While browsing the Internet, you might ask yourself if you have checked Facebook in the last twenty minutes or if you have visited ‘I Can Has Cheezburger’ to your satisfaction. Or, alternatively, you might ask yourself, “Is a vibrating penis ring what I need?” In the event that you find yourself shopping for sex toys, there are a few things you need to know.
Sex toys are not necessary to have pleasurable sex. But if you’re interested in enhancing pleasure, toys and other sex aids can be useful. There are several categories to choose from. At a basic level, you have your male pleasure, female pleasure, and co-ed pleasure toys. There are toys for any level along the BDSM spectrum (Bondage, Discipline, Domination, Submission, Sadism and Masochism). There are also toys that enhance lubrication, heighten arousal points such as nipples and provide tickling sensations.
For men, toys can take the form of everything from masturbation sleeves and blowjob stimulators to prosthetic penis attachments. More common sex aids include lubrication (often flavored or warming), desensitization creams (used to prolong sex) and vibrating rings for males to extend clitoral pleasure on the vagina during intercourse. For male-on-male enhanced contact, typical toys include prostate stimulators, usually made of silicone, and anal dildos or beads. You can also buy condoms that have vibrating rings built in or that incorporate flavors like vanilla or cherry to boost the oral experience of one’s partner.
For women, toys range from a variety of vibrators (g-spot vibrators, external vibrators/clitoral teasers, strap-ons) to nipple toys and edible body accessories. The most popular toys usually include external vibrators, which the partner uses to stimulate the clitoris during intercourse, or double-penetrating dildos used between female partners to extend intimacy. Vibrators and dildos can be made out of many substances, including silicone, elastomer, jelly, skin-like substances, rubber, thermoplastic rubber, plastic, acrylic, glass or even metal and leather. Each material has its own advantages, and determining the proper substance depends on the needs of the buyer. For example, silicone is gentle, soft, and easy to clean while acrylic is shatterproof and distributes heat uniformly, making for a sweltering encounter.
While some toys can cost hundreds of dollars, most are within the $20 to $30 range and easily affordable. Though some toys are for serious adventurers (think vaginal muscle exercisers or anal plugs with wide diameters), simple vibrators, lingerie and lubricants can be fun for any couple.
Interested in exploring sex toys? My recommendations are to try a small ribbed silicone vibrator for clitoral stimulation during sex, sensual massage oil (like Victoria’s Secret’s Mood in Succulent) for lubrication, warming and other foreplay, and/or the traditional set of handcuffs for role-playing or light domination (just don’t lose the key!).
Helpful Web sites:
Wikipedia entry for sex toys
edenfantasies.com
It definitely takes patience, experimentation, and an adventurous attitude to find the right toy – but articles like this are always a big help! It’s nice that you point out that there is something for just about everyone nowadays!