A Newcomers Guide to Masturbating with a Vibrator
The basic dildo is a penis-shaped toy that can be inserted into the vagina or anus. Some have suction bases that provide stability, some are double-ended, and some are designed to pair with strap-on harnesses for hands-free vaginal and anal penetration with a partner. Many strap-on sets are sold with dildos included, which is a cost-effective option for beginners looking to try both. Double-check that a dildo is anal-safe before you sit on it, as not all of them are. Anal toys include butt plugs, anal beads, prostate massagers, and some dildos.
You can soak waterproof toys of all stripes in a 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes to disinfect them, then thoroughly wash them with soap and water afterward. If you’re using a toy with a condom, make sure that the condom covers the entire surface that comes in contact with your genitals. The condom should be thin enough for you to see, feel, and press the buttons through the barrier. Do not use oil-based lubricants with condoms, and make sure to remove and dispose of the condom directly after use. Do not reuse condoms with toys, as that practice is unsanitary and a sure way to encourage the condom to break. Since 2014 we’ve tested a handful of sub-$100 vibrators, finding many of them severely lacking in some respect.
Plus, it’s waterproof (up to 20 inches) , so you can even enjoy it in a steamy shower. Glass sex toys are perfect if you’re trying to avoid chemical smells or rough textures. Glass also holds temperatures well if you want to play with a little heat or ice. The design of this one incorporates bumps for extra anal or vaginal stimulation. Plenty of things can cause vaginal dryness, and there’s nothing wrong with needing extra lubrication.
“They are designed to go in your butt and stay in your butt,” Wright says. This creates a feeling of fullness while leaving your hands free for other activities. Meanwhile, anal beads are meant to move in and out of your butt, massaging all of the nerves you have down there, she adds. Some anal toys also vibrate, notes psychotherapist Joy Berkheimer, PhD, LMFT, an expert at SXWA, a sexual wellness award platform, which can feel even better. Smile Maker’s Ballerina is designed to wrap your entire vulva in a hug of rumbly vibrations. It’s curved to match the shape of your body viberator, which means you can use the toy hands-free when you’re lying on your back.
There’s no detail on the site how many intensities there are, but from use, it feels like four, from a hum to a roar. The pulsing mode goes from a slower start/stop to a rapid one the more you press the plus button. When you’re done with your session, you can sync the Lioness with its app (available for iOS and Android).
Beyond the pre-set modes, the app allows you to create your own vibration patterns. This feature is particularly helpful if you have specific needs, such as targeting muscle pain or managing anxiety. You can determine the duration and intensity of each vibration and save your custom routines for easy access later. The app’s core function is to simulate a body massage through vibrations. You can adjust the intensity and power of each vibration mode, tailoring the experience to your preference.
The tapered oval shape fits nicely against the vulva, with vibrations focused at the tip of the toy for clitoral stimulation. The toy is also flat enough (about 1 inch thick) for easy positioning between bodies during intercourse. The Magic Wand Rechargeable has an automatic shutoff function at the 20-minute mark, which can be disruptive if you don’t expect it (one of our testers thought the toy had run out of battery life when this happened). The manufacturer recommends letting the toy cool off after 20 minutes to prolong the motor’s life, but you can continue to use it at this point by simply turning it back on again.