How masturbation can
improve your sex life

It’s Masturbation May and you know we’ll be celebrating all month long! Masturbation: it’s a great way to unwind, everyone does it, and it’s free—but do you know how to do it safely? According to one 2022 study, 82% of women and 75% of men own at least one sex toy—the industry is booming. But not all sex toys are made equal! When you’re using something around your most sensitive areas, you want to feel confident that it’s safe. We’re going to cue you into what you need to know before going shopping.

Is masturbation healthy?

It’s not uncommon for us to grow up hearing some strange things about masturbation. Girls may learn that it will stretch out or “ruin” your vagina or labia, while one common myth told to boys is that it will cause hair to grow on your palms. Many people are taught that it shouldn’t be done at all, and that it’s a shameful act. Wisp disagrees. Not only has plenty of research shown that masturbation can be good for your mental and physical health, but it’s also the safest kind of sex out there—there’s no risk of pregnancy or STIs. If you’re looking to release sexual tension, reduce stress, sleep better, improve your self-esteem and body image, or even relieve period cramps, masturbating can help.

How does masturbation improve your sex life?

Masturbating isn’t just good for you, it can also be good for your partner(s)! Masturbation helps teach you what kinds of touches and sensations turn you on and which ones turn you off. When you know how to best bring yourself to orgasm, it makes it easier to help your partner get you there! Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable knowing you have the roadmap to your own body. More comfort leads to more communication and more confidence—all the things that contribute to a great sex life!

What kinds of sex toys are out there?

Many people are perfectly happy with solo sex lives that only involve themselves and their hands, but many of us get curious about the big, wide world sex toys. Seriously—it’s a big world out there. We don’t have the space to go into all the different sex toys that exist, but let’s talk about a few of the most popular.

Vibrators

Also referred to as “vibes” or personal massagers, vibrators do just as their name suggests—they vibrate continuously to stimulate the genitals. It’s definitely a fan favorite among people with clitorises, but it can also be used on the penis, testicles, and nipples. Some vibrators are meant only for external use, but some can also be used internally in the vagina or anus.

Dildos

These are objects meant to go inside the anus, vagina, or mouth, and while they may come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, they are often shaped as penises (to varying degrees of realism). They may be slightly curved to stimulate the g-spot or prostate, or can mimic a real penis (sometimes even a penis belonging to a real person).

Anal toys

Anal toys are anything designed to stimulate and/or be inserted into the anus. They can be anal beads, prostate massagers, and dildos with a flared base (just to name a few). When it comes to anal toys, the most important thing to consider is how easily you’ll be able to remove it—most people don’t realize how easily objects can get pulled into the anus and if that happens, you may need to see a doctor to have it removed.

Sleeves

Also called masturbation sleeves or “strokers,” these typically consist of a tube made of a soft material that can be easily rolled on and off the penis. They may come in different shapes and textures, and may even include a mechanical component, like suction or vibration.

Not sure where to start? We love Dame! Their selection of vibrators and other fun, sexy accessories are always made of body-safe materials that are not only good for your privates, but can also help get your engine revving.

What does “body-safe” mean?

The sex toy industry isn’t regulated by the FDA because sex toys aren’t considered medical devices. Questionable manufacturers may further skirt scrutiny by selling toys as “novelty items” to avoid accountability. In this kind of landscape it’s extra important for you to know what to look for when purchasing things that you’ll be using on and in your body! “Body-safe” is a term that sexperts use to refer to materials and ingredients that are nontoxic and won’t degrade over time when inserted into the body. If you’re just buying your first dildo or vibrator, look for items made from medical grade silicone. This kind of silicone is nontoxic and nonporous, meaning it can be completely sanitized between uses to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Dame’s Pom vibrator is a great beginner option, as is their bestselling Aer suction vibrator! Both are waterproof for easy sanitation and clean up.

Some other safe, non-porous materials that you can look for as you expand into the world of sex toys include:

• ABS plastic
• Acrylic
• Glass
• Metal

What materials should I stay away from?

Porous materials are not always inherently dangerous, but because they allow for bacteria to get in and proliferate, we never recommend them since they can increase your risk of infections. Porous toys are also likely to be made with phthalates, a group of chemicals that are often used as additives to make materials softer, stretchier, more durable, or more “realistic.” There is some research that shows these chemicals may cause harm—not a risk you want to take with toys you’ll be using internally. If you see any of the following ingredients listed, steer clear (especially for internal use):

• Cyberskin
• Jelly
• PVC
• Rubber
• UR3
• Vinyl

If you’re a beginner, it may feel overwhelming to begin experimenting, but you can always feel safe with Dame! They use 100% body-safe materials to support all your pleasure needs 😘 Check out their blog to keep learning and use code WISP20 to save 20% when you shop. Happy masturbating!