If you think sex toys are just for single ladies or bondage-loving Fifty Shades fans, think again: The majority of women are up for bringing sex toys to bed, according to a recent poll of Women’s Health readers.
In fact, in the survey, 75 percent of respondents said they’ve used one with a partner, and 60 percent say they’ve used one with the person they’re seeing now (or were with most recently). Even more women are up for giving one a try: Eighty-four percent said they’re open to the idea of using a sex toy as a couple.
If your sex life is feeling a little routine lately, bringing a toy to bed can help add a little something-something to your sex life, says Ian Kerner, PhD, sex therapist and author of She Comes First (consequently, he says he’s been seeing more and more couples experimenting with sex toys lately). “Whenever you introduce novelty into the bedroom, it stimulates dopamine activity—that plays a big role in sexual arousal and sexual excitement.”
Sex toys can also come in handy if you have trouble crossing the finish line. “A large majority of women don’t orgasm consistently from intercourse alone,” says Kerner, “but when you add a sex toy or manual or oral stimulation—what I call ‘intercourse plus’— the statistics kind of flip on their heads.”
For a standard vibrator that couples can use together, Kerner recommends:
LELO Gigi, $ 109, LELO.com
The flattened tip is specially designed to focus in on the G-spot.
photo: LELO.com
Jimmyjane Form 6, $ 175, Jimmyjane.com
This one is double-sided —one end is perfect for surface vibrations, while the other is better for penetration.
photo: Jimmyjane.com
You can also use a smaller, clitoral vibrator. (A tip: “Incorporating a handheld, palm-sized vibrator into your hand while you’re manually or orally stimulating a man is really going to add to his pleasure,” says Kerner.) Two that Kerner suggests:
Jimmyjane Form 2, $ 145, Jimmyjane.com
The two “ears” are flexible, squeezable, and each powered by their own motor.
photo: Jimmyjane.com
Je Joue MiMi, $ 89, Amazon.com
This one is compact and smooth, so Je Joue suggests using it for an all-over body massage.
photo: Amazon.com
You might also consider springing for a toy that was designed specifically for partners to play with together. Some of the top-selling couple’s toys at Babeland:
We-Vibe 3, $ 139, Babeland.com
Fun fact: The We-Vibe has been Babeland’s best-selling vibrator ever since the first version launched five years ago. It’s designed for a woman to wear during sex (no hands required) so that both partners can feel the vibes.
photo: Courtesy of Babeland
Jimmyjane Hello Touch, $ 65, Babeland.com
One person wears the vibrating pods over his or her fingertips to really amp up hand-play.
photo: Courtesy of Babeland
Je Joue Mio, $ 99, Babeland.com
A vibrating penis ring adds extra pleasure for both parties during sex. (Use it to try for a “Wegasm”!)
photo: Courtesy of Babeland
More from Women’s Health:
The Best Sex Toys for Couples
How to Start Using Sex Toys in Your Relationship
18 Best Sex Toys
