Sex Toy 101 - Your Introduction to the World of Sex Toys
How do you select the best sex toy? That is probably the most asked question that I receive when talking about sex toys. With so many options and varieties available, selecting the perfect toy can be a daunting task. Which is why I thought that a blog series about adult toys would be a great topic. Welcome to Sex Toy 101! Not only am I a Hampton Roads Virginia Boudoir Photographer, I am a sex educator as well.
Welcome to Sex Toy 101
Here, we are going to give a brief overview of a few of the most popular sex toys that are out there, each one is available on our site, Lux In Tenebris Intimates. In future blogs, I will describe in depth the different adult toys and their functions. We will talk about the different types of lubes that are available and which lube is best for each toy. I will also teach you how to properly care for and clean your sex toys. Something that is often overlooked but SO very important!
So Many Sex Toys and Not Enough Time
When it comes to sex toys, there are so many different types that serve many different purposes. The most popular sex toy seems to be vibrators. There are wand vibrators and clitoral vibrators, you also have anal vibrators. Next, there are dildos and dongs. A dildo has a suction on one end that allows you to suction it to the floor or wall, giving you a hands free pleasure session.
There are a lot of sex toys for men as well! For men the most popular options seem to be cock rings, prostate massagers, and penis sleeves (fleshlights). Similar to sex toys for women, adults toys for men can be both manual and electronic; each giving it's own distinct sensations.
Not to be forgotten; there are sex toys for nipple play and nipple stimulation, sex swings, and strap-ons. Sex toys are not just for playing alone. Many couples introduce sex toys in the bedroom and enjoy the added benefits that they bring! Many people love the sensation that anal toys give them. Butt stuff in the bedroom isn't often talked about but it is super common! Anal plugs come in both silicone and metal.
We cannot forget paddles, whips, floggers, & ticklers! These are very popular within the BDSM community but are used by those outside of the community as well! If you attended one of our Beginner Couples Shibari Class, you are well acquainted with rope bondage. But, there are many other different types of bondage restraints that you can bring into the bedroom. Such as; hand cuffs & ankle cuffs, ball gags, collars & leashes, hogties, and blind folds just to name a few!
Sex Toy 101 - Finding the Right Lube
Lubricants are so underrated! Not only does it help enhance your pleasure experience, it is often needed to prevent discomfort.
Water-based lubricants are safe for penetrative sex, use with sex toys, and masturbation. Water based lubes are easy to clean, safe to use with condoms, and great for those with sensitive skin. When choosing a water-based lube, look for one that reflects the acidity of a healthy vagina, around 3.8 - 4.5 pH. When choosing a water-based lube for anal sex, look for one that has a neutral acidity level of 5.5 - 7 pH. Use water-based lubricants with silicone sex toys. Water-based lubes do get sticky after a while, so be sure to have a bottle handy to reapply during your playtime.
Silicone-based lubricants are great for long play sessions! They give a fun, slippery sensation and are great for shower sessions. Silicone-based lube can be a bitch to clean up and can stain your bed sheets, so be sure to have something on hand to use as a barrier. Many sexual health experts recommend silicone-based lube for vaginal penetration. Because silicon-based lubricant does not contain preservatives, it is said to be pH neutral and won't alter the pH of your vagina. Do NOT use silicone-based lubricants with your silicone sex toys.
Oil-based lubricants are similar to silicone-based lubes. They also give a fun, slippery sensation and are great for long play sessions. Oil-based lube is great for masturbation, penetrative unprotected sex, and shower sessions. Do NOT use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms, latex toys, or any other latex products. Oil-based lube can dissolve latex condoms causing them to break. Oil-based lubes are great for sensual massages but similar to silicone-based lube, it can be a bitch to clean up.
Sex Toy 101 - Don't Forget to Clean Up!
Thoroughly cleaning your sex toy after use is crucial. Not only to keep your sex toy in great, working condition. But more importantly, to help prevent infections. Knowing what your sex toy is made of can help you to properly clean your toy. Usually, warm water and antibacterial soap will do the trick. Sex toy cleaners are an amazing tool to have in your arsenal when using sex toys. Avoid using porous sex toys as these can be breeding grounds for bacteria. For an even deeper clean, you can boil your non-motorized sex toys in water.
Always be sure to completely dry your toy before storing. If you kept the box that your toy came in, you can use that. Or, you can use a silk bag or plastic zippered bag. The goal is to keep your toy clean and protected from bacteria so that it is ready for use when you need it.
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