Sex toys are devices or objects that can be used to increase sexual pleasure during masturbation or when having sex with someone. Worldwide, the sex toy industry is a multi-billion dollar industry! However, there’s still way TOO much shame and stigma attached to sex toys.

Sex toys are made for people with vagina’s, penises and for anal stimulation. Sex toys can also be used for health purposes, and have been known to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles, as well as help with incontinence which is the loss of control of the bladder. There are hundreds if not thousands of sex toys on the market, and if you’re a beginner it can seem extremely overwhelming when trying to decide which one to buy. Also, there’s a lot of misconceptions and false information about sex toys doing the rounds. Today, we’re discussing 5 of these myths:

1) Sex toys are only for people who are single:

Sex toys are for EVERYONE – no matter the gender, sexual orientation, age or if you’re in a relationship or not. If you have a sexual partner, sex toys are a great way to increase intimacy, experiment and make things more interesting. If you’re using a sex toy to masturbate, they’re great to increase pleasure and explore your body in a different way.

2) Sex toys will make you less sensitive:

This is a common myth with vulva-owners. No matter how often you use sex toys they won’t make you less sensitive. In fact, vibrating sex toys can actually make you more sensitive.

3) There’s no need for a partner if you have sex toys:

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Obviously there are countless things that a partner can give you that sex toys can’t. But when referring to sex, there’s no need for your partner to feel threatened or like there’s no use for them anymore. If anything, they should feel excited and curious to explore this new venture with you. If your partner is giving you a hard time for using sex toys, maybe it’s time to have a conversation about it.

4) Sex toys are dangerous:

If you’re unfamiliar with sex toys, haven’t done proper research on credible brands and the red flags to look out for then they can be dangerous. If you’re at the beginning of your sex toy journey, do as much research as you can, but make sure you’re getting your information from REPUTABLE, CREDIBLE and RELIABLE sources. Also, ask friends and loved ones if that’s something you’re comfortable with. There are so many sex toys on the market and they all exist for different reasons and areas of the body. So, it’s important to have an idea of what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re using a sex toy that’s meant for anal stimulation on the vulva there could be a safety concern. Aside from this, and making sure you clean your sex toys regularly, sex toys are safe.

5) Sex toys make you a sex addict:

This couldn’t be further from the truth. When you begin using a sex toy for the first time, you may use it quite often if you really enjoy it. This doesn’t mean you’re a sex addict, you’re just enjoying pleasure which everyone has a right to. If anything, sex toys will make you feel better about yourself, your body and your sexuality.

To note:

• When buying sex toys make sure they’re made from safe non-toxic materials like medical grade silicone, stainless steel and glass
• Stay away from chemicals like Phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA)
• For more on what materials to avoid and what materials are safest, click here

Here are 2 sex toy brands we recommend:

Desir: https://desir.co.za/blog/sex-toy-guide/

• They have a blog on their website which has a lot of information for beginners
• They also have discreet delivery for their products

My Sex Shop: https://www.mysexshop.co.za

• They have an LGBTQI section
• They also have discreet delivery