Sex in a Heat Wave

Newsflash: It’s hot. Really, really hot. The upside to this, of course, is that you get to see girls clad in very short-shorts and tight tank tops or, if you live in the right area, those sexy little beach cover-ups.

There’s another benefit: Studies say that the warm weather, the sun beating down on our half-naked bodies, and all those lazy days by the pool lead to increased libido. That’s because sunlight leads to an increase in production of Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone, which has been shown to increase a woman’s sex drive.

The irony, here, of course, is that while sunny and warm weather increases our sex drive, when it gets this hot – 95 degrees before noon with approximately six zillion percent humidity – everybody’s already so hot and sticky it can be tough to get in the mood for activities that make you more sticky and sweaty.

How about these warm-weather tips to stay cool and sexy, while taking advantage of that libido-boosting sunshine?

Water, water everywhere. This is the kind of weather that makes you want to strip down naked and jump in the pool. Go for it! Convince your partner to do the same and enjoy your own private pool party. Use lots of silicone-based lubricant because water (ironically) washes away both natural lubrication and water-based lubricants.

Also remember that chlorine can potentially cause a condom to weaken and break. Don’t let all this put a damper on your fun, just be safe and stick with a monogamous partner for this one!

Ice is nice… Mmm… who needs air conditioning when you can rub ice cubes up and down your partner’s naked body? It’s cooling and stimulating and oh-so-sexy. Or use fresh frozen fruit (like strawberries) and then chow down. Many tantric sex practices incorporate fruit as foreplay, for its nutritive values and sensual scent and taste.

Icy cool oral sex. Give your partner a sexy blast of cool air by chewing peppermint breath mints or even fresh mint before a blow job. Gulping a cold beverage (make it a Mojito for the minty blast!) and then going down on him creates “just-cold-enough” sensations, too, for a unique pleasure experience. Even better, use the Good Head One Shots for the same cool sensation in a variety of delicious flavors. Yum!

Chill out. A cold shower may sound counter-intuitive for revving up your sex drive, but it could be just what you need to get cool and comfortable enough for a cuddle – and more! Don’t waste time drying off much… just grab each other and go for it!

Stay out of bed. The last thing we want is lie on a cushy mattress, surrounded by pillows, when it’s warm. How about sex on the coffee table, floors…? Any place flat will do. Or wait until after hours when temps drop and hit your backyard lawn?

Sunburned? Use aloe gel. Nothing puts a damper on nookie like sunburn. Turn treatment into foreplay by asking your lover to gently – very gently! – rub chilled aloe vera gel on your sore spots and see where all the gentle rubbing leads. (Just keep the gel away from your privates; there’s a reason the bottle reads: “for external use only.”

When the sun is hot, you should be, too. Use these creative tips – or come up with your own ideas to combine cold water play with hot sex.

Shopping for Non-Toxic Sex Toys

There’s been a lot of buzz lately on the health and science blogs about BPA and phthalates. You probably already know not to nuke plastic or leave your water bottles baking in the hot sun; the plastic breaks down and releases cancer-causing chemicals. But did you know that some sex toys can cause health problems, too?

Phthalates, sometimes called plasticizers, are used to soften plastic. They are sometimes used to make your favorite sex toys soft, smooth and flexible. Phthalates are found specifically in plastics like PVC.

Similar to a water bottle left in the hot sun, the phthalates in rubber and jelly sex toys break free with time and normal wear and tear. If you boil your toys to sterilize them, this accelerates the process. You can learn more about the dangers of phthalates in this article.

Phthalates have been linked to:

-    birth defects when pregnant women use products with phthalates
-    reproductive problems in male infants
-    early onset of puberty

For these reasons, pregnant or nursing women should never use products with phthalates. Phthalates have also been found to cause:

-    Low sperm count / poor semen quality
-    Reproductive development issues

These are exactly the kind of side effects you don’t want in a sex toy.

Fortunately, many manufacturers have already taken phthalates out of many of their popular products. For instance, Doc Johnson’s Blush Vibe with a ribbed sleeve is manufactured from safe ABS plastic with a phthalate-free elastomer (UR3) sleeve.

As for BPA? It isn’t commonly used in sex toys. Simply look for hard plastic vibes, dildos and butt plugs manufactured from ABS plastic.

So which materials are safe for sex toys?

TPE – TPE, aka Thermoplastic elastomer is a silky soft plastic that has, so far, been deemed safe for most uses. Many “green” children’s toys have parts manufactured from TPE, so if it’s safe for a kid to put in his mouth, it’s probably safe for you to put – well, anywhere. The Sapphire Magnum cock ring is manufactured from this versatile material. However, it is slightly porous, so while you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals, you do have to clean it well to avoid the spread of disease and bacteria growth.

ABS plastic – Most hard plastic sex toys are manufactured from this safe, non-porous plastic. If you’re not seeking a lifelike material but instead want a firm, hard toy, ABS plastic is a cost-effective, safe choice.

Silicone – This luxurious, albeit pricey, sex toy material – sometimes called medical-grade silicone – is recognized as one of the safest options. Not only is it completely non-porous and easy-to-clean, but silicone doesn’t break down, releasing harmful chemicals into your body. Beware of toys advertised as a silicone mix, which may include toxic plastics as part of the blend.

Glass – A luxurious, glamorous option, glass toys such as Doc Johnson’s Glass Pleasure Dong are safe, easy to clean (they can be boiled for sterilization) and beautiful, as well! There’s no question about what a glass toy contains, and it will last virtually forever. The downside, of course, is that glass toys don’t have options for vibration. Glass dildos, however, offer a unique feel unlike any other sex toy.

How can you tell what your toy is made of?

You know that plastic or rubbery smell when you take your sex toy out of the package for the first time? That’s bad. Those are the chemicals in the plastic already breaking down, releasing all those molecules that damage your health. But how will you know before you make your purchase?

When you shop at Vibrator.com, unless you are buying a toy labeled “medical grade silicone” or a pure glass dildo, look for the words “phthalate-free” (in soft rubber toys) or ABS plastic (in hard toys). Lots of great toys exist, and these toys are not only safe for you, they’re better for the environment, too.

Top 5 Anal Toys for Men

A friend (read: playmate) recently confessed that any woman who entered his backdoor with a finger or toy could basically win his heart (and cock) for life. For those who’ve never experienced the thrill of a prostate massager, (I’m told) it offers unrivaled pleasure leading to uncontrollably intense orgasms.

The anus contains one of the highest concentrations of nerve endings per square inch in the body. That, combined with the ass being the portal to the highly sensitive prostate – often dubbed “the male g-spot”– makes anal stimulation some of the most intense sexual experiences a man can have.

For men unaccustomed to inserting toys (or anything else) in that region, stretching out the area with a butt plug, first, might be beneficial.
With that in mind, Vibrator.com offers our list of the top five anal toys for men – and why they rock.

As always, practice safe sex. Make sure any toy you use is clean and sterilized, do not share toys (pass them back and forth) without cleaning them first, and use plenty of lube to prevent tiny rips and tears in the anus, which could lead to infection. Stop if you experience any pain beyond slight discomfort.

Prostate Massagers/Vibrators for Men

Aneros MGX – This company manufactures a wide range of critically-acclaimed male sex toys, designed with feedback from medical professionals. The company’s best-selling MGX model is 3.6 inches of smooth, comfortable plastic, plus ridges toward the lower end of the toy. The hands-free, self-pivoting mechanism is exclusive to the Aneros line and it leaves both hands free to pleasure other areas to provoke amazingly intense dual orgasms, or to stimulate yourself and your partner. Really, with both hands free and the Aneros doing its job on the back-end, the possibilities are endless.

Dr. Joel Kaplan Prostate Massager – For men who envy their lady’s multispeed vibrators, the Prostate Massager from Dr. Joel Kaplan packs multispeed, one-handed operation into a vibe specifically shaped to stimulate the prostate. This multispeed vibrator can be used in or out of the water. The slim design makes it ideal for beginners to anal play, making it Vibrator.com’s number-one-selling prostate vibe.

The Rude-Boy – It’s rugged, masculine, and also hygienic. The Rude-Boy vibrating dual action stimulator offers hands-free operation for intense stimulation of the prostate and perineum. You won’t believe the orgasms you can have when both your hands are free and the Rude-Boy is humming merrily along. Soft, flexible medical-grade silicone also makes this toy one of the safest men’s massagers available.

Butt Plugs

NJoy Pure Plugs – For a night of anal play that is purely NJoy-able, the uniquely-shaped, weighted Pure Plugs fill your every desire. Designed with a unique curve, large head and small stem for added comfort, plus a handle for powerful control and ease of removal when playtime’s over, the Pure Plug stands out amongst hundreds of models of butt plugs. Available in three sizes (small, medium and large), this butt plug is perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Pop Plugs – Doc Johnson’s very reasonably priced Pop Plugs come in three sizes and feature a handy pull ring for easy removal. At this price, you can purchase all three sizes, so your butt plug will grow as you do. Manufactured from phthalate-free medical grade silicone, Pop Plugs are soft, silky and hygienic.

Six Sexy Gifts for the Man in Your Life

Tired of the same old Father’s Day gift suggestions? Tools, ties, and techie gadgets are fun, but isn’t it time for something a bit more… arousing?

The staff of Vibrator.com has painstakingly picked our favorite men’s sex toys, from cock rings to personal masturbators. Of course, we recommend these Father’s Day gifts for the man – or men — in your life who isn’t actually your father. That would just be weird.

1. The Fleshlight Masturbator – Vibrator.com’s most popular toy for men, hands-down,  the Fleshlight masturbator features an interchangeable masturbation sleeve in a case that looks like a large flashlight. If women can have vibrators disguised as lipstick tubes or cell phones, why can’t men have appropriately discrete toys, as well? The sleeve is manufactured from patented Real Feel Superskin for a soft, realistic sensation and the phthalate-free material is safe and hygienic. The only drawback I see is that it won’t be much help on the nightstand in the event of a blackout – on second thought, it would probably be perfect in that situation.

2. Colt Power Stroker – Can a sex toy get any more manly than the “Colt Power Stroker?” In case the name doesn’t scream “tough,” this sexy, ribbed suction shaft is also shaped like a hand grenade. Inside, though, it’s all soft, super-stretchy Futurotic, which forms a tight little anus with ribbing for added pleasure and a tight-vacuumed suction shaft to make the experience even better. Like the Fleshlight, this toy is relatively discrete – that is, if you’re the type of person who can easily explain why there’s a hand grenade on your dresser.

3. Maven Masturbator – This reasonably priced masturbation sleeve comes to you from Vibratex, makers of the legendary Rabbit Pearl and Rabbit Habit toys. With a seven inch shaft and a textured entrance for immediate and prolonged stimulation, plus rows of raised nubs inside, this fun sleeve is a great introduction to masturbators for your favorite man.

4. Beginner Cock Ring – Tantus, well-known for quality dildos, vibes and other sex toys, has introduced a stretchy silicone cock ring. Easy-to-use and not intimidating, Tantus hails their newest offering as the perfect “beginner” cock ring. Two inches in diameter and super-stretchy, the cock ring warms up quickly to body temperature for a comfortable experience. The silicone is hygienic and easy to sanitize in the dishwasher or in boiling water.

5. Lasso Cock Ring – Every man wants to think of himself as a wild animal that must be tamed, so why not get your guy a Lasso? This easy-to-use adjustable cock ring from Cal Exotics makes a low-priced gift that promises an evening of fun.

6. Dr. Joel’s Penis Pump – If you’re looking for an exciting new adventure in the bedroom, a penis pump may give your man the lift he craves. A penis pump increases the cock’s size temporarily (some say permanently) and creates a stimulating suction effect. This high-quality pump from trusted sex toy manufacturer Doc Johnson features a state-of-the-art quick release valve and an industrial grade hose. The tapered cylinder measures nine inches long with a 2 ¼-inch opening. Manufactured from ultra-clear polished acrylic with a flared base that doesn’t need a gasket for the right fit, this comfortable pump includes a pressure gauge to help maintain consistent suction pressure.

Personal Lubricants 101: A Guide to Wetter, Hotter Sex

Lubricants are Essential

Lubricants were first designed for medical purposes, but it wasn’t long before people started using them for sexual purposes as well.  Lubrication is an essential part of sex play, whether it is for partner sex or masturbation.  Personal lubricants turn all sex play into an erotic adventure by adding extra wetness to reduce friction and dryness, enhance pleasure and sensation, and allowing all of your sexual parts to slide.

For Anal Play

For anal sex, lubes are essential as the anus does not naturally produce its own lubricant like the vagina.  Anal lubes are usually thicker than regular lubes and formulated specifically to reduce friction when having anal intercourse or using anal sex toys.  A popular anal sex lube is Anal Lube.  Silicone lubes are also popular for anal sex play as they stay slick much longer.  Some anal lubes contain desensitizing agents that numb the anus like Orajel that numbs a baby’s gums during teething.  Although this may work well for poor baby, I don’t recommend numbing agents in the anus as you are unable to feel pain associated with injury.  Anal play is supposed to feel good and not hurt.  Therefore, if you experience pain during anal sex then you are most likely taking in something too big, too fast.  It is important to be patient and take anal sex slow especially if you are an anal virgin or novice.  Relax, use plenty of lube and remember it is not a race.

For Women Only

Many women need added lubrication at least some of the time for various reasons regardless of age.  Most women need a longer warm-up time before intercourse and lubes can be used as a fun part of foreplay.  As women age, the vagina begins producing less natural lubricant, so adding additional lube during sex or masturbation is important for enhancing those experiences.  Many personal lubricants are formulated especially for women and there are those on the market for everyday use to help eliminate dryness.  For masturbation, lubrication is important as many sex toys both made for insertion and external stimulation tend to by drying. Women who are sensitive or prone to yeast infections should avoid lubes that contain sugars or glycerin which may alter the PH of the vagina.  Lubes with added parabens which can cause irritation and rashes should also be avoided by women who have sensitivity issues.  Nonoxynol-9 is another ingredient that is sometimes added to lubes.  It is a popular contraceptive gel ingredient and has been promoted as a protection against HIV.  However, N-9 is a harsh detergent-like compound that creates tiny abrasions in the mucous membranes of the vagina and anus, creating a greater risk for the transmission of HIV and other STDs.  All women should avoid oil-based lubes as these are not formulated for women’s genitals.  The best lubes for women are water-based and silicone.  Moist Personal Lubricant and Pjur Eros – Body Glide Women are specially formulated for women’s sensitive parts and are available in both water and silicone-based formulations.

Lubes for Guys

For men, there are several types of lubricants available for different types of sex play.  Silicone lubes are great for anal play and/or vagina penetrative sex and include popular brands like Wet Platinum and ID Millennium.  Oil-based lubes like Boy Butter and Elbow Grease are popular lubes for hand-jobs.  Oil-based lubricants are NOT latex condom compatible, however, so shouldn’t be used in penetrative sex (either anal or vagina) unless a polyurethane condom like Trojan Supra or Durex Avanti is used.

To Spit or Not to Spit

While spit can lubricate the genitals at first it dries out quickly and it’s a dirty habit.  Seriously.  The human mouth contains more germs (oral flora and bacteria) than most animals and can cause irritation and infection.  Saliva, like other bodily fluids is capable of transmitting STD’s, herpes and AIDS as well.  So while you may have seen spit-swapping in adult films, remember not everything your see in movies is recommended for real life experiences.

Cooking Oils as Lubricants

Okay, we’ve all heard of people using cooking oils like Crisco and other household products like WD40 as sexual lubricants.  I’ll even admit that I used vegetable oil once for a night of slip-and-slide sex on a plastic sheet.  But, cooking oils and other household lubricants are not formulated for the skin and especially the genitals.  These oils can cause serious irritation, clog pores, don’t allow the skin to breathe, are not condom safe and should never go anywhere near the vagina.  So let’s just leave those cooking oil sex stories to the stupid-human-tricks archive, for we know better in this day and age and don’t need to repeat our parents dumb mistakes.  Never use Crisco, WD40, Vaseline or Baby Oil on your precious private parts.

Personal Lubricants for Sexual Pleasure

Water-based

Water-based personal lubricants are the most versatile for all types of sex play.  They feel more natural and are therefore great for a variety of penetrative sex.  Water-based lubes are water soluble which means they won’t stain fabrics and wash away easily from the body.  They are also compatible with condoms and other latex products so perfect for safe sex practices and won’t ruin your sex toys.  On the downside, water-based lubes dry more quickly than silicone and oil-based lubes, sometimes leaving a sticky residue. Because of this they need to be reapplied often during partner sex or solo play.  Many water-based lubes also contain sugars or glycerin so should be avoided by women who are prone to yeast infections.  Water-based lubricants are also not compatible with water sex play in the bathtub, pool or hot tub as they will wash away.

Oil-based

Oil-based lubricants are the best types of lubes for men who want to jack’n off their beanstalk.  These lubes are super slick, water-resistant and long lasting.  They are also great for anal sex when used with polyurethane condoms.  They should not be used with latex condoms, however, as oils break down latex and make them unsafe.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: oil-based lubes should stay clear of the vagina as they can attract bacteria and cause infections.  Oils will also stain fabrics and cause dyes to run in sex toys.

Silicone-based

Silicone-based personal lubricants have been promoted as being superior to that of water and oil-based lubes.  This is because they are hypo-allergenic, condom and latex safe, are very long-lasting, and water resistant.  Silicone lubes are great for partner sex, penetration, masturbation and even sensual massage.  These lubes stay on top of the skin creating a slippery glide that will not absorb or dry out.  For this reason, they also don’t wash away as easily as water-based lubes.  They are also not recommended to use with silicone or Cyberskin sex toys as they will cause a chemical reaction that will melt the toy.

Flavored Lubes

These days personal sexual lubricants come in every flavor imaginable from Bubblegum and Watermelon to Pina Colada and Passion Fruit.  Tangy, fruity lubes are a great addition for oral sex and foreplay, making your lover taste juicy and sweet.  ID Juicy Flavored Lubricant is my personal favorite as it contains no sugars or dyes, is water-based and latex compatible.  It comes in a variety to flavors and is not as sickly sweet as some of the other flavored lubes.

Stimulating and Desensitizing Lubes

Some lubricants have stimulating properties that create pleasurable warming, cooling or tingling sensations on the genitals.  Many stimulating lubes or gels are formulated for women to enhance clitoral sensitivity by increasing blood flow to the genitals, but can also be used by men.  Desensitizing lubes containing Lidocaine are formulated for men to prolong erections.  Some stimulating lubes can be very strong and may cause a burning sensation on some people, so caution should be used when trying them.  ID Sensation Warming Liquid is a gentle, pleasant warming lube that enhances sex and masturbation play.  Stud Delay Spray is a popular brand of desensitizing spray for men and I have been told by men that it acts almost instantly so is ready when you are.

Natural Organic Lubes

More and more people are buying organic lubes or all-natural lubricants as alternatives to pharmacy based products.  As people become more concerned about what kind of foods they put into their body, they are also becoming concerned about what they put on their body.  After all, skin is the body’s largest organ and is capable of absorbing 60% of all chemicals you put on it which eventually ends up in the blood stream.   Lubricants may be absorbed through the mucus membranes of the vagina and anus even more so because there is no barrier for protection.  Most certified organic lubricants also contain no irritating parabens, fragrances, chemicals or sugars, so will not cause rashes or yeast infections.  My favorite all time lube is Yes® water-based personal organic lubricant which is currently only available through their website.

Domina Doll is a sex writer who writes articles and reviews for various magazines, zines and adult toy stores.  Visit her sexuality blog CherryBoxxx at http://cherryboxxx.wordpress.com/.

Recycling Sex Toys

Paper, Plastic, Rabbit Vibrators?!

Sure, everyone knows to recycle bottles and cans, newspapers, and even electronics – but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that facilities in both the US and the UK offer mail-in recycling for (over)used adult toys as well.

SexToyRecycling.com provides details on how to clean and package your toys for recycling, and even offers a $5 voucher for select recycled products at your local sex toy retailer.
In the UK, LoveHoney offers a bloody brilliant deal for Rabbit vibrator users. Send them your old Rabbit vibe and receive a brand-spanking-new Rabbit for half price! They go one step further and donate £1 to a green charity.

Both sites remind you to clean your toys with soap and water before packaging, just like you’d clean out that old peanut butter jar before laying it in the recycling bin.

Many sex toy users are becoming more environmentally responsible and ultimately buying up more “green toys”. Green sex toys include anything made of pyrex, blown glass, silicone, and even stone (!) and are not only earth-friendly but also naturally body-friendly. The peace of mind you’ll have recycling your old toys or buying green is enough to get anybody excited!