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Once upon a time, we would describe someone’s personality or an exciting event in our lives as “electrifying” and everyone understood what we meant. Nowadays, however, the expression has taken on a whole new meaning as we explore the various applications of technology. Along the way we’ve discovered countless inventive ways to pleasure our bodies and those of our partners but we forgot about one important thing – that sexual climaxes start from inside and work themselves out, not the other way around. Thanks to e-stim sex toys, we’re finally remembering what has been true since the beginning of time. I’m speaking, of course, about mankind’s willingness to go to great lengths for a decent orgasm.
Back in the day, our horniest ancestors fashioned makeshift dildos out of common household goods. Archaeologists founds dongs carved out of polished metals, woods, and even stone or chalk. Old loaves of bread were popular alternatives to vaginas and olive oil was used as lube. We should all be grateful for the progress we’ve made as a species. Using high-tech electrodes for sexual gratification might seem like a stretch of the imagination but it’s a lot better than fucking ourselves with bones and sticks. I submit that our ancient relatives would have been proud, given we figure out how to properly wield the gifts we were given.
Electrostimulation, also known as e-stim, is a type of erotic foreplay technique that uses varying degrees of electrical pulses to activate muscle groups and/or nerve endings for the purposes of pleasure. Sometimes called TENS, this tantalizing technology allows participants to quickly and easily experiment with different sensations in a safe, controlled and consensual manner. It’s commonly used in BDSM and role playing games, although the adjustable settings on most devices make the technique a rockin’ approach to all kinds of sexual activities.
Contrary to popular belief, electrostimulation is not dangerous nor painful when you know what you’re doing. It’s also crucial that you use the right device and do so as directed by the manufacturer. The practice almost always uses adhesive electrodes to transmit power from the source to the participant, so some basic skills and knowledge of the properties of electricity are required. Despite some people’s apprehension to use these toys, devices are sold by the truckload and a few are even used for non-sexual reasons. In fact, TENS technology got its start as a gentle, effective method for intense physical therapies.
Meanwhile, people eventually caught wind of this technique’s amazing abilities and started using it in the bedroom. As a result, we now have a variable cornucopia of pleasure options featuring stimulation delivered in exciting new ways. There are low-frequency AC and DC toys, TENS and EMS units, and more sophisticated contraptions with higher voltage settings known as “violent wands.” Think: cattle prod and extreme bondage. Yes, we’ve taken it that far. The days of using e-stim for medical purposes only are finally over, replaced instead with an age of exploring our sexuality by whatever means necessary (as long as it’s safe and consensual, of course).
Electro stimulation works by using the properties of voltage, current and resistance, especially as they pertain to the average functionality of the human body. It’s a basic example of Ohm’s Law, wherein higher levels of electricity flow faster through paths of least resistance. E-stim play allows the sexually charged to have complete, direct control over the electrical pathways coming from their device. Typically, a voltage intensity meter and/or control are used to help participants customize their pleasure/pain setting. Higher settings render a higher electrical output, thereby allowing for varying degrees of surprise and anticipation.
TENS sex toys work in a wide variety of different ways, however – each one uniquely utilizing the fundamental principles of Ohm’s Law in their delivery of ecstasy. Usually, a series of electrodes are secured to the targeted part of the body (pretty much anything downstairs) and the device being played with is turned on, sending involuntary impulses at varying intensity levels until the desired reaction is achieved. Electrode placement priorities depend heavily on several factors, plus some devices don’t use external electrodes at all. These days, the prevalence of integrated electrodes is more common on sex toys than ever before.
Therein lies the problem for some people. You see, the pleasure product market has grown so huge and diverse that it’s almost impossible for any of us to tell the difference between devices, technologies and their so-called “innovative” designs. To make matters worse, few of us are given a formal education on electricity so we’re grossly unfamiliar with its powerful, harness-ready properties. Let’s take a moment to simply things a bit because, quite honestly, it’s the only way you’ll ever find the perfect sex toy and it’s pretty much you’re only hope for staying safe. In other words, there’s a lot more to playing with this shit than simply touching someone’s crotch with a magic wand.
Truth be told, e-stim is one of the most diversified types of pleasure play on the planet. At this stage in the game, we have a pill for just about every ill, with electrical currents that can be applied in widely varying speeds, patterns and intensity levels though at least three different means. Here’s a brief breakdown of the most popular TENS output options:
Picking out the perfect electrostimulation device is always the first step to using one correctly (and without injury). The best thing you can do is try the technique on for size and then go from there. Try to remember that each unit has settings that let you control how intense the situation becomes. Sometimes, you can even turn the e-stim functions off altogether. Whether you choose, keep in mind that people experience and interpret pleasure and pain in their own unique ways. What feels good to you might not feel that amazing to someone else. For that reason, look for toys that are versatile, ergonomic and packed with added settings, safety features and output options.
You might be wondering the same thing I was at first: Why is something as seemingly strange as this even a part of the conversation? Well, to be honest, it’s likely because there’s a growing number of fans and someone needs to talk about it. It certainly helps that the level of enjoyment you can get out of this shit is incomparable. Few people are addressing the fact that this is truly a remarkable discovery that raises questions about the connection between our bodies, the sensations it experiences and the uses of contemporary energy sources. It will be interesting to see what we come up with next.
In the meantime, let’s talk about the folks who have already jumped on the bandwagon and find out if their logic or intentions are flawed in any way. Only then can we determine whether electrified pleasure is right for us and begin our journey towards using it responsibly. Here are some of the everyday people who enjoy it the most:
See? Almost everyone gets down with e-to-the-s-t-i-m these days. I’ll venture a bet and say that there are people you would never dream of doing this who do it all the time. After all, most of us don’t kiss and tell as much as I do. Now that you’re more informed and feel more comfortable exploring this side of your sexuality, it’s time to start talking shop. First things first, the power boxes.
You can’t even think about playing with an electrostimulation sex toy with any skill or efficiency unless you’re properly schooled on the different types of power boxes and how to use them. Each device comes with its own unique modus operandi, meaning you can’t skip the owner’s manual even if you’ve done this a million times before. Designs are always changing and improving, plus many options are made for one or two specific purposes, so buyer beware. To get the most bang for your buck, you’ve got to learn about e-stim power boxes and why they’re so unfortunately important (sometimes).
Here’s the deal, devices that use an external power box are usually much more robust and more easily customizable than those that have integrated electricity sources. Just like with automatic penis stroking machines and/or thrusting dildos, the ones that run off of a plug-in instead of a rechargeable USB battery offer greater strengths, lighter weights, and better bedroom versatility. The same can be said about these toys. Products that require an extra power box may seem like an expensive pain in the ass to the untrained eye but they’re absolutely necessary to the pros (at least as a side dish if not the main course).
Both TENS and EMS power units provide a series of stimulating electrical outputs at varying intensity levels, but anything with more than a 9-volt battery or current capacity should be handled with extreme caution. Those varieties are commonly used for the strongest possible performances, reserved only for the most experienced Kinksters among us. Either way, it’s usually the electrodes and settings that determine how much power gets transmitted. At the end of the day, therefore, what’s most important is that you understand how to operate the power box you pick out and properly apply its complimentary accessories for maximum benefit.
Devices that don’t feature integrated power sources must use adhesive electrode pads to get the electrical currents from the power box to the user’s body. Most of the time, those pads are made out of a skin-safe conductive gel but they’re sometimes insertable as well. Using insertable device can be scary the first time and it definitely takes practice to get the positioning just right. However, making good contact between the skin and the pad is essential, as is ensuring that the power source is properly hooked up to the pads via the included wires (which are usually the standard 2 mm).
Here’s something you may not know: Improperly connected electrodes can create electrical burns and injury you and/or your partner. At times, they’ve even been known to start fires because the wires weren’t hooked up to the power box correctly. Moreover, extremely powerful toys like violent wands can hurt the hands if you hold them wrong and the bigger the toy the greater your chances of these things happening. Therefore, a lot of people prefer using integrated e-stim or opt for simplified contact methods like clips, clamps, and attached wires. Whatever you decide, make sure to start out on the lowest setting so you can work your way up from there while monitoring the heat and/or electrical output of your power box and electrodes. This isn’t the Burning Man festival. Settle down.
I’ve just made electrode use sound frightening again and I didn’t mean to do that. It’s just important that you understand the essentials so nobody gets hurt. Lessen the burden substantially by employing a good conductive gel or lubricant. Many times, your toy will either come with some in the container or have compatible formulations available through the manufacturer. They’re usually water-based and some of them smell quite nice, plus they help reduce the amount of risk associated with this type of play while enhancing the sensations thereof. This technique, combined with responsible use and an appreciation of nature’s energy, can render a significantly satisfying experience each and every time no matter what you’re using it for.
Speaking of which, using your electrodes in a wise and intuitive way is key when it comes to this stuff. Male and female bodies are very different, with nerve endings located at unique places throughout their anatomy. Erogenous zones also vary from one person to another. Everyone reacts differently too, meaning even if you find the right area is still might be produce the results you were looking for. However, here’s a general breakdown of how to use e-stim electrodes like an expert depending on your and/or your partner’s body type:
NOTE: For all individuals and couples, it’s important to remember that placing electrodes on certain parts of the body is a big no-no. I’m talking about spots that aren’t necessarily erotic or even pleasurable to stimulate – the top of the head, the face, the mouth, directly on the asshole or clit, etc. Okay, that last one seems fun but it’s still not okay. Those areas are far too sensitive to endure electrostimulation at any intensity level unless administered by a medical professional.
As you can see, playing with this shit takes some finesse. After all, nothing in life is free, certainly not the good stuff. To use e-stim the way it was intended, be sure to follow all the rules. I know you’ve had a hard time doing that your whole life, but it’s a matter of life and death right now. No seriously, a New York man electrocuted himself with one of these devices back in 2002. Six years later, another guy was convicted of involuntary manslaughter when he did the same thing to his poor, young wife. Granted, he was using a homemade device that he crafted out of an old hairdryer, but still. There are definitely some risks involved with this stuff, so listen up because what I'm about to say is important.
Reducing risk and increasing pleasure is what this is all about. When we can play with delicate laws of nature to enhance our orgasms, why wouldn’t we? The future is now, ladies and gentlemen, and your next curtain call will most likely involve electricity, sensual stimulation and erotic experimentation. For now, it’s best to prepare ourselves for what’s unfolding and learn how to get back on track after being shocked in the best way possible. It’s a tough job but somebody’s gotta do it.
Preventative maintenance is important but so is aftercare. For the love of everything holy, you’re about to experience an orgasm of epic proportions using a force that’s powerful enough to sustain your entire house. What do you expect? Starting with e-stim without knowing what to do when you’re done is a very bad idea and I’m about to tell you why. Much like the hospitals in which these medical fetish devices are commonly used, post-play treatments are required if you want everything to go as plan. This might include anything from basic supervision to hands-on scene cleaning, snack serving and/or psychological consoling. Routines usually depend on the participants’ needs.
Prolonged electrostimulation sessions can wreak havoc on a person’s hydration, making them extremely thirsty when all is said and done. Typically, a little R&R does enough to get things back on an even keel. Serve or consume lots of electrolytes and refrain from strenuous physical activity for about an hour if possible. Meanwhile, prepare yourself for phantom tingles in and around the area that was targeted during play. It’s not a sign that something is wrong, in fact, it’s rather normal. However, if those tingles and muscle spasms don’t go away from the hour’s rest, you might want to look into changing your technique, moving the electrodes, or consulting with a physician. Numbness and muscle weakness should be expected as well, but long-lasting bouts are cause for concern. If that happens, stop playing and see a doctor quickly.
Also, keep in mind that proper use of your electronics and electrodes helps prevent most of the concerns you’re having. Safe practices always seem boring but they’re really not. For, with them, you can enjoy the various components of your toys and explore your body without suffering negative consequences in the process. When the smoke clears, make sure you’re cleaning off your device as soon as you’re done with it and putting it back in storage immediately. With great privilege comes great responsibility, remember that.
With all these risks, aftercare needs and tiny details you might be wondering why anyone would want to mess with it just to get off. And while we’ve already addressed the most common groups of people who use e-stim, we haven’t talked about the general advantages and disadvantages. It is there that we find the true reason behind all this and can intelligently determine whether these products are right for us or not. Check it out:
By carefully considering these pros and cons you can properly assess whether you’re up for the challenge of using electricity in the bedroom or not. It’s okay if you feel like this is all too much. Incredible orgasms aren’t for everybody and besides, there are tons of vibrating dildos, butt plugs and nipple clamps on the market to play with instead. If you’re not prepared for the business of the big leagues, I suggest you turn back now. It only gets more intense from here.
As if stuff could get any better than this, it turns out that there are several ways to increase the level of pleasure that you and/or your partner experience. People have been playing with electrostimulation sex toys for a very long time, even if you’re just now hearing about it today. With that said, their expertise is now ours to pick apart. Choose wisely. While you’re at it, brush up on your technique because people are watching. Here are some simple, easy and inexpensive hacks to implement into your routine:
One of the best things about electrostimulation is that it’s incredibly versatile and extremely customizable. That means you can usually tweak the hacks given above to suit your personal needs. However, illogical experimentation is never recommended and may result in serious complications, so keep it simple and don’t be a cheapskate. Instead, have yourself and your partner cumming back for more by enjoying your toys responsibly and taking proper care of them in the meantime.
Part of using your electro erotica equipment properly is knowing how to clean it off and store it away when you get done. Usually, devices will come with a set of maintenance instructions, so always follow that advice before listening to mine. However, the story usually goes a little something like this:
I can’t sit here and say that all experiences will be the same even if you use the exact techniques and toys every time, but I can say that they’re all dramatically improved when these simple steps are taken. E-stim is supposed to enhance your sexual sensations in a safe and exciting way, so use the devices as intended or else pay the consequences of being too casual about kink. The moral of the story is that it’s is up to you to make this work. If you still have questions that weren’t answered, either contact the manufacturers of your favorite devices for more information or resign to the fact that this shit just isn’t for you.
It’s time to stop kink-shaming people because they enjoy using electrostimulation sex toys. This stuff may have got its start as a medical method for therapy but that’s no all it’s used for anymore. These days, there’s more fetish and frivolity involved in e-stim than ever before in the history of mankind. At this point, there’s a little something for everyone regardless of their body type, their appetites, their sexual orientation or their experience level. It’s interesting, exciting, safe, satisfying and kinky. As long as you know how to use it, there aren’t any dangers you need to be concerned about. Truth be told, playing with specially made sex toys is the safest and easiest way to do it.
Blake Parker makes Ron Jeremy look like Mother Theresa. His honest take on allthings pertaining to pleasure and relationships has made him a household name that’s synonymous with sexuality. Blake’s unique perspective on toys and techniques prepares the mind and body for more than just an incredible orgasm. Hisentertaining sex toy reviews, buyer’s guides, and How-To articles inform consumers of what nobody else will say. His readers demolish emotional/physical strongholds, tear down social taboos, and become more comfortable in their own skin as he and his partner enlighten the world one sex toy at a time. Notoriety isn’t the goal with Blake; satisfaction is.