With India becoming more sex positive, there are more avenues for adults to enlighten themselves on the topic of sex. Sex does not have to be bland, boring, and just done for the sake of it anymore. It’s all about experimentation, and that’s where sex toys come in.
According to sexual health experts, sex toys can help with stress-relief, lead to better orgasms, and a healthier sex life. It’s time we learn about the common ones so that we can make informed decisions.
1. Dildos
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Usually shaped like penises, dildos are objects that can be inserted into the vagina, anus, or mouth. They come in a variety of different materials, like silicone, rubber, plastic, metal, or break-resistant glass. These can help stimulate the G-spot or prostate and are quite widely used for masturbation or by partners looking it to amp it up.
2. Vibrators
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One of the simplest sex toys to experiment with, the name ‘vibrator’ gives its function away. These toys vibrate to stimulate and arouse the erogenous zones. Vibrators come in many different shapes and sizes, and some are particularly targeted towards specific preferences. Clitoral vibrators, wand massagers, clit suction toys, and penis vibrator rings are the most common ones.
3. Plugs
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Most commonly called butt plugs, this type of toy stimulates the anus. There are many different kinds of anal toys like butt plugs, beads, and prostate massagers. It’s very important that any toy you put in your butt has a flared base or some other way to pull the toy out without hassle.
4. Rings
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Usually for male pleasure, rings go around the scrotum and/or penis. Often called penis or cock rings, these toys slow blood flow out of the penis when it’s erect, which can increase sensation, or make the erection harder and longer-lasting. Some penis rings include vibrators as well. The safest ones are made of soft, flexible materials like silicone, rubber, or leather with snaps.
5. Harnesses
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Think of these as accessories used during sex. The bondage-style equipment is usually used with a partner. Available in different varieties and worn in the same way one would wear underwear, they help in utilising sex toys which need some sort of attaching. However, they can also be tied around different body parts. These toys can be used for BDSM as well.
6. Sleeves
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Another sex toy that is usually targeted towards penis owners, sleeves are also known as ‘penis sleeves’ or ‘strokers’. They are soft tubes for one to put their penis into. Sleeves come in many shapes and sizes, and often have different textures on the inside for increased sensation. There are also strokers that are specifically designed for a larger clitoris or smaller penis, particularly for intersex or trans people on hormone therapy.
For the longest time, everything even remotely related to sex has been kept under wraps. Sex toys, self-gratification, and the idea of orgasms, especially for women, has been a taboo subject for far too long.
It is time we start talking openly about sex and sexuality, so that we can live in a more open world. The first step towards that utopia is talking about the more intimate things in life…and learning the names of the most common sex toys, of course!
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