Sex toys FAQ
This little guide will help you understand the differences between most kinds of sex toys. There are more in-depth articles available which you may print off and read at your leisure.
If you’re new to sex toys, take a minute to discover the many reasons why they are so popular and why every woman, man and couple should have (at least) one.
- Sex toys do things people cannot do. They can vibrate, twirl and rotate
- Sex toys can spark communication with your partner
- Sex toys can enhance your fantasies
- Sex toys can help you discover your ability to orgasm and enhance it as you learn more about your body
- Sex toys allow you to experiment with a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and to try different levels of stimulation
- Because sex toys don’t replace partner sex, they enhance it
- You have the right to sexual pleasure
- Sex toys are the ultimate in safer sex
- Sex toys are fun, as toys are meant to be!
What’s a vibrator?
A vibrator is a battery or electrical powered device that delivers fast, reliable vibrations much more intensely than a hand, penis or mouth. So this is why vibrators are often recommended by doctors, therapists and magazine editors as an effective way to help you achieve an orgasm.
Vibrators come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, some will appeal to you, and others may not. You can get penis shaped vibrators, egg shaped vibrators and even animal shaped vibrators.
Because vibrator orgasms can be more intense and are easier to achieve, they can soon become an important and regular part of your sexual norm.
What’s a dildo?
A dildo unlike a vibrator does not vibrate. It is designed for insertion either vaginally or anally. A dildo can be used on its own or in a harness to enable hands-free penetration of a partner. These are called strap-on dildos. Strap on sex is a common practise amongst straight couples and gay couples. Straight men sometimes enjoy penetration by their partner which stimulates their prostrate gland and some women enjoy penetrating their partner with a strap-on dildo perhaps because it gives them power and a unique sensation of pleasure giving. Men in straight relationships can wear a dildo to experiment with double penetration on their partner, or to prolong intercourse after their own erection has subsided or before intercourse to lengthen the experience for their lover.
What’s the difference between vibrators and dildos?
Contrary to popular belief a dildo does not vibrate and is designed for insertion. This often leads to the misconception that women orgasm more readily through thrusting which is incorrect. The shape of a vibrator is not as important to women as the “spot” it hits because most women orgasm through clitoral stimulation rather than thrusting alone, although once combined the dildo and vibrator may provide the ultimate experience for many women.
What is a clitoral vibrator?
Most women admit to being able to orgasm easier through direct clitoral stimulation and whilst standard vibrators can easily help women achieve this, clitoral vibrators are used uniquely for this pleasure. These vibrators are normally smaller, friendlier looking and better for beginners using a vibrator for the first time. They are often less intimidating than phallic shaped vibrators. Some are hand held such as the Pocket Rocket and others can be worn, such as the Venus Butterfly, or the Decadent Lovebird. There are even remote control vibrators on the market so that the woman’s partner can participate in pleasuring her with their choice of clitoral vibrator.
What is a g-spot vibrator?
The g-spot lies on the front wall of the vagina and is ¼ inch in size. The g-spot vibrator is designed for insertion and usually has a curved tip to stimulate this difficult to find area. Some people have disputed the existence of the g-spot but those lucky ones that find it will discover a very intense and powerful orgasm that feels different to a clitoral orgasm. If you try a g-spot vibrator but find the vibrations too distracting, a curved tip dildo will be a great alternative.
What are anal toys?
As their name suggests anal toys are used in the anal area and can come in vibrating or non vibrating versions. The toys that bulge in the middle are called butt plugs and are often left in place during sex. Anal beads are strung together and are designed to be inserted one by one and then pulled out gently using the loop. Anal toys that are shaped like small dildos are good for penetration and are often the choice for stimulating men. Used with a good quality lubricant, anal toys can provide stimulation that feels good for women or men. Anal toys should have a flared base to stop them being drawn in by the body.
What are men’s sex toys?
Men’s sex toys again can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Because vibrators are much discussed they’ve become socially acceptable in much of the Western world as they have helped women learn about their body and how to achieve orgasm easier. However men also enjoy playing with toys, as vibration can feel great on the anus, penis, testicles or perineum. A vibrating sleeve or artificial vagina is great for masturbation to give often more powerful sensations and some are very lifelike so can simulate intercourse for the man. There are also penis rings that in their simple form can be used as erection enhancers to more couple friendly vibrating versions that aim to stimulate their partner during sex. Many men also enjoy sex dolls and again there is a huge variety on the market to suit every budget.
