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Whether playing alone or in a relationship, sex toys can play an important role in the sexual health of people of all genders and sexualities. Although there are natural methods, sex toys can be a great addition.
The use of sex toys is increasing. According to sex toy manufacturer Tenga, the percentage of African/Americans who report using sex toys has increased from 31% in 2016 to 50% in 2020. increased to %. Additionally, the percentage of men who reported using sex toys more than doubled (41%) from 2018 (18%) to 2020.
This is great news because sex (and sex toys) has a variety of health benefits, including improved heart health, a stronger immune system, and less stress, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“Sex toys don’t discriminate,” asserts Lauren Haynes, sexual health nurse and founder of Integrative Sexual Wellness in Raleigh, North Carolina. They are suitable for use in both solo and couple sex by people of all genders and sexual orientations.
Haynes adds that using sex toys can also enhance sexual enjoyment in people who have physical limitations or sexual dysfunction.
Our review team categorized each sex toy in this article based on who it’s for (vaginal- and penis-bearing individuals), but the vast majority of the sex toys on this list are It is important to remember that is gender neutral and may be used. people of both genders.
The world of sex toys is wide and diverse. It may take some time and research to determine which is ideal. Some of the top selections on the market have been the subject of over 300 hours of research and disassembly by our review team. It’s one step closer to discovering toys for children.
best sex toys for 2022
How can I find the perfect sex toy for me?
The sex educators and nurse practitioners we spoke with advised us to ask thoughtful questions and visit reputable sex stores to choose the ideal sex toy for you. Tip: research the retailer online before going there.)
Inquiries about poses
According to Andrea Martin, a sexual medicine nurse based in Rockville, Maryland, “When trying to find the right sex toy, it’s important to think about what parts of your body give you the most pleasure. It’s important to have an idea of.Prostate, G-spot, clitoris, frenulum?
Rebecca Blanton, a kink and sex educator based in Nevada City, California, recommends asking yourself questions during masturbation to determine what kind of touch you prefer. Want to feel? What’s missing? “If you have limited mobility or live with a condition that restricts certain types of movement (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome),” Brunton continues, “if you have a condition that We recommend that you look for toys that
For example, according to Lauren Haines, a nurse practitioner specializing in sexual health and founder of Integrative Sexual Wellness in Raleigh, North Carolina, “Many people are using it because it can stimulate blood flow and improve sensation. I love vibrators, but some people find them to be too powerful and prefer gentler options.”
go to a brothel
Fraulila co-founder and Berlin-based sex educator Nina Nguyen advises on her sex education website: You can have someone show you the right way and offer immediate help if you run into problems. Alternatively, scour your options online, pick up a cheap sex toy and give it a try.
Online merchants such as Lovehoney and Babeland were suggested by Haines. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, these companies “have a wide variety of toys and also offer information and advice on different types of toys,” she says.
best way to use sex toys
Use as instructed but do some testing
According to Rachel Sommer, Ph.D., a professional sexologist in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and creator of the sex toy review website My Sex Toy Guide, “How to use sex toys is , depends on the individual model and the sensation you choose.” First, read the manufacturer’s handbook before using and experiment with different angles and positions. Further iterate through different settings.
Kate Delgado, a writer and sex educator for sex toy company Lioness, is based in Los Angeles. According to her, “When using sex toys, it’s best to always keep your body and the toy’s limitations in mind.
Improper use, such as immersing the toy in water for purposes other than its intended use, may damage the toy or cause bodily harm.
Many of the sex educators and nurses our review team spoke to recommend using water-based lubricants with silicone toys rather than silicone toys.
Complete cleanup after each use
Safe use of sex toys requires proper maintenance and cleaning.
When you have finished using the sex toy, wash it in lukewarm water with an antibacterial soap or sex toy cleanser before rinsing and air drying. You can also use a lint-free towel or cloth to dry the toy, says Dr. Sommer.
Martin advises against immersing parts of any electric or battery-powered toy in water. Because it can shatter the toy or corrode the internal parts.
keep it safe
Many of the experts we spoke with recommended storing sex toys in a sterile, cool, dry place.Haines recommends using clean plastic or rubber storage containers. However, Sommer suggests using the storage bag or case that the sex toy came in.
Benefits of using sex toys for health
Using sex toys has many positive health benefits.
According to a 2021 article in Nature Reviews Urology, sexual devices are primarily made to enhance sexual well-being, pleasure, recreation, freedom and diversity.
When discussing the benefits of sex toys for mental health, Katie Ziskind, licensed marriage and family therapist in Wisdom Within Counseling in Niantic, Connecticut, and owner of Wisdom Within Counseling, said: He said: , brings sexual satisfaction. ”
According to Ziskind, sex devices are fun for people of all genders. “Let go of any guilt you may be feeling and embrace your sexuality. Using toys for yourself is a therapeutic and way to take care of yourself.”
At the Fosnite Center for Sexual Health in Asheville, North Carolina, sexual health is managed by Alice Fosnite, a board-certified physician assistant. She says that using sex toys “explores the body, reaches orgasm, reduces pelvic pain, boosts the immune system, boosts self-esteem, improves connection with partners, improves sleep, reduces stress, It will help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and help you work through past trauma.”
to singles
According to Brunton, toys can help your body feel more at ease when playing alone. Many people find it difficult to touch their genitals. Childhood shyness and a certain amount of discomfort can intervene to make manual masturbation uncomfortable. A great approach to deal with this is with toys.
“Since sex toys often provide more stimulation than the hands, mouth, penis, or vagina, they can also be very helpful for those who have difficulty getting aroused or having an orgasm,” says Licensed Sex. Educator and sex/love coach Susannah Weiss explains. She is a sexologist based in Los Angeles.
Delgado says that if you’re not ready for kids, “sex toys pose a 0% risk of unintended pregnancy.”
to couples
In a survey conducted by a review team of 600 sex toy users, 23% of respondents said they used sex toys to enhance their partner’s intimacy and relationship, improve their sex life, and break routine. said to have purchased.
According to Weiss, the more pleasure you can experience yourself, the more effectively you can teach your partner to soothe you. anal pleasure, etc.).
For example, Weiss cites a 2018 study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior on variations in orgasm frequency among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual men and women. Studies show that women who try new sex experiences experience orgasms more often. , according to her.
Delgado continues:
Blanton gave an excellent example to illustrate this. Adding a wand with a stroker attachment is a great idea!
How to use and get started with sex toys for singles
According to Martin, the variety and number of toys available in stores and online is overwhelming. “Don’t let analysis paralysis keep you out of the fun. Many sex-skilled staff at her shop may be able to help you with your first purchase,” she claims.
Martin offers the following advice for getting started: If you feel uncomfortable talking to someone else, you can always order a basic vibrator online and stay out of the situation. Do not be depressed.
That’s not to say you can’t find the right toy for you.
Another piece of blunt and important advice from Sommer is to buy a cheaper model first to test your senses before investing in a more expensive toy.
Additionally, Blanton recommends experimenting with all available velocities, pressures, and positions for the toy. “If it works, great. If it doesn’t, write down what went wrong and look for toys that you think are designed to solve those problems.
for couples
Ziskind recommends couples discuss incorporating new toys into their sex lives before the encounter heats up.
If you’re considering using sex toys with your spouse, Sommer recommends researching top models and going shopping together if possible. You have a better chance of success and both parties feel like they are part of the process.
London-based sex expert Barbara Santini of Dimepiece LA and Peaches and Screams advises: If they don’t like surprises, it can turn them off.
It’s a good idea to talk to them beforehand to hear their opinion and decide whether to buy the toy.
If you’re not sure when to bring up this topic with your spouse, Sommer advises getting your spouse’s permission beforehand and discussing the use of sex toys before bringing it up during sexy time.
to sum up
Everyone has different tastes, so choosing the right sex toy for you can be a difficult process. Our review team spent hours researching and came up with this list of the 15 best sex toys.
Whether you use sex toys or not, having a healthy sexual relationship is important to your overall health, so if you’re looking to add toys to your sex life, I hope this article has helped. is.
Content courtesy of daily health & NFH
