Take a look around the average sex shop and you’ll see hundreds toys from vibrators, butt plugs and dildos. The vast majority of which are made from some form of plastic.

Phthalates are a compound used in the manufacture of plastics. They are added during the manufacturing process to make the resulting plastic more pliable. The more “jelly-like” the toy, generally, the more phthalates are used.

A study conducted in 2004 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tested samples of urine from 2,540 people and found traces of phthalates in more than 75 percent of tested subjects. Although they concluded that there was insufficient evidence that they are harmful in humans. More recently, a 2009 study concluded that prenatal exposure to phthalates could lead to later issues with children and could be linked to obesity.

Phthalates escape from plastic in a gas form, and we inhale high concentrations of this every time a vacuum-sealed plastic package is opened to reveal that shiny new pink dildo. They also leech from the plastic in an oily film, which is then absorbed by the skin and through mucous membranes such as those found in our mouths and other more delicate areas.

Although steps have been taken by the U.S., as well as Canada and Europe to limit the use of phthalates in children’s toys, but no such regulations currently exist for erotic toys. The issue stems from the fact that many of the toys you see in shops are actually classed as ‘Novelties’ for novelty use only. This subtle classification means that the materials that go into making these ‘toys’ are unregulated. Manufacturers do not have to be concerned that these products are coming in contact with sensitive and absorbent areas of the body.

Classified as novelties, the FDA does not regulate the kinds of materials going into a sex toy. This broad band labeling as a novelty allows producers to put any type of material they want into a sex toy, and manufacturers are disavowed of any responsibility or liability because the toys are labeled with a caution that they are “not intended for actual use”. With that caveat attached to each product, they are often produced with cheap materials, which have dubious effects on both our bodies and the environment.

So what’s a girl to do? Personally I avoid these ‘novelty’ items like the plague. Why would you put yourself at risk when there are plenty of private manufacturers that produce high quality, safe products? There are now a huge number of toys available made from an amazing range of materials from ceramics through glass to metals and even wood. We’ve been personally testing and reviewing some of them and we’ll be publishing our ‘findings’ soon, just need to do a little more ‘testing’ first.

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1. Vibrators

Vibrators, although typically seen as a solo toy can add spice to a couple’s sex life. They can be used in various ways on either partner and are perfect if the lady has fantasies about a menage-a-trois! One of the most popular vibrators to ever grace the top shelves, the Jack Rabbit consists of a vibrating shaft with a pair of little ‘rabbit ears’ which curl onto the clitoris when the shaft is inserted. There have been many variations of this toy throughout the years with the latest becoming more and more sophisticated!

A new player on the market is the We-Vibe, this unique vibe is designed to be used with your partner. This hands free vibe conforms to the female shape allowing a penis or dildo to easily fit into the vagina along with the We-Vibe with one end stimulating the G-spot and the other the clitoris. There’s a reason this one has won so many awards, it’s great for couples and perfect for solo play. Personally, this is the best toy I own! A must buy!

2. Penis Extensions

The penis extension comes is a toy that a man wears on the end of his erection to provide a larger feel for the woman, while he too enjoys himself. They come in a range of different styles and textures but personally I love the feel of Cyberskin, it feels just like human skin. A penis extension not only makes a man feel larger it also reduces the sensations for the man and so can help him last longer.

3. Vibrating Cock Ring

Complete with a little bullet vibrator and a couple of small batteries, these latex or plastic toys are made to fit snuggly onto the penis. Sometimes the ring by itself will vibrate as you make love, but often these little rings come with appendages ‘ears’, ‘fingers’, ‘tongues’ etc which will tickle and tease the clitoris for a more electrifying sexual experience. The vibrations also serve the man in that he will be provided pleasure at the base of his penis as well as the top.

For the more adventurous there are the rings that come with small dildos attached. The result: when the man’s penis is inserted vaginally, the vibrating unit will be positioned over the woman’s clitoral area, while the dildo will be positioned below – just right for anal penetration.

4. Anal Plug

An anal plug can be fun! For a man the pressure the plug causes against his prostrate will provide a potentially different feel to his orgasm and may also make it stronger and more intense. For a woman an anal plug can provide some intense sensations and allows her to explore double penetration. Similar devices that serve the same purpose are anal beads and dildos although for beginners to anal play an anal plug is a great place to start!

5. Remote Control

Discreet and ultra sexy! Remote controlled toys can be used wherever you wish, meaning you can pleasure yourself or your partner while out shopping, riding a bus or doing the housework! Just try not to make too much noise! From vibrators to eggs, wired to wireless and now even internet enabled a remote control sex toy can add extra dimensions to your sex play!

6. Fingertip Vibrators

These small but intensely exciting toys are vibrators that fit onto the fingertips and add a great and titillating twist on masturbation. They are usually a soft, latex rubber and are equipped with little bumps or ribs to provide extra stimulation as you move them against yourself. Alternate between designs and styles by keeping a few on each finger!

7. Venus Butterfly

This toy is, as the name suggests, a butterfly shaped vibrator. It attaches to the clitoris by elastic straps that fit around your legs and waist. Again, if you find yourself alone you can fix the butterfly in place and lay back and enjoy. But it is also useful when with a partner. As he penetrates you, the toy will vibrate on your clitoris as he chafes your G-spot. This is another toy that allows you double stimulation.

8. Sex Kit

If you’ve got something special planned, a romantic weekend away or an anniversary then something like the Kama Sutra Sweet Celebration Box is perfect. It is designed to transport your senses, allowing you to revel in the sweetness that comes from finding the perfect partner. For the chocolate lovers there’s always the old favourite, chocolate body paint!

9. Bondage Gear

Bondage isn’t all about whips and chains! Just about everyone can enjoy the feeling of being restrained while their partner plays and teases with with! For those just dipping their toes in the bondage water then something like the door jam cuffs or under bed restraint system is perfect. Or how about a beautiful set of matching ankle and wrist cuffs with blindfold to get the party started!

10. Costumes

Dressing up and playing lets pretend is a great way for couples to safely explore fantasies and to bring some spice into the bedroom. Take a look at some of the great costumes available. A baseball uniform, the not so traditional nurses uniform and of course the school girl outfit!

Remember to always clean your toys and store them according to guidelines, so you can enjoy them over and over again!

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As you may imagine, inducing “hysterical paroxysm” in female patients was a complicated and time consuming task without the aid of the vibrator. Turn-of-the-century physicians were delighted with the efficiency, convenience, and reliability of portable vibrators which enabled them to help more women and create a certain clientele. So in those days a woman complaining of hysteria literally went to her doctor for sexual release! Luckily those days are gone and now every woman can enjoy a healthy sexual life without seeing her local MD!

You’ve Come a Long Way Baby

Today’s vibrators have come a long way from the days of your mother’s “personal massager” (yes she probably had one). Today’s synthetic plastics and micro technology have helped create some of the most realistic and “custom designed” vibrators ever seen. From “thrusting” to “pulsating”, light up to ejaculating the market has something for each and every woman alive today!

Using Vibrators Alone or Together

There is no reason for any woman or couple today to ignore the possibilities of using vibrators in their sex life. Vibrators are a great way to “electrify” (pardon the pun) your foreplay and may help those ladies who need extra help achieving orgasm during sex. Guys too may enjoy the use of a vibrator on their penis or maybe inserted into the anus. Personally the sight of my lover enjoying herself with a great vibrator makes me crazy!

Vibrator Reviews

We have moved our reviews to the vibrator reviews section.

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Dildos are a wonderful tool for masturbation as well as foreplay & can assist a couple in many ways. Extending intercourse by the use of a dildo before actual intercourse can assist a female to reach a higher level of stimulation, hence raising her chances of orgasm. Dildos can also assist couples with premature ejaculation problems & even erectile dysfunction.

Although a dildo will never replace the real thing, it’s function in an average couples sex life definitely has it’s merits. Today’s science has created some amazingly lifelike dildos and in the past year a new breed of dildos has come out using what is called PleasureSkin or CyberSkin. These new dildos have a much more realistic “feel” to them than the older plastic dildos. Along with these technologies silicone is being used more often for a softer, more pliable feel. Dildos now also come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate each person’s individual wants and needs. Many of the new dildos are actually cast from famous porn star’s penises! So if you saw John Holmes or Eric Hanson in their latest features you don’t have to wonder what it would be like any longer!

One last little improvement some of these toy companies have made is the ejaculating dildo. Talk about adding realism to the dildo! One such toy is the Cock Shooter Ejaculating Dong. This 7 inch dildo is made of soft but firm SensaFirm that has a very real texture and features a refillable scrotum that can be squeezed at just the right time to make it ejaculate!

Using Dildos with Strap Ons

Dildos don’t have to be hand held any more! Many of todays dildos have what is known as a Vac-U-Lock system built in. This design allows the dildo to be used with or without a Vac-U-Lock system strap on harness. One we really like in this category is the 7 Inch Realistic Dong. Along with the ability to use these Vac-U-Lock dildos with a strap on they will also fit what is known as an EZ Rider Ball. With the inexpensive little goodie a woman can attach her favorite Vac-U-Lock toy to the ball and “mount” the dildo just like she would have intercourse on top of a man. This allows “hands free” play and more realistic thrusting.

Glass Dildos

One of the newest fads in dildos are glass dildos. The glass makes for a totally different sensation. One tip is hold the dildo in your hands for a moment or two to warm it up first!

So whether it’s for masturbation or to add some spice to your sex life together a dildo may be “just what the doctor ordered! Do take the time to research and think about what you really are looking for in a dildo. Dildos come in all shapes sizes and colors and in lengths from 4 inches up to a whopping 16 inches!

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