The Beginner's Guide to Electro Sex Toys

Posted on: August 15, 2008 13:08 | Posted by: Carly

For most people the words "electricity" and "genitalia" should never be combined! However, what is known as electro sex is becoming increasingly popular, not just with the BDSM community but with people who want a little something different to the usual thrusting and vibrations too.

The prospect of electricity and sex together is a little intimidating! The words alone conjure up all sorts of questions:

What does it feel like?
Will it hurt?
Will it leave marks?
Will I get superpowers if I use it?

All these questions are easily answered, but it seems no one is brave enough to do it! However, LoveHoney wants to take the mystery out of electro-sex and let you in on BDSM's best kept secret!

What is electro sex?

Electro sex is a way of stimulating the genitals and erogenous zones with a safe amount of electrical energy. The human body is mostly made of water so is an excellent conductor of electricity. By applying a sex toy or conductive pad to the body, electricity can pass through the nerve cells creating pulsing, almost vibrating kinds of sensations.

How does electro sex work?

Imagine an electricity circuit: You have the battery, the wires, a variable and an outsource. In the case of electro sex, you have a power pack (the battery), a set of wires (the err... wires), a sex toy (the variable) and your body (the outsource)!

The power pack normally runs on a 9 volt battery, a fairly safe amount of electricity equivalent to 6 AAAA batteries. The energy from the power pack is transferred through the wires to the sex toy. Most electro sex toys are made of aluminium or another highly conductive metal, allowing energy to travel through easily. In order to work, there needs to be a way for the energy to leave the circuit - that exit being through you! By touching the toy the circuit is completed and the energy can flow outwards instead of round and round.

Scientific, eh? But that's something you really don't need to worry about! The important thing is the incredible and inimitable sensations that are created by this fantastic toy!

What does it feel like?

We have all been told since a very young age that electricity is dangerous and that if we come into contact with it, it will kill us (remember those chilling pylon adverts?)! And whilst we don't advise you go out and climb into an electricity power station for sexual thrills, it is possible to safely and harmlessly enjoy electro sex.

Electrical stimulation doesn't cause any pain or discomfort (unless you want it to)!

The lowest setting on the power pack gives you a pulsing sensation, not too dissimilar to a slow vibration.
The mid-range setting gives you a tingling feeling; almost like pins and needles. You can tell there has been an increase in power but it is still not painful.
To experience anything verging on pain you have to turn it up to the last quarter of power (usually settings 8, 9 and 10). Even then, it's not painful in the traditional sense - it's more like a dull, almost snapping sensation. Imagine pinging an elastic band against your skin numerous times in quick succession and you'll be approaching a feeling similar to the top settings.

Is it safe?

In short, yes it is. The electricity allowed through the device is fairly minimal and can be compared to that of a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit, as used in hospitals. It shouldn't leave any marks or discolouration to the skin but you may be left with a tingly feeling for a little while afterwards.

However, as with anything, there are certain guidelines you should follow:

- Always use with the correct power pack and batteries.
- Do not use electro sex toys on the nipples unless the product specifies it has both positive and negative contacts on it.
- Do not use on broken or irritated skin.
- Do not use above the waist.
- Use a water-based lubricant to increase sensitivity and to avoid any skin tenderness.
- Do not use if you are pregnant or suffering from a heart condition, heart disease or epilepsy!

So, bottom line: Is it enjoyable?

YES! Electro sex toys can do the same job as a vibrator but with more unique and tantalising sensations! Rub the Mystim Lust Egg against the clitoris for a throbbing sensation that pulses through your nerve endings.

Whether you enjoy G-spot stimulation or a bit of anal fun, these distinctive sex toys can also be inserted to provide absolutely blissful internal feelings!

If you want a unique introduction to the kinkier side of things, then tie your partner to the bed with the Flirt Our First Bondage Kit, then try placing the ElectraPads on various areas of your partners body and turning up the ElectraStim Power Pack just enough so they can feel it buzzing! Being tied down and feeling the unbelievable sensations all over will be enough to send them to electro stimuli heaven!

The most important thing to remember with electro sex is that it will be different for everyone - whilst some will relish in the new sensations, others will find them too strong. Go slowly, use lots of lube and experiment with new toys at lower intensities. Before you know it, you'll be inching your way to number 10 on the dial and purring with satisfaction!

More blog posts: Bondage and Fetish Buyer's Guides | More on LoveHoney: Bondage and Fetish Buyer's Guides