Historically, men have gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to sex toys. Even when masturbation sleeves made their grand debut in the 90s, loads of the penis owners were left out as erections-on-demand were a requirement for use. While bottoms have more options to choose from than tops, they've had to shrug off the femme-focused branding if they don't have access to a gay friendly toy store. But in the 2000s a UK based sex tech company burst onto the scene with futuristic sex tech that gave ED (and cheesy hetero-centric franchises) a run for their money. Hot Octopuss launched the world's first guybrator, that is an oscillating penis sleeve that made orgasms possible with the push of a button, even for dicks that don't always rise to the occasion.
In this article we'll cover everything you need to know to get started with male toys, including how to: • choose the right toy for the job • successfully shop online • avoid assaulting your junk with toxic materials • decide if you're ready for 'advanced' toys and we'll finish strong with a section of tips for sex toy newbies.
Kind of a big deal.
Sex toys are a secret weapon for both singles and couples in the quest for deeper sexual fulfilment. The sheer variety of textures, hardness, vibrations, and girth help expand people's understanding of what their body likes and how their body works. Additionally, sex tech and adult toys provide delightful solutions for erectile dysfunction, sexual boredom, and mismatched libidos. Remember that regular masturbation has benefits for both mental and physical health, so anything that strengthens your solo sex practice should be awarded a spot near the top of your to-do list.
First things first . . .
Don't rub your dick on toxins.
As much as it pains me to make sweeping statements, I'm going to lead with: Chemical burns don't feel good on genitals (heavy masochists aside.) And it's about more than phthalates. There are also additives that cause toys to break down, and imposter materials that falsely claim to be silicone while they proceed to degrade and melt, no matter where you put them. This pillar page from dangerouslilly.com has the juiciest information you've ever seen on sex toy toxicity. It breaks down the truth about body safe materials, challenges Amazon-only sex toy brands, and posts updated photos from flame tests and an ongoing sex toy melting experiment that began in 2013.
How To Choose The Right Toy For The Job
Alright, let's get to the good stuff.
Which body parts do you want to stimulate?
Perineum & balls - Perhaps the most common drive to get a sex toy is the desire to treat your taint to a little something special. While theoretically you could put anything that vibrates on your perineum, consider the perks of a motorized cock ring. Largely, it holds itself in place, leaving your hands free to get into other trouble. ATOM PLUS is in a league on its own, with dual integrated motors, one of which sits at the base of the penis, while the other nestles into the pleasure-hungry area behind the balls.
Anus - There more styles of plugs to choose from than Ru has wigs. Bulbous, conical, curved, slender, and beaded designs are just the tip of the iceberg. And then there are the vibrating kinds. (Spoiler: Hot Octopuss is on track to launch a techy anal product this summer!) I go with the Pokémon approach. As in, (use lube and) gotta catch 'em all.
Frenulum - The most sensitive area of the penis is one of those "I remember his face but not his name" situations – while nobody seems to know what it's called, we're all familiar with hyper-responsive segment of skin at the underside of the mushroom tip. PULSE SOLO LUX is the bigger, badder rendition of the world's first vibrator, PULSE SOLO ESSENTIAL, differentiated by its Turbo Button which now has a cult following (think of it as cum on demand.) The tech inside this guy is its PulsePlate™ which is positioned to target the frenulum for a roller coaster ride unlike any you've felt before. It doesn't vibrate; it pulsates. You'll understand when you try it.
There are two more factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a sex toy purchase:
Handsfree orgasms - The urban legend of the handsfree orgasm has been made a reality by Hot Octopuss' JETT. A silicone band straps two, independently controlled bullets onto either side of the shaft, looking kind of a jet pack on your dick. But these aren't just any bullets; they have Treble and Bass technology. One bullet permeates your meat with deep rumbly Bass vibrations while the other gives you goosebumps in all kinds of places with its high frequency Treble. Let your partner take control while you put your hands behind your head . . . or get on your knees and beg.
The only treatment you'll ever want for Erectile Dysfunction – sadly most male toys require an erection in order to be used. JETT and PULSE however have made a big splash by providing delicious solutions for dicks anywhere on the hardness scale. Both products have long track records of causing fulfilling orgasms and even involuntary ejaculation in men with ED. Whether you want to party all night or just take some of the performance pressure off, both JETT and PULSE put a fulfilling load within reach.
Shopping Online For Sex Toys
Choose a store that overtly brags about the quality of their materials. Be wary of any brands that don't proudly list their product ingredients and remember that non-toxic does not equal body-safe. Compare video and customer reviews. While some sexfluencers might be affiliates, they will likely provide detailed specs and footage of the toy in action. Next, go to different websites that sell the product and keep an eye out for both good and bad customer comments. Gain inspiration! Whether nerding out on kink with Watts The Safeword or whetting your appetite with some eye candy from Andrew Christian, there is plenty of media out there to open the floodgates of creative ideas. Finally, prepare yourself to invest in quality. When it comes to fuckable objects, you really get what you pay for.
You're ready for 'advanced' sex toys if . . . • You're a purveyor of fine arts. And consider cumming to be a fine art. • You have unreliable erections but want a reliable way to get off. • You're tired of the old pump and dump. • You're curious and even patient when it comes to trying new sensations. • Technology specs and user manuals turn you on.
Tips for sex toy newbies • Read and watch toy reviews! • If at first it doesn't measure up, try it in a different way, body part, or situation. • Don't put pressure on yourself to perform. • Store them away from sunlight and dog fur. • Use safer sharing practices. • Invest in quality.
Leaders like Hot Octopuss and all the hard work of horny sluts are laying to rest the old narrative of "fuck or be fucked, at least one hard on required." Sex toys provide many an enjoyable solution to common penis and relationship issues; with the right attitude and research you'll be well on your way to a thrilling new level of sexual satisfaction.