What are sex toys?
Although there is a variety of sex toys, each with different functions, the purpose of sex toys remains the same: to increase pleasure during sex and/or masturbation. Sex toys should be free of stigma and free of pressure - there is no pressure to use sex toys, however if you choose to it is completely normal and positive. Sex toys have also been used in the case of sexual dysfunction and/or medical conditions.
Consent & Sex Toys
If you’re using sex toys with a partner(s) it is very important that both parties involved are completly comfortable and consenting (See here* for consent). A great idea is to explore what toys and related actions you and your partner(s) are comfortable with before initiating sex.
Using Sex Toys Safely
- ✿ Don’t share sex toys - this can spread diseases (like STDs)
- ✿ Wash your sex toys after each use (you can use soap and water)
- ✿ The anus isn’t self lubricating, so it’s a good idea to use lube upon insertion
- ✿ If inserting a toy into the mouth, vagina, or anus, make sure that the toy has a wide base so that it is able to be pulled out / doesn’t slip too far in
What types of sex toys are there?
Classic penetrative vibrators
- ✿ Essentially a mix of a dildo and a vibrator - penis shaped toys that vibrate
- ✿ Great for people that like internal stimulation
Rabbit vibrators
- ✿ Like classic penetrative vibrators, but they also have a clitoral vibrator on the side
- ✿ Designed to deliver a mix of internal and external stimulation
G-spot targeting vibrator
- ✿ A subsection of penetrative vibrators
- ✿ Often are tilted or bent at an angle that is meant to optimize G-spot stimulation
Suction vibrators
- ✿ Designed to deliver a different sort of sensation in contrast to vibration
- ✿ Intended for clitoral stimulation
Wand vibrators
- ✿ Subsection of penetrative vibrators
- ✿ Resemble a microphone
- ✿ Can be used for penetrative or clitoral stimulation
Bullet vibrators
- ✿ Smaller vibrators that typically resemble bullets (although larger in size)
- ✿ Meant to be a more discreet option for vibrators
- ✿ Generally intended to deliver clitoral stimulation but can also be penetrative
Clitoral vibrator
- ✿ Designed to stimulate the clitoris
- ✿ Different options depending if you intend to use it for personal play or with a partner
- ✿ Great for people that like external stimulation
Wearable vibrators
- ✿ Wearable vibrators are intended to enhance manual stimulation
- ✿ Usually designed for the fingers or for the tongue
Penis pumps
- ✿ Vacuum-like devices that are used to create suction around the penis
- ✿ Can help someone get an erection - often used in the case of erectile dysfunction
- ✿ Make sure that you are closely following the instructions and not using the pump for longer than the recommended time
Penis sleeves
- ✿ Soft tubes that you are meant to put your penis inside
- ✿ Come in many shapes and sized - and have different textures on the inside
- ✿ Some simulate a sucking or vibrating motion
Penis rings
- ✿ Ring that fits around the base the penis - used to restrict blood flow so that the erection is harder/lasts longer
- ✿ Typically these are meant to go around the base of the penis, but they can also go around the head or the testicles
- ✿ Measure the circumference of your penis before buying - it’s recommended to at first get an adjustable size before moving on to a non-adjustable ring
- ✿ These rings can be be non-vibrating or vibrating
Anal toys
- ✿ Butt plugs, anal beads, prostate massagers, etc…
- ✿ Use lube!
- ✿ Anal sex toys should have a base that is larger than the tip - this is so the toy doesn’t accidentally get stuck inside the anus (this could lead to a trip to the doctor’s office if you are unable to get it out)
Dildos
- ✿ Designed to go inside vagina, mouth, or anus
- ✿ Generally designed to mimic the general shape of a penis, but they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors
- ✿ Typically made of silicone, rubber, plastic, metal, or break-resistant glass
Harnesses
- ✿ Objects used to hold a dildo or other sex toy against your body
- ✿ Typically used to penetrate one’s partner (vaginally, or anally, orally) with a dildo or other sex toy
Babeland
This progressive sex toy store opened its doors in 1993 after being disappointed in the lack of women focused sex shops in Seattle. The store is 100% sex positive and offers a variety of high quality products. Although the store originally focused on vagina based sex toys, they have expanded their platform to appeal to couples and people with penises as well. Their website is well organized and even has a section specifically directed towards sex-toy novices. The link for the website is here.
SheVibe
Similar to Babeland, SheVibe is a progressive, sex positive store highly focused on expressing both sexuality and gender identity and also exploring pleasure. The store has frequent sales, making their high quality items much more affordable. The website also shares the different manufacturers for their products.
Come As You Are
Since 1997, Come As You Are has been voted Toronto’s “best sex shop”. The store operates on 11 core principles: sex the way you want it, customer service that helps, no come ons, be accessible, be the anti-experts, be worthy of trust, create nerdy fun, contribute co-operatively, be generous, working harder to make sex easier, and live our name. The company believes in the products they sell and are passionate about what they do. Unlike most other sex toy shops, Come As You Are provides a booklist of sex positive and pleasure focused books that they love.
Need more ideas?
Look at this link.
Sources: She Knows, Planned Parenthood
