passing it to the other. If this is not possible, cover it with a condom. Always consider the type of lubricant you use with your toy because some types of lubricants damage some types of coatings. Do not use a sex toy that has tears or malfunctions. Always use the charger that comes with your toy to charge it.
Most sex toys can be cleaned with a damp cloth, soaked in warm water and gentle antibacterial soap. They must be thoroughly dried, preferably air dried, before being stored. Each sex toy must have its own case that keeps it protected from light and dust. Do not store sex toys of similar material in contact because in some cases the material could be damaged. Periodically clean your sex toys more thoroughly, taking care to reach any joints, gaskets and, in general, all those parts that are more difficult to reach in a normal routine cleaning.
Conclusion
Whatever your gender, sexual orientation, physical shape, level of experience, taste…, there is one (or more) sex toy that is right for you. An object that can open up sources of enjoyment that you simply didn’t know existed. Don’t let yourself be discouraged by a first failed attempt, keep exploring, do some research, read online reviews and know that when you find it, you will find yourself at the beginning of one of the most exciting journeys of discovery ever.
Discover pleasure with:
