A vibrator with artificial intelligence and another with 32 modes of use: What’s new in sex toys and how to choose

When sex shops were sinister, hidden, poorly lit places with perverted-looking salespeople, the options to buy a vibrator, then called a dildo, were very few. Today, however, the sex toy industry is multi-orgasmic. It is growing exponentially and launching ever more powerful toys, with more features and versatility, raising questions about how to choose the best one.

These sophisticated pleasure-providing machines are now recovering the therapeutic purposes, for which they were created when, supposedly, they cured hysteria and relaxed the strained muscles of the working class. In the 1940s, American banks gave them to farmers when they opened a checking account.

Today, they are also recommended for purposes related to sex and sexual dysfunctions. “For sexologists and gynecologists they have a therapeutic application, but always from a positive and playful side,” says Francisca Molero, sexologist, gynecologist, director of the Ibero-American Institute of Sexology and president of the Spanish Federation of Sexology Societies. “Sex toys help in the treatment of vaginismus, dyspareunia (pain in penetration), anorgasmia, in women with atrophy problems or with surgeries, as in the case of trans women. The vibrator has several functions: it helps to sensitize the area, to relax it and to be aware that the vagina is a part created for things to enter it and, therefore, with the capacity for dilation. The use of sex toys also helps with lubrication and lack of desire. We prescribe them even to men with premature or delayed ejaculation, especially the Eggs, by Tenga, since the sensations are very similar to those of real penetration. Of course, we recommend their use, not abuse. The golden rule is that you have to vary the stimuli and not always use the same one,” says this gynecologist.

But using a sex toy is not necessarily about needing help, or even trying to alleviate lonely periods. As Adriana Diippolito, marketing and communication director for Spain and Portugal of the erotic toy brand Lelo, points out, “each person is a world and each one can search for very different things, from self-knowledge, solo pleasure, incorporating new dynamics and eroticism with their partner, experiencing new sensations or rediscovering practices that perhaps at some point you didn’t like and now you do.” And she adds: “In any case, whatever the reason, it benefits your well-being, helps you gain confidence with your own body, improves self-esteem and prevents pathologies that can arise from a lack of sexual activity.”

In general terms, and according to Francisca Molero, the basic rules for buying a sex toy are simple. “Unless you have special tastes or demands, I would say, to start, that it is a good brand and that it is made of medical silicone, that it has a phallic shape, that it is easy to use and that it is not noisy.”

For more sophisticated demands, here is a selection of the latest developments in sex toys.

Pleasure without penetration

The Laya III clitoral massager and stimulator is one of the new products from the German company Fun Factory, known for durability and easy handling of its devices. This little toy, which looks like a computer mouse, is designed for those who prioritize sensations over penetration. It can be used on the genitals and throughout the body, especially in erogenous zones. Its “layering effect” stimulates the nerve endings of the skin, both on the surface and in deeper areas, in two ways: with vibration and with light successive touches. It is discreet, ergonomic and perfect for use with a partner.

The iPhone of vibrators

In the near future, women will ask each other, “which Satisfyer model did you start masturbating with?” to get an idea of their ages. Although not everyone agrees that this is the best clitoral suction toy, it is the best-selling in the world. Under the idea of guaranteed orgasms, Satisfayer has become the faithful partner of many women and, like a good TV show, each new release is better than the last. The latest from the brand, released this year, is the Satisfyer Pro 2 Generation 3, where the most innovative thing is the combination of its already legendary Air Pulse technology with the new Liquid Air, which imitates the pulsation of water on the skin. This little device, which looks like a small hair dryer, includes artificial intelligence features: its Bluetooth connectivity allows users to use the free Satisfyer Connect application to customize vibrations, connect the device to your favorite song and much more.

The complete package: Clitoris + G-spot

Sex toy technology has advanced to imitate the sensation of water on the skin or that of fingers on certain parts of the body. The Enigma Wave toy combines many features: it stimulates the clitoris and the G-spot at the same time, with three powerful motors. Sensonic technology stimulates the area, in this case the clitoris, without direct contact, while the WaveMotion pattern, centered on the inner part, moves like a wave. The combination of both will cause oceans of pleasure, with just one hand on the controls.

The Zen Penetrator

The Japanese brand Iroha, a branch of Tenga, is something like the Lamborghini of sex toys. Subtle, precise, delicate and with silicone with a truly special touch, the Iroha Mai is a unique, powerful and delicate lover. The company boasts its Haptic Wave technology, which creates a new concept of vibration, deeper and three-dimensional, with low-frequency sound waves and a very realistic tactile experience. The 10 types of vibration are based on different rhythmic patterns. Music is the greatest source of pleasure, and not just for the ear.

The unisex Kamasutra made into a toy

If the Craby vibrator has become one of this year’s hits, it is because of its great versatility. It is designed to be used alone or with a partner, and it has up to 32 different modes of use, thanks to the fact that it consists of tongs and a handle. In solo mode, women can stimulate the clitoris and G-spot at the same time, while men have five ways to entertain themselves with the device. In hetero couples, Craby makes both happy, massaging clitoris and testicles during penetration.

To start anal sex

According to a survey conducted by Lelo, 48.5% of people do not practice anal sex. Within that group, 44% expressed a willingness to try it, although their fear of experiencing pain outweighed their curiosity. Furthermore, a third of the study participants avoid anal due to their partners’ refusal, while 15% choose not to talk about the topic due to the stigma associated with it.

Soraya Beads, the latest launch from this brand, is a unisex toy for the mysterious world of anal sex. Its cascading design, in the form of small balls that increase in size, allows you to try out the practice safely. Its Bow-Motion technology is inspired by the movements of violinists: all the balls move in harmony for a pleasant vibration and thrusting sensation.

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