The majority of sex toys are not designed with erectile dysfunction (ED) in mind. However as with other conditions there are design and functional elements of some sex toys that can be useful for different ways of experiencing pleasure. Some products offer pleasure through vibration, while others help keep and erection and some can even provide a combination of pleasures.
ED is not something to ignore at any age. It is important that you speak to your doctor or health care professional if you have ED as it can be a symptom of a more serious condition such as heart disease, diabetes or depression. Once more serious health concerns have been ruled out you can look at experimenting with sex toys to help you overcome ED.
Again, it is important to get checked out by your trusted medical professional first. It is also important to note that sex toys do not treat ED they only offer a different way for you to be able to experience pleasure and arousal. They don’t have side effects and are harmless if used correctly. They can be fun` for both you and your partner, together as a couple or individually in the same space.
In this article we will list with the help of our resident Sexologist Jodie West, some sex toys which can benefit people with ED;
I can’t get an erection – if this is the case and you want to have penetrative sex they a strap on with a prosthesis over your penis could be the way to go. These usually involve a harness that fits around the waist, and the tops of the thighs with an attached hollow dildo that slips over your penis. The harness is designed to hold the dildo against your body so you can move naturally and hands free. This is not for everyone and does involve some imagination, but many couples enjoy sexual pleasure using them.
I have decreased sensation in my penis – Vibrators are not just for the clitoris. Vibrators can actually be used on the penis even the ones designed for the clitoris. There are also vibrators designed specifically for the penis and can be very helpful for ED. Ageing, illness, injury and medication can all cause decreased sensation in the penis and the vibrations in sex toys can offer types of stimulation that can’t be achieved through manual masturbation.
Which products – Powerful bullet vibrators like the We-Vibe Tango or the Je Joue Bullet can be used to stimulate the shaft and head of the penis. The Kurve by Hot Octopuss can do this as well but offers the benefit of two different frequency of vibrations so different sensations again. While the Pulse Solo Essential by Hot Octopuss is a vibrator designed specifically for the penis. It is uniquely designed and enables the user to enjoy and orgasm without the need for an erect penis before using the toy like many other sleeves that a fully enclosed. It also allows for hands free stimulation and can also be useful for those with physical disabilities. Another product that doesn’t require an erect penis to use it is the Cobra Libre V2 by Fun Factory. Another innovative design that offers powerful stimulation to the head of the penis, simple to operate and waterproof you can even use it in the bath. One last product that is well worth mentioning is the Manta by Fun Factory, it is designed for both solo and partnered play. You can slide it between your bodies and turn your penis into a vibrator. Used on a flaccid penis it can help stimulate an erection and feels amazing. The shape of the manta wings allows for precision stimulation around the head and along the shaft of the penis as well as the base.
My erection is not enough for sex – Using a penis pump can benefit those with ED. They are helpful for the majority to achieve a full erection for penetrative sex. They are non-invasive with no long lasting side effects. Having said that choose carefully and use them in accordance with instructions or they may be ineffective or worse cause damage. Urologist recommend penis pumps in combination with medical interventions to treat ED in order to achieve the best results.
Will a cock ring be enough if I can get my erection half way there – Once you have an erection say using a penis pump cock rings are great to help it last longer and can improve on the erection you have achieved. Do not leave a cock ring on for more than 30 minutes you can cause tissue damage. Using a vibrating cock ring can offer stimulation to both you and your partner. The Atom Plus by Hot Octopuss has dual integrated motors, so it offers stimulation to the perineum as well as the top of the penis shaft. The ergonomic design is shaped so that a partner can grind against it during penetrative sex as well. It is also designed so that you can put it on a flaccid penis offering pleasure and the possibility of an orgasm even without an erection.
I have an enlarged prostate – this can often be a cause of ED. Semen builds up withing the prostate, creating stagnation, bacterial growth, swelling and inflammation (prostatitis). It can cause urinary and erectile problem resulting in disturbed sleep and sexual function problems. Using a prostate massager can help. The prostate can be stimulated both externally through pressure against the perineum and internally through the rectum. Anal stimulation is more direct, intense and produces better results. Prostate Massagers are designed to stimulate the prostate internally are the equvilant of a G-Spot Vibrator when it comes to pleasure. Like a G-Spot orgasm the P-Spot orgasm for many is a powerful, long lasting orgasm and can even be multiple orgasms. These types of orgasms can flush out the prostate and helping improve prostate health.
More prostate health – if you have concerns about your prostate health you should talk to your doctor. If you are curious about prostate massage this is a quick rundown. Prostate massage can be performed by inserting a finger into the rectum facing upwards towards the stomach. However, this position can be awkward to maintain, so many using a prostate massager to stimulate the prostate gland can be more comfortable and can be done solo or with a partner.
Anal – Now that we have touched on anal activities and toys you can read more here.
Personal Lubricants - When using any sex toy it is best to use a quality lubricant. We have a number in store. Some of our current favourites are Sliquid Sassy designed specifically for anal play and to give that extra cushie feel or Sliquid Silk (hybrid lubricant), Astroglide Organic is an oil based lubricant which is long lasting (oil based lubricant), or a new Australian organic brand we are stocking Lucy Lube Australian made to the highest standards and incredibly good for your skin (water-based). We are always a fan of Uberlube a top quality silicone lubricant that can be used for a variety of activities, the general rule is that silicone lubricants cannot be used with silicone toys.
Water-based is safe for all sexual activities and toys but will require reapplication for longer sessions. Hybrids are a combination of silicone and water, they last longer and have a thicker consistency but it is best to check if they are safe for your toys before you use them together. Oil based are suitable for all toys as well as vaginal or anal sex, they are thicker and longer lasting and nourishing for the skin but they are NOT suitable for condom use. We only stock quality lubricants but as with any skin care products you should do a patch test before using it for the first time and if notice any irritation, stinging, burning or itching, wash the product off with water.
Sex toys are great for enhancing your sex life and increasing pleasure even if you have ED. They can be used in conjunction with medical therapies to improve treatment outcomes and increasing sexual health and pleasure. They can enable you to explore intimacy, connection and pleasure solo or partnered outside of penetrative sex. However please remember that if you are experiencing ED that you need to get checked out by your health care processional as it could be associated with an underlying condition. It is also important to only use sex toys in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this document should be read as general in nature and is only to provide and overview of the subject matter. Please read product packaging carefully and follow all instructions. Seek advice specific to your situation from your medical professional or mental health professional. Safe - Sane - Consensual
