Sexual Wellness: How To Embrace It With Sex Toys

Sexual wellness improves your vitality and overall quality of life—and sex toys can take it to the next level.

Health and wellness is multifaceted, and this is just as apparent when it comes to our sexual well-being. Are you just starting out with sexual exploration? Or are you a seasoned pro when it comes to sex? Whatever experience level you are, here’s how to utilize toys to transform your sexual wellness and self-pleasure journey.

What is sexual wellness?

Defined by the World Health Organization as “a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality,” sexual wellness brings forth the idea of having safe and pleasurable sexual experiences without negative encounters, like violence or coercion. It’s clear that sexual wellness is linked to other facets of our overall health—including how you feel about your body (physical) and your current state of mind (mental and emotional). Therefore, a simpler way of explaining sexual wellness could be: a state of body and mind that allows you to explore sex on your own terms. We’re all about sexual experiences that feel pleasurable to you in your own time, over here!

Sex toys: How can they help?

Masturbation is a normal practice done by almost all adults (yes, even the ones in relationships). And while masturbating can be done with just your fingers or hands, the discerning masturbator may also use a sex toy or two. In the privacy of your own room, using a toy can help you discover what turns you on, what gets you off, and everything in between. In a relationship, toys can help reduce anxiety around your sex partner and improve communication, as you show each other what you like.

Sex toys are usually designed to address one or more pleasure points on your body, such as your genitals or nipples. Increasing pleasure can lead to stronger and better orgasms, and in turn, this can lead to an increase of happy hormones—like dopamine and oxytocin. The result? Better mood, concentration, and even sleep.

Apart from making you feel good in more ways than one, incorporating sex toys into your life can also help treat the symptoms of various sexual conditions, like genital arousal disorder and orgasm disorder. Toys can also make it easier for you to navigate self-pleasure if you have challenged mobility, and can help those with conditions that have sexual implications (like menopause) reach orgasm easier.

Tips when using sex toys to improve sexual wellness

• Research the different toys available and choose one (or more) that interests or arouses you. Take your time to browse reviews, the features of the toy, and the manufacturer

• Make sure you’re using the appropriate lube, if needed. This will generally be recommended by the manufacturer. Using a penetrative toy like a dildo may be painful without lube—especially if you don’t have high levels of natural lubrication.

• Start slow. There’s no right or wrong way to use a sex toy, so what works for your friend or partner may not work for you.

• If you’re using toys with a partner, get comfortable with how to use it on each other. You can demonstrate it yourself, or guide them slowly. Communication is extremely important here!

• Don’t be afraid to get adventurous when choosing your new toy. You may not know what you like until you give it a go.

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