Using a sex toy is probably one of the most intimate acts there is. And it’s perfectly legitimate to ask yourself many questions before buying one. Before inserting, placing or playing with a sex toy on your anatomy, you need to be sure of your choice: are the materials used safe? Won’t the intensity of the vibrations from this new object of pleasure be too strong? Will it be complicated to use? In short, how do you choose the right sex toy, i.e. a sex toy tailored to YOUR needs?
Two issues appear to be essential and ‘intimately’ intertwined – safety of use and sexual satisfaction of users.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to choose sex toys that respect your body while satisfying your pleasure. Whether you’re looking for information before buying your very first sex toy or you’re a seasoned user, this sex toy guide will help you make your choice with all the facts at hand.
Material Safety: Why It Matters
Sex toys can be made from a variety of materials: silicone, ABS plastic, glass, metal, rubber, etc. It’s important to always put your safety first by choosing non-porous materials such as silicone, glass or metal rather than porous materials that could harbour (and see bacteria proliferate). When you’re not sure about a sex toy, check its main material and pay attention to whether or not it contains phthalates. Always go for hypoallergenic options. In other words, materials that are not likely to cause allergies. Nobody wants that, especially when their private parts are involved.
Intended Use: Solo vs. Partnered Play
An important factor to consider when buying your sex toy is its intended use? Are you going to use it alone? If so, to stimulate your clitoris, your G-spot, your penis and/or your prostate? With two or more partners? If you’re using it alone, you can opt for a clitoral massager or a dual-stimulation vibrator. Gentlemen can opt for penis rings or penis consoles. Some sex toys can be controlled from a (long) distance via an app – a great option if you’re planning to use them with someone else.
Vibration Intensity and Power Levels
Another point to consider is the intensity of vibration you want from your sex toy. Some sex toys offer an average but fixed vibration, while others offer a range of different variations. Some vibrations will be very muted and very deep, while others may be more acute. It’s up to you to decide what you prefer, depending on how you use your sex toys. Bear in mind that some sex toys run on batteries. This is practical because you don’t have to think about your charger, but it can be annoying if they lose all their energy in the middle of a masturbation session. Some sex toys, on the other hand, run on battery power and can therefore be recharged like any other electrical appliance.
Size and Shape: Finding the Right Fit
When buying a sex toy for the first time, it’s very important to opt for a sex toy of a reasonable size. You need to feel comfortable with the object: both when you hold it in your hand and when you use it afterwards. Sex toys come in different shapes: straight, curved, textured, with two tips, or rounder. Some fit in the palm of your hand, while others extend far beyond it. Unlike ‘conventional’ sex, when it comes to sex toys, size matters. Not necessarily in the way you’d expect, but in terms of ease of use and grip. Some sex toys are so big or so long that you almost dread using them. Don’t be intimidated, just listen to yourself.
Noise Level: Discreet vs. Powerful
Are you looking for a quiet vibrator that you can use discreetly in all circumstances? If so, pay close attention to the decibels indicated on the presentation sheets of the products you’re interested in. The differences can really be significant. It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews before buying.
Waterproof vs. Splashproof: Why It’s Important
Some sex toys can be used in the shower because they are splashproof. Some, on the other hand, are truly waterproof, which means your sex toy can be used in many different ways. Thus, you can enjoy masturbation sessions in the shower or bath.
Another notable advantage of waterproof sex toys is that they’re much easier to clean (with a little warm water and soap before drying thoroughly).
Compatibility with Lubricants
Make sure you use the right lubricant for your sex toy. Choose a water-based lubricant for silicone sex toys and a silicone-based lubricant for glass/metal sex toys. Bear in mind that using the right lubricant will prolong the life of your sex toy.
Battery Life and Charging Options
As we’ve seen, some sex toys run on batteries while others can be charged using a USB cable. What are the advantages of USB-rechargeable sex toys over disposable battery-powered toys?
The first argument is obviously ecological. The second is practicality. If you have a cable, it’s impossible to run out of sex toys.
An electrically powered battery lasts longer than a system that uses disposable batteries. Some sex toys offer fast-charging options for added convenience, so you don’t have to interrupt your solo moment. USB charging has it all.
Budget Considerations: Luxury vs. Affordable
The sex toy industry has developed and diversified enormously over the years. There is now a huge variety of sex toys in terms of shape, size, materials (some are even made of gold), vibration modes, connectivity… but also in terms of price.
Buying certain sex toys shouldn’t affect your budget, while others, such as premium or luxury sex toys, represent a small investment.
What you’ll get with a premium or luxury sex toy: high-quality materials that are safe for your body and intimate parts; a stronger motor; a product that lasts longer.
You might wonder why you should opt for really expensive sex toys when low-cost alternatives seem to do the job. Well, precisely because the job isn’t done in the same way.
Premium or luxury sex toys offer varying levels of vibration; they are often waterproof; their sophisticated design enables them to stimulate your intimate and sensitive areas with great precision; their lifespan is long…
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Sex toys are in direct contact with your most intimate areas and probably the most sensitive parts of your anatomy. It is vital to clean them thoroughly after each use.
This will be all the easier if you choose materials that are easy to clean, such as silicone or glass, and/or waterproof sex toys.
How do you clean your sex toy properly after use?
The easiest way is with warm water and soap. Gently wash your sex toy with soap, rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a clean towel or tea towel. Make sure it is completely dry before storing it in the little cloth bag it is usually sold or delivered with.
There are also cleaning sprays specially designed for sex toys. Simply apply them or spray them onto the sex toy, leave them to work for a few minutes before rinsing your object of pleasure with water and drying it gently.
Conclusion
Buying your first sex toy or yet another pleasure object is not something to be taken lightly.
As a reminder, here are the points to consider before choosing a sex toy:
- Its use: solo, for two, for your clitoris, your G-spot, your penis, your prostate…;
- The choice of material: safe for the body, easy to clean, hypoallergenic;
- Vibration intensity;
- Noise level;
- Waterproofing;
- Recharging method: USB or disposable batteries;
- Price.
There are also more aesthetic considerations, such as design and color.
When choosing, think about your specific needs and choose accordingly. We recommend that you always consult customer reviews, make comparisons between the different models that tempt you and buy with all the facts in hand. The pleasure will be all the greater.
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