Sex Toys 101 – A Positive And Detailed Beginner’s Guide

It matters not if you are as green as a novice or are experienced as a seasoned BDSM couple; at some point, everyone's got to use a sex toy. Besides, this area is quite broad; you won't lack something new to learn.

Sex toys are tools used by human beings to enhance their intimate sexual experience. They are especially applied in foreplay and in inducing orgasms. Sex toys are commonly used for masturbation for all genders.

This article provides you with a broad but summarized guide to sex toys. Unfortunately, since the subject is too comprehensive and far-reaching, we shall not go to further lengths and detailed explanations to fit as much information on toys here as possible.

You can, however, widen your search by looking for specific toys, say butt or penis toys.

Toy categories

Vaginal toys

• Dildos: - arguably the most common and oldest vaginal toy. It is shaped like a penis. It is used for sexual stimulation.   
• Strap-on: - these are dildos or vibrators with harnesses. They are worn and used for vaginal or g-spot stimulation.
• Vibrators: - they are dildo-like electric devices with an internal motor for vibrations. They can be used for vaginal or clitoral stimulation. Some come with enhanced connection and compatibility such that they can be controlled remotely.
• Ben Wa balls: - these are small, weighted, marble-like balls for vaginal insertion. They play a major role in exercising the pelvic floor walls. Some people call them Venus, geisha, Burmese, or orgasm balls.
• Clitoral pumps: - sexual devices used to enhance blood flow into the clitoris for intense sexual stimulation.
• Clitoral vibrators: - this one is comparatively smaller compared to other vibrators. It is specifically meant for external use only. It majorly targets the clitoral stimulation but can be used elsewhere as well.

Penis toys

• Cock rings: - a ring worn at the base of the penis to maintain longer erections. The concept is to reduce blood flow out of the penis.
• Penis pumps: - this is a cylindrically shaped vacuumed object worn on the penis. It largely helps in enhancing blood flow into the penis and engorge it for extended periods. Keeping blood in the penis helps with erections. Doctors tend to prescribe this device for erectile dysfunction, and it is sometimes sold for penis enlargement.
• Masturbation sleeves are thin, soft, flexible tube-like devices worn around the penis to provide more stimulation for enhanced masturbation. These items are typically anal or vaginal simulators and come in two versions. One is open-ended, while another has one opening.
• Ball stretchers: - these are weighted devices worn between the balls of a man's body. They are meant to help lower the balls further from the body to enhance sensations when they brush against the thighs.
• Extension sleeves: - they resemble masturbation sleeves. However, these tools are worn on the penis to add the length and texture of the penis for the other partner’s stimulation and enhanced pleasure.

Butt toys

• Anal beads are more of orgasm balls; except, they are slightly big and shaped like orbs. These are corded spherical balls that are inserted in the rectum and withdrawn during orgasms to enhance sensations.
• Anal plugs: - beginners would start with anal trainers. They are cone-shaped dildo-like but small sex toys inserted in the rectum for sexual stimulation. These items have a flared base to prevent complete insertion. You don't want the device to get lost in your alimentary canal.
• Prostate massagers: - the p-spot (masculine g-spot) is also stimulated by stroking and massages like the g-spot in females. The prostate massager is responsible for this. Some prostate massagers are fitted with a motor for vibration. Others have dildos and male masturbators attached to them.

Nipple toys

• Nipple clamps: - these are devices made to regulate blood supply into the nipples. They also apply pressure such that the breasts feel pinched. The intensity of the pain and pleasure felt depends on the device's strength and the experience of the user. Nipple clamps are used in pairs and are sometimes connected by a chain.
• Suction cups: - these toys are designed to increase blood flow into the nipples.

 Sex dolls

These are human simulating sex devices made to sexually satisfy without necessarily having a human touch. Or they can be said to be sex toys with a touch of human anatomy.

Sex dolls are designed for both males and females.  

Erotic furniture

These are pieces of equipment used to enhance sexual activity. They include; fisting slings, sawhorses, angled foam wedges, sex swings, spanking benches, sex gliders, queening stools, love chairs, and bondage tools such as stocks, etc.

BDSM tools

This is another expansive field with hundreds of play tools. I'll just mention a few:

Harnesses, humblers, belts, muzzles, ropes, BDSM chastity tools, cages, shackles, tapes, yokes, binders, ball locks, cuffs, gags, hooks, bondage gloves, corsets, spreader bars, blindfolds, masks, canes, paddles, sleepsacks, restraints, speculums, urethral dilators, penis plugs, forceps, pinwheels, reflex hammers, dental retractors, whips, straight jackets, genital pumps, and many more – the list is long.

Sex toy safety

• Beware of material toxicity. Always observe the material used. Avoid the following; Silicone blends, TPR-silicone, PVC, Cyberskin, Vinyl, Rubber, SEBS, Elastomer, Futorotic, Silica Gel, Fanta Flesh, UR3, Neoskin, FauxFlesh, and TPE/TPR. Some of these are porous.
• Safer materials are non-toxic and non-porous. Consider the following; medical-grade silicone, borosilicate,medical-grade stainless steel, soda-lime glass, wood, ceramic, stone, and ABS.
• Be mindful of sex toy hygiene. Ensure you thoroughly wash them before and after use. Dry and store them in a well-aerated room.
• Store silicone-made toys separately.
• Do experiment with bondage if you are not knowledgeable in this field.
• Sterilize shared toys before and after.
• Do not use your vaginal tools for the anal and vice versa. It may cause cross-contamination.
• Read and follow the instructions against every sex toy.

Use the correct lubes on the toys.