A beginners guide to sex toys
Avoid materials like PVC, elastomer, and rubber that are known to be porous or to contain phthalates, which can be toxic. Although it can feel good to manually thrust a rabbit in and out, sometimes you want the toy to do the work for you—and that’s where the Clutch comes in. Its internal arm jiggles in and out in a way that feels like tiny little thrusts right against the G-spot, while its external arm offers wonderfully rumbly clitoral vibrations. It holds a place of honor in my nightstand’s top drawer because the orgasms it delivers are so consistent and intense.
Generally, you can count on high-quality vibrators to land somewhere between $50 to $150. Make sure that regardless of price point, the vibe you’re buying is made of body-safe materials like platinum-grade silicone. No matter what, the general consensus among experts is that your toy should be phthalate-free, Howard says. Phthalates are a group of chemical plasticizers typically used to make plastics softer, so you usually spot them in jelly-like toys.
It’s very much down to personal preference, but here’s a quick rundown. Vibrators are great on their own vibrators, but you can use one with a partner, too. You can use it to stimulate your clitoris during vaginal sex to try for a more intense orgasm. Vibrator use is popular among both men and women of all sexual orientations. Over 43.8% of heterosexual men and 49.8% of homosexual men in the U.S. reported using vibrators, either alone or with partners. Another study found that 52.5% of women aged in the U.S. have used a vibrator before.
Consult the user manual that came with your device or look for instructions online. If you’re unable to find any information, it’s worth contacting the brand to request help. Most of our panel said they achieved a more intense orgasm with this toy and it was quicker than normal, too. With an overall satisfaction rating of 8.4 out of 10, this vibrator is certainly a welcome addition to the bedroom. At just four inches, it can easily slip into most bags (ideal for travel) and there is a healthy selection of speed settings to flit between. There were mixed reviews on how loud it was, with some finding it too noisy, but it still left a string of satisfied customers in its wake.
And, lest you think that these vibrators are lack-luster compared to the kind you’d buy in a sex toy store, keep in mind that you’ll often find the Hitachi Magic Wand amongst the selections. Yep, that’s right, the so-called “Cadillac of Vibrators” can be found in the same aisles as neck pillows and Epsom salts. Of course, part of the reason it’s compared to a Cadillac is its size, so if discreetness is a major concern for you, you might want to skip the Hitachi in favor of its smaller counterparts. The Magic Wand is durable and reliable, with multiple settings that’ll achieve the sought-after orgasm it’s known for.
As SELF previously reported, sex toys can pass along STIs, so safer sex practices apply here. If you’re using a sex toy with someone outside of a sexually monogamous partnership, put a condom over your toy. Condoms are also key if you want to use a toy for both vaginal and anal stimulation (which you can do as long as the toy is safe for anal, a.k.a. it has a flared base). With that being said , each clit is as unique as a snowflake and should be treated as such, according to Lexington, Kentucky-based marriage and family therapist Juliana Hauser, PhD. “Discover if your glans (clitoral tip) likes light vibration or a stronger speed,” she says.
