National Masturbation Month: The history of the vibrator
“You can use a wand during masturbation or partnered play for direct and targeted stimulation of the genitals,” Frye-Nekrasova says. “You can also use wands as foreplay of partner play by giving each other full-body massages with wands to fully relax and prep for fun together.” We named this small but mighty vibrator the best sex toy for travel, but it’s also an elite clitoral vibrator on its own, offering targeted vibrations as well as a lovely rumbly sensation across the vulval. Waterproof and made with medical-grade silicone , the tiny vibrator has a ridge to target the clit viberators, and there are five intensities and patterns so you can customize the experience exactly how you’d like it. “Dame has really good products,” adds Gigi Engle, certified sex and relationships psychotherapist and resident sex expert at SexToysUK. “They’re reliable and high-quality.”It’s fully waterproof, so there are no limits to where you can bring this thing (and it also has a convenient travel-lock feature).
Beyond the pre-set modes, the app allows you to create your own vibration patterns. This feature is particularly helpful if you have specific needs, such as targeting muscle pain or managing anxiety. You can determine the duration and intensity of each vibration and save your custom routines for easy access later. The app’s core function is to simulate a body massage through vibrations. You can adjust the intensity and power of each vibration mode, tailoring the experience to your preference.
Will you use the masturbator alone or during sex (in which case, Dr. Lehmiller suggests an open-ended sleeve that can be combined with oral stimulation)? “There are a lot of options out there, so having some clarity around what you’re looking for can help you narrow down the choices,” he adds. The vibe is touted as whisper-quiet so moaning should be the only sound you hear. The wind tip simulates oral sex and the water tip throbs like the ocean. Its small size makes it travel-friendly and it’s so discreet that no one will know what it is, even if the TSA inspects your bag.
You can soak waterproof toys of all stripes in a 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes to disinfect them, then thoroughly wash them with soap and water afterward. If you’re using a toy with a condom, make sure that the condom covers the entire surface that comes in contact with your genitals. The condom should be thin enough for you to see, feel, and press the buttons through the barrier. Do not use oil-based lubricants with condoms, and make sure to remove and dispose of the condom directly after use. Do not reuse condoms with toys, as that practice is unsanitary and a sure way to encourage the condom to break. Since 2014 we’ve tested a handful of sub-$100 vibrators, finding many of them severely lacking in some respect.
Most vibrators can be lightly immersed in water, but read the instructions to find out if your silicone toy can be cleaned in the dishwasher. When browsing less expensive sex toys, your best bet is to shop at reputable retailers, says Wright. Alternatively, you can watch for sales—some of which we cover here at SELF.