10 Things Your Vibrator Can Help With That You Wouldn’t Expect

“Nearly all STIs are capable of being transmitted through sex toys, especially toys that are inserted into the body or make mucosal contact,” Susan Bard, a New York City-based dermatologist, affirmed. We loved the strong vibrations and easy-to-hold loop handle on the brand’s White Temptation but found the loaf-like shape to be awkward to use, preferring the tapered silhouette of the Purple Pleasure. The Beso Plus was our least favorite of the clitoral suction/G-spot dual-stimulator vibrators we’ve tried. Our tester found the “mouth” of the toy to be uncomfortably firm and irritating. If you wish to use a lubricant with your toy (as experts often recommend), keep in mind that only water-based lube is safe to use with all types of toys. Oil-based lubricants are not just unsafe for use with condoms but can also interact badly with toys made of soft plastic or rubber, causing the devices to disintegrate or to leach chemicals (PDF).

Since the sex toy industry is unregulated, unsafe and irritating materials unfortunately run rampant. You’ll want to look for materials that are non-porous and free of phthalates (a toxic plasticizer found in some sex toys). For vibrators, usually this means silicone and ABS plastic, although some other body-safe sex toy materials include glass, stainless steel, ceramic, and properly sealed wood.

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.

You can easily wash the Purple Pleasure with gentle soap and water after use, as the toy has an IPX7 waterproof rating (it can safely remain submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes). The “rabbit” vibrator was made famous years ago by Sex and the City and is renowned for how it simultaneously stimulates both the G-spot and the clitoris. This combination of internal and external stimulation can lead to “mind-blowing” orgasms,” says Kryplone. Called “rabbit” because of its bunny-like shape, some rabbit vibrators look more like actual rabbits — it’s a matter of personal preference! The LELO INA “is a perfect introduction to rabbit vibrators,” says Freya. These sex toys have become the go-to for pleasure seekers everywhere, offering both internal and external stimulation, they tick all the boxes.

“It’s simple but effective, washable, and inexpensive… A nice starting point for most guys,” he says. Like the Tenga Egg (more on that below), this toy is designed to be disposable, but can be used up to a few times if you wash and dry it properly between uses. This particular one has a multi-chambered texture on the inside that’s meant to mimic the sensations of a deep-throat blowjob. For an even more realistic oral-esque sensation, you can cover up the air hole on one end using your finger, to introduce some suction into each stroke.

Like our winning vibrator, this beginner-friendly vibe has a 2-in-1 design, incorporating both a clitoral and G-spot stimulator. Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve tested hundreds of the best vibrators over the years, and there really is a sex toy out there for everyone. As a sex educator and coach, I can personally attest that people are still intimidated by them, however much we tout the dogma of the sacred vibrator. Meet the Puff Compact Suction Vibrator, Unbound’s best-selling suction toy. Compact and easy-to-use, Puff is the perfect partner for all your orgasmic adventures.

Then there are the health benefits of staying sexually active – many of which are backed by scientific studies and research. Masturbating to orgasm has a significant positive impact on one’s mood and stress levels, and can even help relieve pain and improve sleep. Reaching orgasm releases hormones like endorphins, oxytocin vibrators, and serotonin, helping promote the above-listed benefits. Medical grade is a label you’ll see pretty often, but if it’s not backed up with the specific regulatory body or testing standard used to determine that it’s medical grade, it leaves me wondering why that hasn’t been disclosed. If the manufacturer specifies which kind of silicone it uses, we will list it in the product description. It just means the specific kind used in that toy isn’t listed or hasn’t been provided to us.

The basic dildo is a penis-shaped toy that can be inserted into the vagina or anus. Some have suction bases that provide stability, some are double-ended, and some are designed to pair with strap-on harnesses for hands-free vaginal and anal penetration with a partner. Many strap-on sets are sold with dildos included , which is a cost-effective option for beginners looking to try both. Double-check that a dildo is anal-safe before you sit on it, as not all of them are. Anal toys include butt plugs, anal beads, prostate massagers, and some dildos.