“Hysteria” and the Strange History of Vibrators

Masturbation is positively linked to higher rates of self-esteem and sexual satisfaction, which are two big components of self-confidence. So, you could make the leap and say that using a vibrator can improve your self-confidence. Vaginal atrophy is “thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that may occur when your body has less estrogen” according to the Mayo Clinic’s definition. It often happens when you begin menopause, but can also happen to people with vaginas who are on a testosterone therapy regiment. Whether your headaches are caused by your kids, a stressful job, or both, you’re probably in the market for something that can help relieve that annoying pain. You’re probably familiar with the “not tonight dear, I have a headache” trope, but is it actually backwards?

Avoid materials like PVC, elastomer, and rubber that are known to be porous or to contain phthalates, which can be toxic. Although it can feel good to manually thrust a rabbit in and out, sometimes you want the toy to do the work for you—and that’s where the Clutch comes in. Its internal arm jiggles in and out in a way that feels like tiny little thrusts right against the G-spot, while its external arm offers wonderfully rumbly clitoral vibrations. It holds a place of honor in my nightstand’s top drawer because the orgasms it delivers are so consistent and intense.

This pretty-in-pink bestseller sends intense stimulation to various pleasure points at multiple vibration speeds. Just give it a quick twist to customise its power setting — anywhere from a steady quiver to deep, intoxicating rumbles. Now, it’s time to spark your sexual imaginations—whether for partnered sex purposes or a good old-fashioned masturbation mission—and treat yourself to one (or more) of the best remote control vibrators. All of these tips and tricks just go to show that with a little ingenuity and an eye for safety, you too can become a master of the art of D.I.Y sex toys.

The shorter, rounded piece of the Snail Vibe Curve acts as the external arm , Weiss explains, while the straight end can provide up to five inches of penetration. The coiled shape of the smaller arm allows it to stay in contact with your clit, even as you push and pull the toy, she says. Since the entire silicone snail is flexible, you can slide the longer end in just a little, or all the way—the “shell” part of the toy unfurls as you insert the toy deeper. In my opinion, this is an improvement over other rabbit vibes that have shorter arms that can’t reach your clit unless the other end is fully inside your vagina.

Your vibrator will usually come with a little booklet, including instructions for use and other important safety and maintenance information. In the very least, reading the instructions will give you a rundown of the controls. It’s useful to know, before you take it on a test drive, how to turn your vibrator on and off, as well as how to change between any different vibration patterns and speeds. That menu reads like a Greek diner’s when you see how varied the best male sex toys are these days.

Customers find the massager extremely powerful and effective, particularly for leg pain, and appreciate how it helps relieve soreness and tension. The device provides good relaxation, with muscles feeling very relaxed after use, and customers praise its professional-grade build quality that lasts over a year. Customers find it easy to use and like its design, while opinions about weight are mixed, with some finding it good while others note it’s slightly heavy.

Just know that silicone-based lube can cause silicone sex toys to break down over time. Instead, try water-based lube, which is usually a safe, solid choice for most toys, as SELF has previously reported. Bullet vibrators are tiny sex toys with a pointed tip for targeted external sensation. Many can fit inside a strap-on harness for additional stimulation during pegging and other strap-on sex acts, according to Wright. Egg vibrators are also easy to tuck away and hide, but their round shape fits more comfortably in the palm of your hand. If you enjoy dual stimulation with a nice range of intensity options, Dr. O’Reilly says this two-in-one toy from Lovehoney is a great pick.

Also, consider where you’ll use the toy and who you’ll use it with (if anyone). Based on your preferences, additional features like waterproofing, app compatibility, remote control operation vibrator, and ergonomic handles might be worth considering. Between wands, bullets, palm vibes, and clit suckers, there are a ton of great toys out there.