Link Up Alpha Ring Set by CalExotics

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For those nights where you Link Up, explore the Link Up Alpha.

This two-piece set includes a high-powered vibrating couples’ enhancer ring with 10 different functions of vibration, pulsation and escalation, and an Ultra-Soft silicone support ring.

Allow the Link Up Alpha to enhance your performance with added stamina and support while the deep resonating power pleasures both partners.

The vibrating, waterproof enhancer features a dual ring design for added stimulation and support. The ring is also textured to bring you to the peak of ecstasy. Play with ease as this ring is USB rechargeable. Use the included charging cord to charge your vibrating ring in just 2.5 hours. Then, maximize pleasure for you and a partner with up to 90 minutes of play time.

Experience deep, resonating power with the push of a single button. Once you’ve found your favorite setting, enjoy getting right back to pleasure next time with the memory chip feature. The pleasurable vibrations will resume on the last function used with this innovative feature.

Features:

  • Stretchy and comfortable dual-density Silicone vibrating enhancer plus Ultra-Soft Silicone support ring
  • Textured dual ring design to bring you to the peak of ecstasy
  • Deep resonating power
  • 10 Vigorous functions of vibrating action
  • Maximize pleasure for you and your partner
  • Luxurious body-safe Silicone
  • State-of-the-art memory chip resumes on last function used
  • Security travel lock – hold for 3 seconds to turn on or off
  • Waterproof
  • USB rechargeable – charging cord included
  • 2.5 Hour charge provides up to 90 minutes of playtime
  • 1 Year warranty provided by CalExotics
  • Silicone
  • USB Ring – 3.5” x 2.25”
  • Silicone ring – 1.5” diameter

PDX Elite Moto Blower by Pipedream Products

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The Moto Blower doesn’t just stroke you like ordinary masturbators, it combines incredible suction and vibration with a super-smooth automatic stroking motion!

The internal thrusting mechanism is completely hidden inside and features a metal “gripping” ring around the sleeve that strokes and squeezes your shaft. The ring is lined with a row of pleasure beads that roll up and down your rod, while the super-soft TPR sleeve wraps around every inch.

The rechargeable motor offers professional-grade performance with 2 levels of intense stroking speeds, 3 powerful suction modes, and 5 thrilling vibration patterns.

Features:

  • Self-contained masturbator
  • Stroking Suction & Vibration
  • 5 patterns of vibration
  • 2 speeds of thrusting
  • 3 modes of suction
  • Removable Soft & Stretchy Sleeve
  • USB Rechargeable – charging cable included
  • ABS and TPR
  • 8.9” (5.5” insertable) x 3.5”

Instagram Activates Default ‘Explore’ Filter Targeting ‘Sexually Suggestive’ Posts

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Last week Instagram announced the launch of a feature called “Sensitive Content Control” and set, as a default for all users, an option that prevents the app’s “Explore” feature from showing posts that the company’s algorithms and human moderators deem “sexually suggestive or violent.”

The three new options that users can now select are “Allowed” (less censored), “Limit” (censored) and “Limit Even More” (even more censored). But in order to select “Allowed,” Instagram users are now being forced to navigate through several steps to disable the default filter setting.

A statement from Instagram — a Facebook company — introducing the feature claimed the company believes “people should be able to shape Instagram into the experience that they want,” which seems contradictory given that “Limit” was included as the default option for all users.

According to the company’s statement, “Sensitive Content Control” allows the user to decide how much “sensitive content” shows up in “Explore.”

The company reasserted that its controversial corporate censorship policies, which include a blanket ban on “the female nipple” — selectively not applied to celebrities and some people shown breastfeeding — are meant “to keep people safe.”

“We don’t allow hate speech, bullying and other content that might present a risk of harm to people,” the company stated.

“We also have rules about what kind of content we show you in places like ‘Explore,’” the statement continued. “We call these our Recommendation Guidelines. These guidelines were designed to help ensure that we don’t show you sensitive content from accounts you don’t follow. You can think of sensitive content as posts that don’t necessarily break our rules, but could potentially be upsetting to some people — such as posts that may be sexually suggestive or violent.”

The Sensitive Content Control feature further solidifies the corporate stance by Instagram and Facebook that all “sexually suggestive” material is in the same category as “harmful” and “violent” content.

The instructions to opt out of Instagram’s new default content censorship involve several steps and are allowed only for users over 18 years of age. First, users should go into their profile, tap the “Settings” menu and then tap “Account.” Under “Sensitive Content Control,” choose “Allow.”

As many users pointed out on social media, the default censorship of content appeared to discriminate against posts concerning sexual health, LGBTQ+ information and non-sexual posts by individuals and accounts that might have been flagged as “sexual” and thus subject to the company’s notorious (and notoriously secretive) shadowbanning protocols.

Progressive, feminist sexual health company Bellesa was one of many accounts to release a tutorial on how to override the app’s new default censorship feature.

“Instagram? Censoring sex-related content? Groundbreaking,” noted the Bellesa account.

Instagram Activates Default ‘Explore’ Filter Targeting ‘Sexually Suggestive’ Posts by Gustavo Turner originally appeared in XBIZ

The Mini Swan Collection by BMS

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The Mini Swan Collection is a trio of compact clitoral stimulators that are beautiful in design and extraordinary in power.

Each ergonomically shaped mini vibe is dressed in seamless silky silicone for a 100% surface play area. They also feature PowerBullet’s legendary “Press & Hold” intensity control – just push the button until the powerful motor reaches the level you like.

Each model offers a different way to send intense vibrations to all areas that need attention:

  • Pawn has a silicone handle forms into a compact round sphere
  • Wand offers a curved body that ends in a broad tip
  • Rose has a gorgeous yet simple design that featured a raised bud in the center of the flat tip

The USB rechargeable Mini Swan Collection is waterproof for fun in & out of the water and easy cleanup.

 

Mini Swan Pawn

Pursuing your pleasure has taken on a whole new meaning – The Mini Swan Pawn is the ultimate clitoral vibrator that fits right in the palm of your hand. The silicone handle forms into a compact round sphere that sends intense vibrations to all your areas that need attention.

Incremental speed control allows you to find the vibration speed that is perfect for you! Just press and hold the button, and feel the vibrations slowly climb from mild to wild. Release the button once your desired speed is met and sit back and enjoy the ride.

The full silicone material has never felt so soft. Apart from being incredibly smooth to the touch, the seamless design ensures easy cleaning and hygienic benefits for an overall body-safe experience.

The Mini Swan Pawn is waterproof – so take it with you in the shower or tub for a wet and wild experience like none other!

Ready for an adventure? Being USB rechargeable means that once the Mini Pawn is charged up, it is ready to go whenever you are! The perfect size for on-the-go adventures, the Pawn is also fully equipped with a travel lock for remaining discreet when tucked away in your luggage.

With incremental speed control, full silicone, and a size that is perfect for any occasion, the Mini Swan Pawn is more than ready to pursue your pleasure.

Features:

  • Clitoral Vibrator
  • Incremental Speed Control
  • Press & Hold intensity control
  • Full Silicone Material
  • Waterproof
  • Travel Lock
  • Compact Size
  • USB Rechargeable
  • Silicone
  • 3.54”

 

Mini Swan Wand

The Mini Swan Wand is a luxurious compact vibe gaining its inspiration from the mega successful Swan Wand. Beautiful in design, extraordinary in power, the Mini Swan Wand is perfect for someone on the go who loves to be naughty & adventurous. It also looks amazing on your nightstand awaiting your every desire.

The Mini Swan Wand is virtually seamless with a 100% silicone finish. It’s smooth, soft and waterproof for a luxurious feel like none other.

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of compact power and fun, the Mini Swan Wand features an incredible PowerBullet motor using Swan’s well-known “Press & Hold” controls.

For portability and convenience, the Mini Swan Wand has a travel lock and is charged using a USB cord. Simply disconnect it when the charge is complete and it’s ready for use.

Features:

  • Clitoral Vibrator
  • Press & Hold intensity control
  • Travel-Ready
  • 100% Seamless Silicone
  • Rechargeable Lithium battery
  • 2 Hour charge provides up to 2 hours of playtime
  • Silicone
  • 4.7”

 

 

Mini Swan Rose

The Mini Swan Rose is a luxurious compact clitoral stimulator gaining its inspiration from the mega successful Mini Swan Wand. Beautiful in design, extraordinary in power, the Mini Swan Rose is perfect for someone on the go who loves to be naughty and adventurous. It also looks amazing on your nightstand awaiting your every desire.

The Mini Swan Rose is virtually seamless with a 100% silicone finish. It’s smooth, soft and waterproof for a luxurious feel like no other. It has a gorgeous yet simple rose bud design that offers a contoured shape allowing you to find your pleasure with ease.

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of compact power and fun, the Mini Swan Rose features an incredible PowerBullet motor using Swan’s well-known “Press & Hold” controls.

For portability and convenience, the Mini Swan Rose has a travel lock and is charged using a USB cord. Simply disconnect it when the charge is complete and it’s ready for use.

Features:

  • Clitoral Vibrator
  • Incremental Speed Control
  • Press & Hold intensity control
  • Full Silicone Material
  • Waterproof
  • Travel Lock
  • Compact Size
  • USB Rechargeable
  • Silicone
  • 4”

Booty Sparks Weighted Gem Anal Plugs by XR Brands

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Adorn your derriere with these dazzling pink or blue gems!

Featuring a classic spade shape, Booty Sparks Weighted Gem Anal Plugs have a tapered tip for easy insertion and an elongated neck for comfortable wear.

The weighted base with inset gem adds a comfortable and satisfying weight to your anal play, opening a new world of sensation for enthusiasts.

Booty Sparks Weighted Gem Anal Plugs are made with nickel free aluminum alloy, perfect for temperature play – heat it up or cool it down for even more sensation.

Features:

  • Aluminum Plug with weighted base
  • Tapered tip
  • Long neck
  • Gem inset at base
  • Easy to clean
  • Nickel-free aluminum alloy and ABS
  • Small 3.1” (2.5” insertable) x 1.1”
  • Medium 3.7” (3” insertable) x 1.36”
  • Large 4.2” (3.3” insertable) x 1.5”

Lush Rose Gold Mini Wands by Blush

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Pleasure shines with the Lush Rose Gold collection of powerful mini wands by Blush.

Featuring a sleek metallic rose gold-toned handle and black silicone head on a flexible neck, each Lush mini wand offers surprisingly intense vibrations in ten modes.

Available in three styles:

  • Cora has a plump rounded handle and is powered by 2 AAA batteries
  • Chloe offers a slim rounded handle and is USB rechargeable
  • Callie is easy to hold with a curved rounded handle and is USB rechargeable

The Lush Rose Gold Mini Wands are all rated IPX7 waterproof and come backed by a 30 Day manufacturer warranty.

Lush Cora

Cora’s rumbly vibes pair with rose gold accents. The sleek handle and flexible neck make Cora simple to use. Explore 10 rumbly vibration functions, solo or with a partner.

Cora is waterproof and easy to clean. Made of body safe materials: non-porous ABS plastic and a smooth silicone sleeve. Free of phthalates and latex. Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included).

Features:

  • Elegant design + compact power to let your pleasure shine
  • 10 rumbly vibration functions & a flexible neck
  • Rated IPX7 waterproof for bath time play
  • Head is made from pure satin smooth silicone
  • Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included)
  • Silicone and ABS
  • 5” x 1.75”

 

Lush Callie

Callie’s rumbly vibes pair with rose gold accents. The ergonomic handle and flexible neck make Callie comfortable to hold. Explore 10 rumbly vibration functions, solo or with a partner.

Callie is waterproof, USB magnetic rechargeable, and easy to clean. Made of body safe materials: non-porous ABS plastic and a smooth silicone sleeve. Free of phthalates and latex.

Features:

  • Elegant design + compact power to let your pleasure shine
  • 10 Rumbly vibration functions & a flexible neck
  • Rated IPX7 waterproof for bath time play
  • Magnetic USB rechargeable – charging cable included
  • Silicone and ABS
  • 5” x 1.5”

Lush Chloe

Chloe’s rumbly vibes pair with rose gold accents. The sleek handle and flexible neck make Chloe simple to use. Explore 10 rumbly vibration functions, solo or with a partner.

Chloe is waterproof, USB magnetic rechargeable, and easy to clean. Made of body safe materials: non-porous ABS plastic and a smooth silicone sleeve. Free of phthalates and latex.

Features:

  • Elegant design + compact power to let your pleasure shine
  • 10 rumbly vibration functions & a flexible neck
  • Rated IPX7 waterproof for bath time play
  • Magnetic USB rechargeable – charging cable included
  • Silicone and ABS
  • 4.75” x 1.25”

How Retailers Can Leverage Distributor, Manufacturer Partnerships

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One of the things I love most about my job is the interaction I get to have with our retailers and store partners. I especially love doing store visits and meeting you all in person and seeing your stores and wellness spaces. It reminds me why I love what I do, and most of that is based on the relationships cultivated within the industry.

I feel like there is more we can do to close the gap between what I see as the three beacons of our industry: manufacturer, distributor and retailer. Without all beacons being lit, there is serious missed opportunity within these partnerships. So, how do we leverage and utilize these relationships better from both a fiscal standpoint and a relationship perspective?

Manufacturers create a plethora of marketing support for their brands and items, especially new-release items or collections. Do not be afraid to ask what is available. I speak to so many store owners who wish they had more signage or want artwork with custom specs to create an impactful display. As a manufacturer, we love that! Please partner with your distributor in reaching out to us and asking for the printed marketing materials you want to have on hand.

I also work with a lot of stores that like to do their own printing for example at FedEx because they want to customize the signage. Let us customize some cool digital art for you, and you can print as many sizes or images as you want. It can be a challenge to get printed material from print source to the retailer. Ask your distributors to put you in contact with a rep that can help assist you with digital images that you can use in your stores for branding purposes. The quality of imagery and paper materials has improved significantly over the past five years — update your stores with all the newness you can get your hands on. Walking into a store that has faded posters from the ’80s makes shopping less appealing compared to walking into a store that has freshly printed materials. Keep in mind, there usually is not any cost to getting this signage; it is a matter of voicing your needs.

Social media is becoming a critical part of stores’ interaction with their customer base. Have you checked out your manufacturers’ websites to see what digital assets they have available? Manufacturers can easily create social media content for stores; usually we just need someone to ask us. We spend so much time and money on photo shoots and marketing materials — we want you to ask us for them. In fairness, distributors cannot manage all marketing aspects plus all product info for everyone. Lean on manufacturers’ assets in partnership with your distributor to get the maximum impact you can on social media. We cannot leave out one of the beacons or the partnership loses its harmony and balance.

Your distributor and manufacturer partners are an excellent source for curating training materials and in-person trainings for stores. We want to give you the information on our brands that are the most impactful, but also need your feedback on what works best for your store. COVID forced us all to get comfortable with online trainings; just because we are exiting the pandemic does not mean that we have to leave what we learned behind. If online training works best, stick with it. We do not have to let geography dictate trainings as much as we did in the past. Small stores deserve just as much knowledge and time as big stores — do not let your store size hold you up. It takes time to grow a business; trainings are a great catalyst to increase sales. It is important to keep associates fresh and motivated, and training and store visits are one of the best ways to do that.

The important thing about having harmonious relationships is the trust and balance. The trust between distributors and manufacturers is so critically important. When both partners are working in tandem, it’s such a great experience for the customer. When distributors are close with their manufacturers, it creates the opportunity for everyone to work as a group. One component cannot be left out or we lose the potential for revenue and growing our businesses together.

While we are not in the clear with COVID yet, we are a lot closer to normal than we were several months ago. Let us make the new normal look different in our partnerships and in the way we leverage them to create success for everyone.

How Retailers Can Leverage Distributor, Manufacturer Partnerships by Danielle Seerley originally appeared in XBIZ

Boundless Harnesses and Probes by CalExotics

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boundless:

[ bound-lis ] adjective

having no boundaries; infinite or vast; unlimited

Expand your strap-on selection with the infinite possibilities of the Boundless collection from CalExotics.

The Premium Harnesses are available in a Backless Brief, Thong with Garters, and Boxer Brief. All three styles are extra comfortable and easy to wear under clothes, and accommodate a probe or a packer. Each style comes in three sizes, S/M, L/XL, and 2X/3X.

The Silicone Probes are offered in Smooth (three sizes,) Ridged (two sizes,) and Slim (one size.)

Designed in a neutral yet fashion-forward style, Boundless offers an assortment of harnesses and probes created to provide unlimited possibilities for everyone!

Boundless Backless Brief

The Boundless Backless Brief is an ultra-comfortable harness fashioned like a risqué backless brief with powerful performance and comfort in mind. This bold harness has an extra-wide waistband, soft stretchy fabric and reinforced O ring for the ultimate support. The durable, reinforced O-ring stretches to accommodate your favorite packer, vibrator or dildo. With a form-fitting design, this comfort harness can be worn discreetly under clothes. Enjoy pleasure made for two with the double panel interior for easy access to your favorite probe.

Beginners and expert users alike will love frustration-free pleasure with this easy-to-wear harness. Simply secure your favorite probe, slip into the bold backless brief and dive deep into passionate penetration or enjoy comfortable all-day wear. Enjoy easy clean up by machine washing and hanging to dry.

Features:

  • Fashioned like a pair of backless briefs; works like a premium harness
  • Form-fitting design can be worn discreetly under your clothes
  • Extra wide waistband for superior support
  • Stretchy and comfortable with soft lining
  • Double panel interior for easy access to your favorite probe (probe not included)
  • Reinforced O-ring stretches to accommodate most dongs or probes
  • 78% Nylon, 22% Spandex (fabric) 48% Nylon, 35% Polyester, 17% Spandex (waistband)

 

Boundless Thong with Garter

The Boundless Thong with Garter is an ultra-comfortable harness fashioned like a risqué backless brief with powerful performance and comfort in mind. This bold harness has an extra-wide waistband, unique garter belt design and reinforced O ring for the ultimate support. The durable, reinforced O-ring stretches to accommodate your favorite packer, vibrator or dildo. With a form-fitting design, this comfort harness can be worn discreetly under clothes. The sensual garter belt is complete with adjustable straps for a sexy, yet comfortable fit. Enjoy pleasure made for two with the double panel interior for easy access to your favorite probe.

Beginners and expert users alike will love frustration-free pleasure with this easy-to-wear harness. Simply secure your favorite probe, slip into the bold thong harness and dive deep into passionate penetration or enjoy comfortable all-day wear. Enjoy easy clean up by machine washing and hanging to dry.

Features:

  • Fashioned like a thong with garter belt; works like a premium harness
  • Form-fitting design can be worn discreetly under your clothes
  • Extra wide waistband for superior support
  • Stretchy and comfortable with soft lining
  • Sensual garter belt with adjustable straps
  • Double panel interior for easy access to your favorite probe (probe not included)
  • Reinforced O-ring stretches to accommodate most dongs or probes
  • 78% Nylon, 22% Spandex (fabric) 48% Nylon, 35% Polyester, 17% Spandex (waistband) Nylon (garter straps) Nickel-Free Iron with Nylon Coating (garter hooks)

 

Boundless Boxer Brief

The Boundless Boxer Brief Harness is an ultra-comfortable, easy wear harness designed with powerful performance and comfort in mind. This classic harness has a supportive extra-wide waistband, soft stretchy material and internal probe straps for the ultimate support. Enjoy easy access to your favorite probe with the accommodating double panel interior design. The durable, reinforced O-ring stretches to accommodate your favorite packer, vibrator or dildo.

Beginners and expert users alike will love frustration-free pleasure with this easy-to-wear harness. Simply secure your favorite probe, slip into the extra stretchy waist and thigh straps and dive deep into passionate penetration or enjoy comfortable all-day wear. Enjoy easy clean up by machine washing and hanging to dry.

Features:

  • Fashioned like a pair of boxer briefs; works like a premium harness
  • Form-fitting design can be worn discreetly under your clothes
  • Extra wide waistband for superior support
  • Stretchy and comfortable with soft lining
  • Internal pocket to secure your packer in place (packer not included)
  • Double panel interior for easy access to your favorite probe (probe not included)
  • Reinforced O-ring stretches to accommodate most packers, dongs or probes
  • 78% Nylon, 22% Spandex (fabric) 48% Nylon, 35% Polyester, 17% Spandex (waistband)

 

Boundless  Smooth

The Boundless Smooth Probe is sure to thrust you into the orgasmic world of  internal stimulation. The perfectly angled shaft, flexible design and strong suction cup base let you deliver pinpointed stimulation with every thrust. The accentuated probe and rigid shaft are created to perfectly tease intimate curves and indulge internal sweet spots.

A powerful suction cup base is perfect for creative hands-free pleasure play, simply slip into your favorite harness or mount onto a flat surface for a wickedly good time. The hypoallergenic premium silicone is body safe, unscented and phthalate free to keep you most sensitive spots, happy and healthy.

Features:

  • Smooth and seamless premium Silicone probe
  • Curved, extra–long design for comfort and ease of use
  • Sturdy, low profile suction cup base
  • Fits most harnesses
  • Silicone
  • 7 inch – 7” x 1.25”
  • 6 inch – 6” x 1”
  • 4.75” – 4.75” x 1”

Boundless Ridged

The Boundless Ridged Probe is sure to thrust you into the orgasmic world of sensational internal stimulation. The perfectly angled shaft, sensually ridged shaft and strong suction cup base let you deliver pinpointed stimulation with every thrust. The accentuated probe and rigid textured shaft are created to perfectly tease intimate curves and indulge internal sweet spots.

A powerful suction cup base is perfect for creative hands-free pleasure play, simply slip into your favorite harness or mount onto a flat surface for a wickedly good time. The hypoallergenic premium silicone is body safe, unscented and phthalate free to keep you most sensitive spots, happy and healthy.

Features:

  • Sensually textured and seamless premium Silicone probe
  • Curved, extended, ridged design for comfort and ease of use
  • Sturdy, low profile suction cup base
  • Fits most harnesses
  • Silicone
  • 6 inch – 6” x 1”
  • 4.75 inch – 4.75” x 1”

 

Boundless Slim

The Boundless 4.5” Slim Probe is sure to thrust you into the orgasmic world of deep internal stimulation. The perfectly angled shaft, flexible shaft and strong suction cup base let you deliver pinpointed stimulation with every thrust. The accentuated probe and rigid shaft are created to perfectly tease intimate curves and indulge internal sweet spots.

A powerful suction cup base is perfect for creative hands-free pleasure play, simply slip into your favorite harness or mount onto a flat surface for a wickedly good time. The hypoallergenic premium silicone is body safe, unscented and phthalate free to keep you most sensitive spots, happy and healthy.

Features:

  • Smooth and seamless premium Silicone probe
  • Curved, slim design for comfort and ease of use
  • Sturdy, low profile suction cup base
  • Fits most harnesses
  • Silicone
  • 4.5” x .75”

 

CBD Daily Triple Strength Active Spray by Earthly Body

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Get 3 times stronger immediate soothing relief with CBD Daily Triple Strength Active Spray packed with 180mg ultra-concentrated high potency CBD.

This triple strength CBD spray perfectly combines effectiveness and convenience. Its lightweight but extremely powerful formula requires nothing but a little spritz to the targeted area to work its magic.

CBD Daily Triple Strength Active Spray is an ideal topical for those who have to stay an active lifestyle while suffering from chronical resistant joint, neck, back, muscle discomforts. The spray applicator is designed to be compatible with upside down use, making it much easier to target areas on the back. At the same time, the additional blend of essential oils rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E keeps your skin moisturized and nourished. Just point, spray, and you’ll feel the difference right away.

To further assist with busy active lifestyles, CBD Daily Triple Strength Active Spray comes in a compact 2 oz. bottle. You can throw it in the gym backs, hiking backpacks, or an everyday purse. The use of high-quality, 100% Vegan ingredients has made CBD Triple Strength Spray widely popular among professional athletes, massage therapists, and outdoors enthusiasts.

Scent: Original Mint (menthol + cedarwood)

All Official CBD Daily products are:

  • THC Free
  • Vegan & Cruelty Free
  • 3rd Party Tested
  • Sustainable

Is It Normal To Use Sex Toys?

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It’s pretty common to wonder if we are the only ones doing something, when in reality what we are doing is totally normal. This is especially true for sexual experiences and the use of sex toys, largely due to societal influences.

Instead of openly talking about sex, society suggests that the subject should remain private. We have very limited sex education in the school systems and sadly, it does not teach us about sex and pleasure.

Uneducated children grow into self-conscious adults, who have often have difficulty communicating about sex. Sadly, this cycle continues as this discomfort towards sexuality is passed on to our children. So, under these circumstances, it’s only natural to not know what others around you are doing- because not many people talk about it openly.

…But guess what?! People all around you are using sex toys, and they have been for a very long time. Phallic symbols have been in existence since 500BC. Text from worldwide ancient societies mentions the use of phallic-shaped objects (including fruit, vegetables, and stone) for sexual pleasure. These objects were used in religious and magic ceremonies, not only as martial symbols but also to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. The Italians even had a word for this. They called these objects “diletto,” which means “to delight.” It was from this word that the term dildo was born.

In the late 1800s, the first vibrator was made. Early vibrators were big and bulky and used only by doctors to treat women with a condition called hysteria. Hysteria had many symptoms including, but not confined to, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, sexual fantasies, and desires, bloating, fluid retention, heaviness in the abdomen, shortness of breath, and trouble-rousing. Bringing women to orgasm was found to help alleviate these many complaints. Much smaller versions of these vibrators became household objects in early to mid-1900s and were referred to as marital aides or body massagers. In the 1960s, the sexual revolution brought pleasure products into public view, and with them, female orgasms became a more open topic.

Currently, sex toys are a multibillion-dollar industry (vibrators making up roughly 20% of sales, followed by dildos and personal lubricants) and this provides solid proof that people are enjoying them. Pleasure products are easy to purchase and are sold in department and drug stores, online and in sex boutiques. According to one source, AMAZON alone has 60,000 adult products online.

According to recent studies, sex toys are used by at least one person in roughly 50% of couples. Although men’s toys such as anal/prostate toys, sleeves, C rings and couples’ toys have expanded in use, women are more likely to be the toy-users. Wands are especially popular since they enable women to experience orgasms more consistently in their sexual encounters.

The age group between 18-24 use toys the least, most likely because it takes some time to become comfortable enough to purchase and use a toy. The highest user-group is age 35-44, at about 65%. Even couples 55 and older have a 50% use rate.

As sex toys become more prominent and society becomes more accepting of their benefits, the number of people using these products is expected to rise. Especially beneficial for older populations (as they lose partners, or their partners lose the ability for penetration), sex toys are wonderful tools as they provide stimulation that brings blood flow to sex organs and keeps these body parts in good working condition.

Vibrators not only produce genital pleasure but are also beneficial for massaging the sore muscles of these aging bodies. The message here is clear, sex toy use is quite normal. Pleasure tools have been around for ages, are used by many, and are here to stay.  It’s totally normal- so enjoy them without shame!

Is It Normal To Use Sex Toys? Originally appeared on Rumble & Buzz