Previously reserved for physiotherapists and con-men claiming it can make you lose weight, electro stimulation has ventured into the erotic, and is now joining many people in the bedroom.
If you're like me, your mind may immediately conjure an image of a mad scientist standing over the damsel in distress while making sparks fly from the jumper cables, he has attached to a power box. Similar to something out of a bad Bond film from the eighties. You may be pleased to hear that electro sex is a lot more refined than that. There are no jumper cables, no damsel in distress, and no mad scientist (unless you want there to be).
Erotic electrostimulation (EES) consists of applying electrical impulses to the body, often erogenous zones, to cause muscle contractions and stimulate nerve endings. Electrostimulation devices may seem daunting, like something out of a horror film, but they are specifically designed to be safe when used in contact with the human body. EES is a popular form of BDSM as the electronic pulses can range from a slight tingling sensation to intense shocks. It's definitely different to being zapped by your grandma's dodgy old toaster from the fifties, and a lot safer. EES sex toys use a certain type of electricity often provided by a power box that runs on batteries. Or conductive gel electro pads that send electrical pulses through the body can be used instead. Toys will employ static electricity to send shocks across the skin, or they will send electrical pulses through the body like a muscle stimulator. There some staple toys of the EES world. A violet wand uses static electricity to create a zapping sensation across the skin. Topped with a glass bulb, these wands are named for the purple light they produced when turned on. As violet wands do not send pulses deep through the body, they are considered safe for use above the waist.
Although electro sex can typically be associated with BDSM activities, don't let this put you off as these days' electro sex has evolved into far more then pleasurable pain, or even pain in general. These days toys have been developed to stimulate the nerves and muscles of the body with sexual arousal, stimulation and muscle massage as their main purpose. That doesn't sound painful at all!
TENS units, originally designed for relieving deep muscle pain, consist of a power box and two electrode pads. A current is then passed between these two pads, sending pulses into the muscles and causing them to contract. When placed near the genitals, these muscle contractions can sometimes bring the user to climax for a 'hands free orgasm'. TENS units are not safe for use above the waist due to the deep pulses they provide.
TENS units can be used with electrodes as well as a range of other toys. The sex toy industry has got inventive! Electric butt plugs, G-spot vibrators, cock rings, and spanking paddles are just a few toys that can be used with a TENS unit to electrify your sex life.
If you're looking for a more intense form of electrostimulation, electro sounding may be of interest. Sounding is the practice of inserting a probe into the urethra. Sounding is most commonly used by those with penises, but there are specialised sounds to be used with a vagina. The main benefit of sounding is cited as providing a deep, intense sensation, and stimulating the prostate. Adding an electrical current to the sound further intensifies arousal and the subsequent orgasm.
Electronic vibrators, probes, dildos, and geisha balls (AKA Ben Wa balls or Kegel exercisers) are also popular toys when it comes to erotic electro stimulation. Probes and geisha balls provide seriously intense sensations as they are inserted into some of the most sensitive parts of the body. When used in the vagina, the electric pulses travel up and down the vaginal walls and stimulate the G-spot. When attached to a power source, the intensity of the electronic pulses can be adjusted and intensified for hands free orgasms. These toys are often able to be used in their non EES forms as well as for erotic electro stimulation. It is important that waterbased lube is used with electro stim toys as silicone lube can act as an insulator.
On lower settings, sometimes sensations can be so faint that you will barely feel a tingle. As you get to experiment further with lower settings this tingle can increase more into a tickle. Imagine how good it feels to be teased and tickled along the side of your body. Now imagine gentle vibrations following this tickling sensation. Far from painful! Of course, if you are into pain, there is the option for that too!
On moderate settings the tickling sensation feels firmer and is often compared to sensations felt from a high-powered vibrator. Your nerve endings will start to become more aroused and stimulation will become firmer. This setting is often used for insertable sex toys, due to the resemblance of a vibrator.
On higher settings sensations begin to feel similar to strong pins and needles or even becomes a light sting. Stimulation becomes a lot firmer and can even cause your muscles to contract. When starting out it is vital that you start with the power switched off and slowly increase the intensity in order for you to discover the settings which best feels comfortable for you.
After the first few times experimenting with electrosex your skin can become a little red and tender where the electrodes were attached and where electro sex toys came into contact with the skin. It is important to treat these areas with care and apply moisturizer. It is also common to experience muscle soreness and twinges for a couple of days afterwards but generally this is more relevant for those who are experimenting with higher settings.
Do not forget to keep all attachments clean! It is safe to use water and toy cleaner to keep your electrodes/attachments/sex toys clean but just make sure that all connectors are dry when plugged back into the devices!
The most important thing to remember with electrosex is that it will be different for each individual. Others may not be able to handle as much as you can, or vice versa. Just remember to go slow and experiment with sex toys at lower intensities, before you know it, you'll be inching your way to the highest number on the dial!
Consult a physician before engaging in any form of erotic electrostimulation play. If you are pregnant, have a heart condition, or have a pacemaker fitted, you should not engage in any form of electric play. Only use electric devices that have been made specifically for use with the human body by reputable sex toy retailers. Make sure to apply the appropriate conductive gel to electrode pads before use, and use waterbased lube when inserting any EES toys. When cleaning your erotic electrostimulation devices, ensure they are turned off with no power running through them to avoid the possibility of serious electrocution. As always, when playing with a partner make sure a safe word has been agreed on before engaging in play, and that boundaries that all parties are comfortable with have been set.