But in what was one of the least surprising moves of all time

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

In 200 AD, doctors prescribed female genital massage as a form of treatment for hysteria (ugh , don’t get me started). But in what was one of the least surprising moves of all time, they complained that the method was “too labor intensive” and “messy” and put an end to it. The hand crank—the earliest constructed sex toy—came along in 1890, and it was followed by a number of similar inventions, like 1904’s gas-powered “Pneumatic Detwiller” and 1920’s porn-inspired “Polar Cub Electric.”

“Find a setting you think is fun and use it on different parts of your body to see how it feels. Remember, there’s no ‘right’ way to pleasure yourself.” Solo sex not only helps you figure out what gives you pleasure but helps you feel more confident during partnered sex, which can lead to more fulfilling and healthy relationships. Dr. Lincoln adds that there’s no risk of sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy with masturbation. The Laya III’s C-shape allows it to cup your entire vulva hands-free (so you can focus on using those elsewhere). Pressure or friction in that area can be intensely satisfying,” says Shannon.

There can be all sorts of loaded feelings about a toy that has been used before, especially with other partners. Hot Octopuss is known for making toys with mega-strong motors vibrators, and this bullet vibrator is no different. It’s also got a unique shape that allows you to focus its intensity into a small, pointed tip, or spread it out more along its broader side.

But for the purposes of this article, let’s assume you just want to incorporate some basic balls-based pleasure into sex or masturbation and don’t know where to start. “With the balls being so intimidating, I find that simpler is better,” Zizelman points out. There’s a surprising number of toys that work well for precisely that purpose. While we love this surprisingly rumbly bullet all on its own, in this nifty set it’s packaged with two attachments that can turn it into either a vibrating cock ring or an ergonomic finger vibe. The kit gives you a lot of options for the price, especially since you can use this toy in so many varying ways.

As a sex educator who has also worked as a victim’s advocate, sex toys are something that my students often ask me about, so let’s jump right to the answer here. If you’re a beginner, go for a classic vaginal vibrator with a curved tip for easier G-spot stimulation. Ribbed designs, meanwhile, allow the raised ridges to pass over the G-spot, offering further stimulation.