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Sex Toys: How To Keep Them Clean And Safe

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Sex toys can get nasty if you don’t take care of them and keep them clean. Also, some sex toys contain harmful chemicals. Here’s how to keep your favorites like new – and safe for you!

What Are Phthalates?

You may have heard of phthalates – these are dangerous chemicals that can be found in some rubbers and plastics that have been shown to be carcinogenic (cancer causing). Some sex toys also have phthalates in them, namely products that are made of jelly rubber. If you’ve ever opened a brand new product and it smelled of chemicals or had a strong plastic smell, you were probably smelling the phthalates in the rubber.

Does My Sex Toy Have Phthalates?

Most hard plastic vibrators and the like do not contain phthalates, and some jelly feeling products are made from silicone, so the only way to know for sure is to read the packaging and manual that came with your product and find out what it is made of. Some sex toys that do have phthalates aren’t going to necessarily advertise that they do, so if you suspect that your product does contain these chemicals and there’s no information in the packaging to suggest otherwise, you’ll want to assume that it does and take measures to stay safe.

If you’re purchasing a new sex toy or selecting your first one, finding one that is made without phthalates is actually very easy. Glass sex toys, hard plastic vibrators, wood, ceramic, metal and silicone sex toys are all phthalate free. A simple Internet search will reveal tons of phthalate free products for you to choose from.

Using A Condom With Your Vibrator

It’s a huge bummer to find out that your favorite sex toy is made with phthalates. It’s given you orgasm after orgasm and it works like a charm – but should you throw it out? Perhaps, but you don’t necessarily have to. Most people don’t think to use condoms during masturbation – since you’re not really risking getting pregnant or contracting STD’s – but condoms can actually help protect you from dangerous chemicals found in some sex toys.

The next time you’re getting ready to use your vibrator or dildo, slip a condom over it before inserting it into your vagina. This will help protect the delicate tissues inside the vagina from the chemicals. However, using a condom won’t protect you from any phthalates that are on the outside of the toy. For example, if you own a rabbit style vibrator, you can slip a condom over the dildo part of the toy, but you will still remain unprotected from the jelly covering on the vibrating clitoris attachment. All in all though, using a condom with sex toys that you suspect may contain dangerous phthalates significantly reduces your risk.

Using The Right Kind Of Lube

Not all lubricants are compatible with all sex toys. If you’re using the wrong lubricant with your products, you’re going to find that they degrade faster or become sticky, tacky or unusable in just a short amount of time. Finding the right lube to use with your product is essential if you want it to last longer.

Silicone: Silicone sex toys cannot be used with silicone lube. This will cause the material to degrade.

Hard Plastic: Can be used with any type of lube.

Wood: Can be used with any type of lube.

Latex: Cannot be used with oil based lube. Similarly, condoms cannot be used with oil based lube either.

Ceramic & Glass: Can be used with any type of lube.

Jelly Rubber: Best with water based lube, since jelly rubber can contain elements of latex and silicone.

In truth, water based lubricant is probably your best bet for any kind of sex toys. You don’t have to worry about buying different types of lube that are compatible with all your different kinds of products if you’re using a good water based lube. Water based lube is also a breeze to rinse off, unlike silicone or oil based lubricants.

Cleanup & Storage

When you’re using a condom with your sex toys, you can pretty much slip the condom off and store it right then and there. You might have to wipe it down some if things got really wild, but using a condom during masturbation actually helps make clean up faster.

If you’re not using a condom with your product, read the instructions to find out the manufacturer’s suggested cleaning methods. Most hard plastic toys can be wiped down with a damp cloth, while jelly rubber or latex products probably need a good soap and water bath to feel really clean.

You’ll always want to clean your products immediately after use. Sure, you may be spent after an incredible orgasm, however, you definitely don’t want to leave your toy sitting there for any length of time. This will cause it to grow bacteria and many sex toys are porous – meaning that the bacteria will actually absorb into the material of the product. This means your toys will retain odor and may never feel really “clean” again. Be safe and clean your products as soon as you’re done.

10 Titillating Sex Toys Under $10

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Sex toys don’t have to be expensive to be fun. Whether you’re by yourself or with a partner, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg just to get a decent sex toy. Heat it up between you and your lover with these ten great sex toys all under ten bucks!

Purrfect Pets Tickle Me Dolphin

A cock ring and a vibrator all in one, the Purrfect Pets Tickle Me Dolphin is a great couples’ sex toy. The cock ring portion of the product will keep his erection rock hard, while the vibrator will stimulate the woman’s clitoris and help bring her to an incredible orgasm. This is a must-have for couples who struggle with erectile dysfunction or difficulty reaching orgasm. It’s also available in other shapes for more excitement, including a “Buzz Bunny” and a “Buzzy Butterfly.”

Crystal Jellies 6″ Anal Starter

Lots of couples want to get into anal sex, but they’re not exactly sure where to start. Sex toys built specifically for beginner’s anal play are probably your best bet, and the Crystal Jellies 6″ Anal Starter definitely fits the bill. It’s small and slim, so it’s perfect for guys and girls who are just starting out. At it’s thinnest point, this product is about 1/2″ wide, and at it’s widest, it’s barely 1″. When you’ve never done anal insertion before, smaller is definitely better when you’re just getting into it.

Sugar Lips Nipple Gloss

Guys love breasts, so why not make yours noticeable with a swipe of nipple gloss before sex? It also works on your lips too – and wherever you put Sugar Lips Nipple Gloss, you’re going to feel a tingly, plumping sensation. Not only does it make your lips and nipples look ultra kissable, the taste is super sweet. Try flavors like Lick My Strawberry, Kiss My Cinnabuns, Cock n’ Candy, Whip Me Cream and Pump Me Colada.

Tenga Eggs

For guys on the go, this uniquely designed masturbation sleeve is a huge hit. Packed in an egg like container, the soft silicone masturbation sleeve includes it’s own package of lube to be used with the sleeve. Tenga Eggs come in tons of different styles and textures, such as Twister, Clicker, Stepper, Wavy, Spider and Silky. Each egg feels totally different during masturbation! The downside to this sex toy is that it is disposable – you can only use it one time (really, you should only use it one time) before throwing it away.

Tongue Teaser

While oral sex is always fantastic by itself, you can add some great feeling vibrations to the mix with the Tongue Teaser. The soft jelly toy slips over the tongue and vibrates. This is an especially great toy for men who want to please women who have difficulty reaching orgasm orally. A snug band makes sure this product doesn’t slip off the tongue, no matter how wet and wild things get! It also runs for about forty minutes, so that gives you plenty of time for orgasmic pleasure.

Sterling Sleeves

Sterling Sleeves are soft, stretchy silicone sleeves that fit over the penis and are designed to be used during sex. They can help make your penis just a little bit longer, and usually the textured outsides stimulate a woman’s g-spot in just the right way. If you’ve been trying unsuccessfully to have (or give) a g-spot orgasm, try slipping on a Sterling Sleeve. The extra sensations may be exactly what she needs to push her over the edge.

Frisky Fingers Clitoris Vibrator

Every girl needs a small, discreet and easy to use finger vibrator that fits nicely over the clitoris. Sometimes, a girl just wants to get the job done and a Frisky Fingers Clitoris Vibrator will do just that. It slides over the finger and the soft silicone nubs feel amazing in conjunction with the vibrations. It’s quiet, so you can even throw it in your purse and take it anywhere!

Astroglide Strawberry Lubricant

Whether you’re having sex au natural or using sex toys, lube is definitely a must have. But why should lube – especially when used with a condom – smell and taste like rubber, plastic and chemicals? Astroglide Strawberry Lubricant combines Astroglide’s popular lube formula with a great strawberry flavor, so you can smell and taste great during sex.

Fetish Fantasy Series Beginner’s Furry Cuffs

If you’ve never tried bondage before – or have and loved it – a pair of soft, furry handcuffs are indispensable. Fetish Fantasy Series Beginner’s Furry Cuffs are strong yet soft, so you can have fun locking your partner up and having your way with them! They do have a quick release mechanism that you can use if things get too intense or if you or your partner lose the key. Comes in black or white.

Sportsheets Rubber O-Rings

If you want an inexpensive pack of basic rubber cock rings in different sizes, Sportsheets Rubber O-Rings are exactly what you’re looking for. No frills, just plain black rubber in a variety of different sizes to accommodate both a large and small penis size. You can also use them with harnesses that have straps – just don’t forget to use lube so you can slide the O-Ring off easily when you’re finished.

10 Beginner’s Sex Toys You’ve GOT To Have (If You’re A Novice)

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Sex toys can be intimidating if you’ve never used them before. This is especially true for virgin girls who wish to masturbate but aren’t sure what kind of product to get, or for men who have never used masturbating sleeves or other “toys for boys” before and aren’t sure where to begin. If you’re just starting to use sex toys, here are the ones you definitely want to try!

Lots Of Lube

Lube is extremely important to use when playing with sex toys. In fact, it’s also great to use during sex but many people that haven’t made the foray into sex toys have never tried using lube before either! Whether you’re having sex with a partner or masturbating with a vibrator, even just a dab of lube will make things slip and slide much better. Of course, the wetter the better so lots of lube is preferred, especially with anal sex!

Recommendation: Astroglide! It’s basic, easy to use and has been used for years. It’s an all around great lube to use that is safe for both sex toys and use with condoms.

A Masturbation Sleeve

Every guy starts out masturbating with their own hand, and many guys still do. If you haven’t discovered how really great masturbating with a sex toy is, you’re in for a real treat. Try slipping your penis into a lubed up masturbation sleeve before your self-love session and see what a difference it makes! You can get all kinds of sleeves to satisfy whatever desires you have, whether you’re into lots of texture or something really nice and tight. Masturbation will never be the same again!

Recommendation: Climax Gems Crystal Hand Job Stroker. It’s a great way to start using a masturbation sleeve if you’ve never used one before, especially since some of the more “anatomically correct” strokers can seem a little intimidating at first. This one is extra ribbed for pleasure too!

A Slender Vibrator

Women that have never used a vibrator inside before will definitely want to try something small and slender at first. A slender vibrator doesn’t hurt going in when used with lube – even for many virgins – and the torpedo design will reach the g-spot in no time. This is a great product to start out with when you’re just beginning to use sex toys during penetration.

Recommendation: 5″ Grrl Toyz Waterproof Slimstick. This is a great vibrator for women who are interested in trying insertion during masturbation or couples play but don’t want to start with a giant dildo. It’s slim design is great for even very small women or virgins.

A Clitoris Vibrator

Most girls start out rubbing their clitoris with their fingers or palms when they first start to masturbate. This is because the clitoris is packed with over 8,000 sensitive nerve endings and is responsible for most women’s orgasms. Many women prefer to masturbate with a clitoris vibrator, even if they’ve had sex before or masturbated with a vibrator or dildo designed for insertion. Using a vibrator on the clitoris can induce very intense, very powerful orgasms!

Recommendation: Ophoria Finger Vibe – 3″. Every girl needs to start out with a clitoris vibrator, especially if she’s a virgin. Women can reach orgasm most often through clitoral stimulation, so this can even be a great toy to use with a partner as well. It fits easily on the finger and also comes in a variety of fun, bright colors.

A Traveling Vibrator

Once you get into using sex toys, you’re going to want to take them wherever you go. Especially for those long business trips away from your partner where you know you’ll be “flying solo” so to speak! But if you’re flying, or even driving for that matter, you don’t necessarily want to take your most conspicuous vibrator in case your luggage gets checked. A travel safe vibrator is a must have for women on the go.

Recommendation: Grrl Toyz Lipstick Vibe. It looks exactly like lipstick. Enough said.

Toy Cleaner

Even if you’ve never used sex toys before, it’s not difficult to guess that they can get pretty nasty if you don’t clean them thoroughly before and after each use. While you can use soap and water to clean most sex toys, getting a good anti-bacterial toy cleaner is a must to keep your sex toys looking and feeling like new each time you use them. Often, it’s a lot easier to use a special toy cleaner than it is to bust out the soap and hot water.

Recommendation: System Jo Toy Cleaner. Priced right, all you have to do with this easy to use toy cleaner is spray it on and wipe it off. It’s a quick way to keep your sex toys lasting longer.

A Cock Ring

Just like with masturbation sleeves, most guys don’t think about using cock rings – or any sex toys, really – during masturbation. Since they can simply use their hands (and there’s rarely any evidence laying around if all you’re using is a hand), most guys don’t think about how much better a masturbation session can be by using and experimenting with different products designed for sexual enhancement. Next time you masturbate, try slipping on a cock ring to keep your erection rock hard and lasting long. You’ll be surprised at how good everything feels with a cock ring on!

Recommendation: M2M Nitrile 1.75″ Cock Rings (Pack Of 5). You definitely don’t want to use a metal cock ring, and these soft rings are made from nitrile, which is compatible with all kinds of lube, including silicone and oil based!

A Butt Plug

If you’re starting to get into anal sex or even just a little anal play, a beginner’s butt plug is a must have. Whether you’re enjoying anal stimulation during sex or during masturbation, a small butt plug can give you just enough stimulation without being painful to make your sexual escapades feel radically different – and amazing! Make sure you use any anal toy with lube and never insert anything into your anus that isn’t designed to go there, because it could get lost!

Recommendation: Basix Rubber Works Mini Butt Plug. Comes in four colors and is super small for beginner’s use. You definitely want to use water based lube with this one though.

A Bullet Massager

Often, a bullet massager is a woman’s first vibrating sex toy. Even if it’s not, a bullet vibrator is something you definitely want to have on hand. It too is a great vibrator to take with you on trips! A bullet vibrator is also the kind you want to use with a lot of couples’ sex toys, such as cock rings with a place for a bullet vibe to go on top. Sometimes, a simple bullet vibrator is all you need to get and stay satisfied.

Recommendation: Power Bullet Vibrating Massager – 3 Speeds. Small, discreet and easy to use. Tiny enough to take with you anywhere but it’s vibrations are powerful for how small this toy really is!

A Blindfold

A blindfold is a great way to get your feet wet with BDSM if you’re just starting to get interested in it but don’t want to go too far with the whips and chains at first. A blindfold adds such an incredible element of mystery and most of them are incredibly inexpensive. You can use a silk tie or other things from around the house to create a blindfold, but buying one isn’t very expensive and are much more comfortable to wear – especially for longer periods of time.

Recommendation: Fetish Fantasy Series Satin Love Mask. It’s just your basic love mask, but if you’ve never tried BDSM before, a blindfold is where you want to start. You can’t imagine how sexy things can get once you take away the sense of sight!

What Is Double Penetration?

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Anal sex can be even more fun when you involve insertion of an object in the vagina in addition to the anus. It can increase the frequency and intensity of orgasms during sex and it can be just the boost you need if your sex life is in a rut. It can also help you add a whole new level of pleasure to masturbation. But what exactly is double penetration, how do you do it and how do you keep it safe and clean?

What Is Double Penetration?

Usually during sex or masturbation, a man’s penis or a sex toy penetrates the vagina only. During anal sex, a penis or sex toy will penetrate the anus only. With this sex activity, a penis or toy will penetrate the vagina and the anus at the same time. This can be very pleasurable for a woman who enjoys feeling very “full” during sex, and it can increase the amount and intensity of a woman’s orgasms significantly.

For women who have trouble having a g-spot orgasm, double penetration can be the key. The object inserted into the anus actually rubs up against back side of the g-spot, stimulating it from the other side. It also helps push the g-spot forward into the object that is inserted into the vagina, so that it receives more stimulation from the front side as well. Combine stimulation of the clitoris with insertion of an object into the vagina and rectum for a really wild orgasm!

How To Get Started

As with anal sex, it’s important to start small and work your way up. Giant sex toys aren’t the best choice for the first time you try it. Remember that the anus doesn’t stretch like the vagina does and objects that you think are pretty small are actually going to feel very big once you insert them into your rectum. Consider trying a tiny butt plug to begin with, and then work your way up to larger and larger objects as you become more accustomed to bigger sizes.

It’s also important to use a very generous amount of lube during double penetration. The anus does not self lubricate like a vagina does and even small objects will cause pain and may tear the delicate anal tissues if there’s not enough lubricant down there. Lube is inexpensive and available almost anywhere, so there’s really no reason not to use it! Anal sex of any kind is much more pleasurable when everything is going smoothly.

Tools Of The Trade

Unless you’re with two guys, you’re going to have to use a sex toy of some kind in addition to your partner if you want to achieve double penetration. During masturbation, you’re going to need even more equipment. Here’s a breakdown of the different tools of the trade.

During Sex With A Partner

If he’s going to be entering your vagina, you’ll want to have a small butt plug on hand to insert into your rectum. If you’re more advanced with this sex technique, you can try using a larger sex toy for anal sex.

If he’s going to be entering your anus, you’ll want to have a larger sex toy on hand that will provide stimulation of the vagina. This can be as simple as a torpedo vibrator or as complicated as a Rabbit vibrator that stimulates the g-spot and the clitoris at the same time.

During Masturbation

Double penetration is a little different with masturbation since you’ll be doing all the work yourself. The most important thing during masturbation is to find a comfortable position to lie in that allows you full access to both your vagina and anus without restricting the movement of your hands or arms. You may want to have a few pillows on hand to help you do this.

As far as sex toys go, you really can use whatever you want here! Again, if you’re a beginner, choose a smaller sex toy for your anus. If you use a butt plug, both of your hands will be free to operate the sex toy you’re using on your vagina. Some sex toys have components for the anus, the vagina and the clitoris to provide stimulation of all three areas at once.

During A Threesome

This can also be achieved during a threesome if you’re having sex with two men. A lot of women really enjoy the thrill of being penetrated by a man in both the vagina and the anus and this is actually a sexual fantasy that a lot of women have but don’t often get to really act out.

Staying Safe

Because double penetration involves anal sex, there are some things you need to do to make sure everything stays clean and safe.

Use condoms on your sex toys. Do not insert a sex toy into the anus and then into the vagina without first taking the condom used in the anus off and putting a new one on. This prevents serious bacterial infections.

Do not use sex toys in the anus that aren’t designed for anal sex. If it doesn’t have a wide base or a ring on the end of it that prevents the toy from slipping inside the rectum in its entirety, it’s not something you want to use for anal stimulation. If it’s not designed for anal sex, it can slip up inside and get lost, requiring expensive urgent medical care.

If you’re having sex with two men, use condoms. STD’s can be transmitted easily this way, especially if the men swap between the anus and the vagina. As with sex toys, do not allow anal to vagina activity without a fresh condom being put on in between.

Go slow and use lube. The anal tissues can tear and bleed if you’re not using lube, go too fast or are using something that is too large.

If it hurts, stop. Never use desensitizing lube during anal sex because you definitely want to feel it if it hurts, because if it does, you need to stop! Never continue with penetration if there’s pain of any kind.

Your Guide On How To Choose The Right Sex Toys

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Choosing sex toys takes definitely takes some thought – very rarely do couples buy sex toys on impulse. There are things to look for when you’re making a purchase, depending on what you like or don’t like. Here’s the best way to figure out what sex toys you want to buy and what aspects are more important in a sex toy than others.

What Not To Shop For

There are lots of things that you want in a sex toy, but it’s unlikely that you’ll find the perfect made-just-for-you toy that meets every one of your requirements. That said, it’s essential that you think about what’s important in your item and what isn’t as crucial. Here are some examples of things you don’t necessarily want to narrow down your search:

Color

While you want your vibrator or dildo to be pretty, shopping for one based on what color it is alone is a great way to get a sex toy that you hate or can’t use. Certain sex toys come in certain colors, and if you’re only looking for clear or red (or whatever your chosen color is), you’re going to be limited in what you can get in that particular color. Instead, focus on a more important aspect – such as function or size – when shopping.

Brand

There are great brands out there, but not all the items produced by one brand are great. You may get a really fun, awesome dildo and swear up and down that you will only buy that brand ever again. The next thing you buy – such as a cock ring for example – may be a complete dud. Then again, it may not be.

However, by limiting yourself to one brand of sex toys only, you might miss something really great that has been that special item you’ve been looking for. Keep your mind open and look for items that meet other criteria, such as being easy to use or super discreet.

Price

Of course, most people shopping for sex toys need to stay within a budget. There are couples out there that can splurge on the $300 vibrator, but most people have an idea of what price range they need to be looking in. However, when you’re shopping strictly by price, you may run into trouble. Cheap sex toys aren’t always the best and the best ones aren’t always cheap. Then again, there are lots of inexpensive items that give a great orgasm – so price really isn’t a factor at all.

If you don’t have very much to spend, consider saving up for a little while longer so that you can have a broader range of items to pick from. If you’ve only got $20 to spend and are looking for stuff in that price range only, you may miss the awesome $21.95 toy that is everything you’ve wanted in a sex toy and more! Having a little bit more to spend when you start shopping allows you to check out a lot more items – whether you buy one that is at the bottom of your price range or the top.

What To Shop For

There are lots of things that are important when considering what types of items to look for, but some are much more significant than others. For example, size is pretty important – you don’t want to get something that is too small or too big for you. Here are some examples of things that may make or break your decision:

Size (Length & Width)

Size is probably one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a vibrator or dildo. Think about what size you need – based on your previous sex toys and other partners’ penis size. Are you only able to accommodate a small vibrator, or do you need something that is a bit longer to reach your g-spot?

Take into account what size you are, and what size feels good to you. Purchase something that meets the basic length and width requirements and doesn’t go over or under them a lot. Your heart may be set on a pretty pink penis, but if it’s two inches too short, you’re going to be sorry.

Function

Need a vibrator that will massage your clitoris? You might not want to buy one that is designed for g-spot stimulation and vice versa. Before you buy, think about what exactly you’re wanting your new toy to do. Do you want something that will stimulate both the clitoris and the g-spot at the same time? Take a look at a Rabbit vibrator or something similar. Are you a virgin and need something that doesn’t require penetration? Think about vibrating bullets.

Don’t go shopping for sex toys without thinking about what function you want it to have first – that’s how you get stuck with something that you don’t want!

Ease Of Use

You probably don’t want a vibrator that has a thousand different buttons and requires an astrophysicist’s degree to figure out. Sometimes, a vibrator with a simple on/off function works great, so don’t assume the more buttons and gadgets it has the better. Pick something that you know will be easy to use, especially when you’re in the throes of passion alone or with your partner.

Level Of Discretion

Some couples really need their sex toys to be discreet. If that’s the case, look for a small bullet vibe or travel vibrator – something small that can be easily hidden or taken with you in a purse, pocket or suitcase. People who need a certain level of discretion may want to stay away from purchasing traditional dildos, since most of them tend to be larger and penis shaped.

Regardless of what sex toys you use, make sure that they meet your needs and wants before making the purchase. If you don’t, you’ll end up spending a lot of money on something that isn’t very good or is simply “okay.” Once you find the right item, make it even more pleasurable and comfortable by using a lot of good, water based lubricant. Take care of it and make it last longer by cleaning it after each use, either with a special toy cleaner or hot, soapy water.