All some ladies need to get off is a good fantasy, their fingers, and 10 minutes. But for many others, Little Clitty and Miss Kitty need a little extra now and then - if nothing else, just to keep things different and exciting.
That's where toys come in. Things like massagers, vibrators, dildos, beads, butterflies, balls, and more round out a girl's pleasure-seeking stash. Here's a quick review of the playtime gadgets you can choose from.
As you read through click on any picture for more information on that type of toy.
They say that Cleopatra owned one of the world's first vibrators. You remember Queen Cleo - that saucy Egyptian babe that rolled herself in a carpet so she could sneak her way into the chambers of Julius Caesar, emperor of Rome.
Her vibe was said to be a gourd, called a calabash, filled with lots and lots bees. When the bees were agitated they buzzed, causing a soothing sensation when pressed against ... well, you get the picture.
These are your basic hum-dinger toy: put in some batteries, switch it on, and apply liberally to your private parts. You've seen these before, often advertised as a "cosmetic" aid, showing some blonde pressing the end of a penis-shaped vibrator against her cheek. Yeah, right!
The classic vibrator is phallus shaped, and can be used externally or inserted into your vagina or anus. It may be made of plastic or metal. The outer covering can be rock hard, or a soft rubber. Some are on/off, while others let you control the amount of vibing by rotating a dial.
Variations on the theme include the dual action rabbit vibrator. It looks like a regular vibrator but it also has a funny-looking that shoots off near the base. It's made so that you can insert the main vibe up your pussy, while the rubber tip stimulates your clit. The better rabbits have separate motors for the main vibe and clitoral stimulator. You can control the speeds of the motors to fine-tune the sensations just the way you like them.
Some battery-operated vibes are waterproof, so you can use them in the shower, bath, or hot tub. But firs, check the instructions before you get them near water. Otherwise you could short it out. It should go without saying, but NEVER use an AC operated vibrator or sex toys in or anywhere near water! You could get electrocuted.
If you're looking for a vibrator that's small and inconspicuous, yet still powerful enough to give you a Big O, look no further than a pocket rocket. These modern-day vibes are the size of a key chain flashlight, and use just a single AA or AAA battery.
Special nubs on the head of the thing accentuate the vibrating action, literally focusing all the energy onto your tender clit. Many women report these tiny wonders give them the biggest orgasms they've ever had.
Some models come with interchangeable textured heads. You can pick the attachment based on the body part you'd like to stimulate, and how much stimulation you want to give it.
Not all vibrators are shaped like a man's pee-pee. Some, like the vibrating egg or bullet, are compact and made to be completely inserted into your vagina. The batteries and speed dial are kept outside, and the two connected by a small wire.
If it weren't for the wire coming out of you, onlookers might not even notice you're pleasuring yourself! Unlike regular vibrators, eggs and bullets make little or no sound when they are inserted inside you.
Specialty G-spot and clitoral vibrators are custom designed to hit all the right placed. They often look like strange alien devices, with funny curves, nooks, and bulby tips that can actually be a little frightening at first. But rest easy: these won't hurt you, and when used correctly, can give you an immense amount of pleasure.
Competing for your orgasms is a long line of specialty vibrators that offer unique features.
These include remotely controlled eggs made of two separate parts: the battery-operated vibrator that you put inside you, and a small radio transmitter with an on/off control and speed dial.
These can add a bit of fun to an otherwise boring trip to the mall: Put the egg in its place, and give the control to a friend or partner. They're allowed to turn it on and off when you least expect it. How long you can deny your orgasm is up to you!
Other specialty toys include remote control wearable vibrators, vibrating panties (vibrator and panties in one), anal vibrators, and a whole lot more.
In many parts of the world (and in some states within the US) it's illegal to sell a device solely used for sexual gratification. Amazing but true. Handheld personal massagers like the Hitachi Magic Wand are "dual purpose" - they can be used to massage sore muscles and tendons, and they just so happen to work wonders on your love bud, too!
Most personal massagers plug into a wall socket. That limits their portability, and also means they can't be used near or in water. But the extra current gives these a kick in the pants: the vibrating action is heavy duty. If you find the sensation from a battery operated vibrator just doesn't cut it, a handheld personal massager might just be the answer.
A dildo is a penis-shaped toy that most often than not lacks any kind of vibrating mechanism. It's basically a fake cock to help you come. Whereas a vibrator is designed to maximize the vibrating action, dildos are designed to accentuate the penetration into whatever orifice you've inserted it into. They're most often made of a softer rubber material, some of which is so realistic (such as Cyberskin) it feels much like a real penis.
Dildos are shaped to mimic a male member, often times with molded-in balls. The balls act as a handle to move the dildo in and out as you masturbate. Apart from the kind of rubber material to make Mr. Right, realistic dildos differ the most in their size.
You can pick length and girth to suit your taste. The majority are a bit on the largish size, typically measuring 7-9 inches long, with a girth of 1 1/2" to 2".
You can get smaller ones if you prefer; the skinny dildos are a favorite for those who enjoy anal penetration now and then. However, there are also dildos (see below) specially made for anal insertion.
Look for a dildo with a suction base. These can be stuck up against a shower wall or other smooth surface (like dining room table, or a hardwood floor). When suctioned to a vertical wall like the shower you can lean over and back into it, giving yourself some rear-entry pleasure.
While most dildos are made of rubber, you can also get a dildo made of glass. No, it's not at all what you're thinking. These are made of surgical grade glass, and being non-porous, are very easy to clean. Being hard and rigid they also have a different feel to them. Some are made with nubs and twists that add to the sensation as you're stroking it in and out.
Dildos made for anal use are made short on purpose, often thinner at the tip, and fatter at the base. The dildo may or may not be ribbed for added sensation. Anal beads are yet another variation.
The typical dildo is made for one hole; double-ended dildos are extra long and extra flexible, allowing you to - for example - insert one end into your butt and the other into your pussy.
(Remember not to mix up which end goes where. It's not hygienic to insert something into your vagina that was just in your anus.)
Double-enders are also good for use with a partner, either male-female, or female-female. The longer models (over 12") are best suited for mutual masturbation with a partner.
Rounding out our short introduction of toys for female pleasure is beads and balls.
Because some women have a sensitivity to metals, especially those containing nickel, you can also opt for balls made of glass, or encased in rubber or plastic. But these alterations tend to reduce the knock-together effect, so some of the ladies report little or no sensation when wearing the balls. Your mileage may vary.
Another use for balls is for muscle control and development. The idea is that you'll consciously and unconsciously clench your pelvic muscles (specially the pubococcygeal, or PC) in order to keep the weighted ball in place inside your vagina. Otherwise you'll be chasing these things down the street whenever you go outside.
Helpful tip: wear body hugging panties the first few times you use weighted balls. Skimpy thongs or going commando can be an invitation to embarrassment!
This article and all other articles on this site are not meant as medical or personal advice. They are presented for their entertainment value only. Please consult a qualified health practitioner.