Ask the Sexpert: Choosing a sex toy University Health Service

Suction toys concentrate vibrations and pulses of air that feel similar to oral sex in a small round cup that fits around the clitoris. There are now a huge number of suction toys on the market, but Womanizer did it first, and it is still considered by many to be the best of the bunch. The Womanizer Premium has 12 intensity levels that you can manually toggle between, as well as an autopilot mode that cycles through the various levels if you’d rather just turn it on and go. You can barely hear it once it’s under the covers, and it only starts working when it touches skin, which is a nice detail. Plus, it’s completely waterproof, making it easy to clean, not to mention great for those who like to take their toys into the tub.

The Volta definitely involves a bit of a learning curve, and it’s probably a better choice for advanced sex-toy users. We believe pleasure is a fundamental aspect of a safe and healthy sex life. Stubbs adds, "You want to avoid any lubricants that have glycerin, as it’s a by-product of sugar and could cause a yeast infection.

While double-ended dildos are typically U- or I-shaped, strapless strap-ons are L-shaped. Usually 12 to 24 inches long, some look like two dildos fused together (like the Lovehoney Ice Gem) and others are U-shaped (like the Ruse double dildo). There’s also a variety of textured details you might experiment with once you’ve confirmed that you enjoy dildo play or penetration. She adds that a standard dildo can be used by hand or worn in a harness to stimulate these spots. Crops tend to deliver a more piercing/stinging sensation, whereas paddles are often referred to as "thuddy." Floggers can be either, depending on the shape and brand.

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