How The 'Niche' Sex Toy Market Grew Into An Unstoppable $15B Industry

Erotic electrostimulation refers to the act of using electricity for sexual stimulation. By the mid-1970s, medical transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines were widely available. The machines work by stimulating nerve endings with electricity, sending signals of stimulation to the brain.

We tested the Vibe, a gender-neutral slim teardrop that tapers into a round point. It can be purchased on its own or bought with condoms and a lubricant that come in packaging as pretty as Aēsop’s. Proper cleaning of sex toys is essential to avoid bacterial infection or transmission of STIs. While some STIs die once the fluid they live in dries, others (such as hepatitis and scabies) can live for weeks or months outside of the body.

These toys are usually flexible, and as with any anal toy, will have some kind of handle or stopper at the base. These Sensual Glass Dildos Iridescent Anal Beads from Lovehoney are a great starting point—plus, they’re gorgeous. The bottom line for butt plugs is that they can provide a sense of fullness and stimulation that a lot of people love. Just make sure you’re purchasing a toy with a flared plug, such as the Shimmy vibrating plug by Unbound Babes, because your sphincter has naturally powerful suction powers.

The growth of this market can be attributed to the increasing use of sex toy products and the rising awareness of sexual health among adolescents &amp