Male Sex Toy Guide

Man's World of Pleasure: The Complete Guide to Male Sex Toys

Stepping into the world of sex toys can feel a bit overwhelming, especially for someone new to it. There's a common misconception that options for men are scarce, but this couldn't be further from the truth. A wide range of options exists, offering a chance for exciting self-discovery and enhanced pleasure. Exploring male pleasure toys is a valid and empowering form of self-care and sexual expression. It can enhance intimacy, facilitate self-discovery, and add wonderful dimensions to both solo and partnered moments. Despite lingering societal taboos around sex toys for men, there's growing acceptance, with masturbation being recognized not just for pleasure but also for stress relief and overall well-being.

Before exploring the different types of toys, it's helpful to consider your comfort level and what area you're looking to stimulate. Male sex toys often focus on either stimulating the penis or the prostate through the anus. You can also consider how you want to use the toy – for solo play, partnered activities, or versatile use. Keeping an open mind is encouraged, as you might discover an interest in types of toys you hadn't considered before.

Understanding the benefits of male sex toys can also be helpful. They can enhance solo pleasure by offering unique sensations beyond manual stimulation. They can also improve sexual health, potentially benefiting erectile function, aiding in premature ejaculation training, and stimulating the prostate gland. Furthermore, sex toys can spice up relationships when incorporated into intimate moments with a partner. Using sex toys and engaging in sexual satisfaction is also linked to boosting mental well-being, helping to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, and contribute to a more positive outlook on intimacy and relationships.

Types of Male Pleasure Toys

The landscape of male toys is wonderfully diverse, each type offering unique sensations and possibilities. We'll focus on categories that can enhance your exploration.

Strokers & Sleeves

Description and Purpose: These toys are designed for stimulating the penis, often featuring textured interiors that offer a more intense experience than manual stimulation. The distinction between "masturbators" (which might have more features like vibration or heating) and simple "sleeves" (like silicone covers) is subtle. Sleeves can function as ribbed condoms or help increase length and girth during partnered sex. However, even simpler sleeves might include vibrating features for G-spot stimulation. Masturbators generally have a larger range of features compared to simple sleeves. They are typically made from materials like TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or TPR (thermoplastic rubber), which are body-safe and offer a soft, flexible feel. Some products use terms like "Superskin" or "PureSkin" to describe these materials. Strokers are also specifically designed for FTM and non-binary individuals, providing pleasure in a gender-affirming way that can ease anxieties around gender dysphoria.

Best Uses and Techniques: Solo masturbation, enhancing partnered sex. FTM/non-binary individuals seeking gender-affirming pleasure.

Ideal For Whom: Individuals with penises seeking enhanced masturbation experiences. FTM and non-binary individuals. Beginners might start with simpler designs.

Pros:

  • Offer varied textures and sensations
  • Can include features like vibration, heating, or pulsation
  • Can be used for solo or partnered play
  • Provides gender-affirming experiences for some users

Cons:

  • Requires proper cleaning and maintenance
  • Material safety (especially TPE/TPR) is a concern if not properly cared for or if low quality
  • Need to ensure compatibility with lubricants
  • Not intended for continuous wear

Size and Sensation Considerations: Available in various sizes, textures, and with different features (vibration, heat, suction). Sizing considerations are important for FTM/non-binary users based on bottom growth. Open-ended vs. closed-ended designs offer different experiences and ease of cleaning.

Cock Rings

Description and Purpose: These are often thought of as tools to prolong partnered sexual activities by delaying orgasms. They work by constricting blood vessels at the base of the penis and sometimes the testicles, slowing blood flow. However, cock rings can also be used for solo play, increasing sensation in the penis and making orgasms more intense. Many incorporate vibrations, which can provide additional stimulation for female partners during penetrative sex, specifically to the clitoris. They are available at different price points.

Best Uses and Techniques: Prolonging partnered sex, increasing sensation, enhancing erections, providing clitoral stimulation for partners. Solo use for increased sensation.

Ideal For Whom: Individuals with penises looking to enhance erections, increase sensation, or extend sexual activity. Couples looking to add vibration for partner stimulation.

Pros:

  • Can delay orgasm and prolong activity
  • Increase sensation and intensity of orgasm
  • Vibrating options provide added stimulation for partners
  • Available in various styles and prices

Cons:

  • Requires finding a proper fit
  • Incorrect use or wearing for too long could potentially cause discomfort or injury

Size and Sensation Considerations: Different kinds are available, some purely for enhancing erections and others incorporating vibrations. Proper fit is mentioned as important.

Prostate Massagers

Description and Purpose: These are sex toys inserted anally to stimulate the prostate gland, sometimes referred to as the "male equivalent to G-spot vibrators" or targeting the "male G-spot". They are typically just long enough to reach the prostate. Stimulating the prostate can lead to intense sensations and potentially powerful, full-body orgasms. These toys usually have curved or angled shapes designed to effectively stimulate the prostate. Like other anal toys intended for insertion, prostate massagers must have a crucial wide or flared base to prevent them from being drawn too far into the anal canal. Vibration is a common feature. While often used for pleasure, prostate massage can also offer potential health benefits, such as helping to ease pressure and swelling from prostatitis by releasing fluids.

Best Uses and Techniques: Targeted internal stimulation of the prostate gland. Solo or partnered play for intense pleasure and unique orgasms. Potential aid for prostatitis symptoms (under medical guidance).

Ideal For Whom: Individuals with prostates seeking heightened pleasure from stimulating this specific erogenous zone. Can be enjoyed by people of any gender or anatomy interested in this type of internal stimulation. Those interested in potential health benefits related to the prostate.

Pros:

  • Potential for intense pleasure and specific prostate orgasms
  • Targets a distinct erogenous zone
  • May offer health benefits related to the prostate

Cons:

  • Requires anal insertion
  • Users need to locate the prostate accurately
  • May involve a learning curve
  • Absolute necessity of a flared base for safety
  • Potential initial discomfort

Size and Sensation Considerations: Shapes and sizes are varied to target the prostate. Many incorporate vibration.

Pumps & Extenders

Description and Purpose: These toys are designed to create suction, which increases blood flow and sensitivity. They can temporarily increase the size and hardness of an erection. Products like vacuum erection devices or penis pumps have been shown to improve blood flow and potentially benefit men with erectile dysfunction. Pumps are also used by trans masc and non-binary individuals to achieve instant and comfortable growth and increased sensation, which can be incredibly gender-affirming.

Best Uses and Techniques: Temporarily increasing erection size and hardness. Increasing blood flow and sensitivity. Aiding with erectile function issues. Providing gender-affirming growth for trans masc individuals.

Ideal For Whom: Individuals seeking temporary size enhancement or increased sensitivity. Those addressing erectile dysfunction. Trans masc and non-binary individuals.

Pros:

  • Can increase size and hardness temporarily
  • Improves blood flow and sensitivity
  • Potential benefit for erectile function
  • Gender-affirming for some users

Cons:

  • Requires proper use protocols
  • Users should have realistic expectations regarding permanent size changes
  • Safety considerations must be followed

Understanding Male Toy Materials

The material a sex toy is made from is crucial for your health, safety, and the toy's durability. The sex toy industry is largely unregulated, meaning it's important to know what materials are generally considered body-safe.

Body-Safe Materials

Look for toys made from non-porous, body-safe materials. Non-porous materials have a smooth, sealed surface that doesn't easily trap bacteria, dirt, or chemicals, making them much more hygienic for use.

  • Medical-grade Silicone: Considered a top choice. It's non-porous, durable, easy to clean, and body-safe. Silicone toys are generally only compatible with water-based lubricants; silicone-based lubes can damage them.
  • Glass: Also non-porous and very easy to clean. It's excellent for temperature play and considered body-safe. Compatible with silicone lubes.
  • Metal: Materials like stainless steel are non-porous and safe. They are durable, easy to clean, and good for temperature play. Compatible with silicone lubes.
  • ABS Plastic: Another non-porous plastic often used and considered body-safe.

Materials to Avoid and Why

Some materials are porous or may contain harmful chemicals, making them less ideal or potentially unsafe, especially for internal use.

  • Porous Materials (like TPE/TPR/Jelly/Rubber): These are porous and can trap bacteria, dirt, lubricants, and fungi spores within the material. This makes them difficult to clean effectively and potentially unhygienic over time, which can lead to infections like UTIs or topical skin infections. While TPE is "safe" in that it's non-toxic, it is not "body-safe" due to its porous nature, particularly for items inserted into the body.
  • Phthalates: Many cheap plastics, especially porous ones like TPE/TPR, may contain phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to negative health effects. Always look for products labeled "phthalate-free".
  • Unspecified Materials / "Silicone Blends": Be cautious of vague descriptions or terms without full disclosure of composition. Some sellers misrepresent materials. Stick to known body-safe materials unless safety is guaranteed by the manufacturer.

Cleaning and Care Requirements by Material

Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for hygiene, safety, and the toy's longevity.

  • General Cleaning: Always clean toys before and after each use. Use a mild, unscented soap and warm water, or a specialized sex toy cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or scented soaps, especially for toys used internally, as they can cause irritation. Rinse thoroughly. For battery-operated toys, wipe down with a soapy cloth rather than submerging unless they are waterproof.
  • Drying: After washing, dry your toy completely. Air-drying is recommended to avoid leaving fibers that could cause irritation. Ensure all parts, especially crevices or areas between a sleeve and its case, are fully dry to prevent trapped water and bacteria growth.
  • Storage: Store clean, dry toys in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Store silicone toys separately from porous, jelly-like materials to prevent damage. A dedicated bag is a good storage option. Bacteria can grow on unsanitized toys, leading to infections.

Firmness and Texture Considerations

Toys vary in firmness, from very soft and flexible to rigid.

  • Softer/Flexible: Can be more comfortable, especially for beginners or internal use, and may mold to the body. TPR can be very flexible.
  • Firmer/Rigid: Offer more direct pressure and structure, which some users prefer for specific stimulation or partnered play.

Safety First: Essential Guidelines

Your comfort and well-being are paramount when exploring pleasure toys. Taking simple precautions can make a big difference.

Proper Preparation

For anal play, consider emptying your bowels beforehand, as this stimulates the pudendal nerve and might make you feel like you need to go. A warm bath or shower can help you feel clean and relaxed.

Importance of Lubrication

Using plenty of lubrication is essential for comfortable and safe play, especially for anal use where the body doesn't naturally lubricate. It prevents soreness, tears, and discomfort, and makes play more pleasurable.

  • Water-based lubes: Generally compatible with most toys and recommended for use with silicone toys.
  • Silicone-based lubes: Compatible with hard materials like glass and metal. Avoid using them with silicone toys as they can cause degradation.
  • Oil-based lubes: Should never be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms or barriers as they can break them down.

Hygiene Considerations

Clean toys thoroughly before and after each use. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after touching the anus, especially before touching other genitals like the vagina, to prevent infections like UTIs or yeast infections. Never move a toy directly from the anus to the vagina without washing it or changing condoms to avoid transferring bacteria. Using a condom on a toy can also improve hygiene, especially for porous materials.

Flared Bases and Retrieval Features

For any toy intended for anal insertion, a flared base is crucial for safety. It prevents the toy from being pulled entirely into the anal canal by the anal sphincter muscles, which would require medical removal. The base should be wider than the widest part of the toy. Some toys like anal beads have a loop, cord, or handle on the end for retrieval instead. If a toy without a proper retrieval feature gets stuck, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Communication with Partners

If using toys with a partner, open and ongoing communication is essential. Talk about what feels good and what doesn't. Consent is vital and should be present throughout the experience.

Duration of Use

Pumps and strokers are not recommended to be worn for a long time continuously. Some anal plugs can be worn for extended periods, but always pay attention to your body's signals.

Choosing the Right Male Pleasure Toy

Finding the right toy is a personal exploration. Consider your experience level, what sensations you're seeking, and how you plan to use the toy.

Experience Level

Beginners might prefer smaller, softer, or smoother toys. For anal play, starting with smaller plugs or smooth beads is recommended. Experienced users might explore larger sizes, unique textures, or specific types like prostate massagers. You can start with finger exploration for anal play to get comfortable.

Sensation Preferences

Are you seeking fullness (anal plugs)? Targeted internal pressure (prostate massagers)? Gradual stretching (anal beads)? Temperature play (glass/metal)?. For strokers/sleeves, consider texture varieties, intensity levels, and realistic vs. non-realistic designs. For cock rings, decide between simple enhancement or vibration.

Size Considerations

Start small and gradually work up to larger sizes as comfort increases, especially for anal toys. Pay attention to both length and girth. For FTM/non-binary strokers, size should accommodate bottom growth. Note that toy sizes might vary by the intended market.

Solo vs. Partnered Play

Some toys are great for solo use (like masturbators), others for partnered play (like vibrating cock rings), and many can be used in both contexts. Bondage accessories like restraints and blindfolds are tools to enhance experiences with other people. Teledildonics can be used for remote partnered play.

Keeping an Open Mind

Even if you initially feel uncomfortable with certain types, like bondage or anal play, keeping an open mind as you learn about them is recommended. You might find you like the idea of toys you were previously apprehensive about.

Specific Uses for Our Male Toy Categories

  • Strokers & Sleeves: Used for solo masturbation by providing varied textures and intensity levels beyond manual stimulation. Can also be integrated into partnered sex. Can be realistic or non-realistic. Provide gender-affirming pleasure for FTM/non-binary individuals.
  • Cock Rings: Primarily used to restrict blood flow to enhance erections and prolong partnered sex. Can also increase sensation during solo use. Vibrating versions add clitoral stimulation for partners.
  • Prostate Massagers: Specifically designed for targeted stimulation of the prostate gland through anal insertion. Can lead to intense sensations and unique orgasms. Can be used hands-free.
  • Pumps & Extenders: Used to create suction to increase blood flow, enhancing sensitivity and temporarily increasing the size and hardness of the penis. Can aid with erectile function and provide gender-affirming results for some users. Requires understanding proper use protocols and realistic expectations.

Complementary Products

Certain products work hand-in-hand with male pleasure toys to enhance safety, comfort, and hygiene.

  • Lubricants: Absolutely essential for smooth, comfortable, and safe use, especially for insertable toys. Choose a body-friendly type that is compatible with your toy material and any barriers like condoms.
  • Toy Cleaners: Using a dedicated toy cleaner or mild, unscented soap helps ensure your toys are properly sanitized before and after each use.
  • Storage solutions: Keeping toys clean and storing them properly in a cool, dry place, separately by material type, is important for hygiene and longevity.

Usage Tips & Techniques

Proper Insertion

For any internal toy, use plenty of lube. Start with gentle external stimulation for anal play to help relax muscles. When ready to insert, go slowly and gently. Experiment with different body positions to find what's most comfortable. Listen to your body and stop if you feel sharp or intense pain. Some minor discomfort might occur initially, but pain is a signal to stop.

Breathing and Relaxation

Deep breaths can help relax the anal sphincter muscles for easier insertion.

Incorporating Toys into Play

Male toys can be used during masturbation, foreplay, or partnered sex to add different sensations and dimensions.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Clean toys thoroughly before and after every use with mild soap and water or toy cleaner, dry completely (air-drying is best), and store properly.

Discretion

If discretion is a concern, many retailers offer discreet shipping in plain packaging. Buying online or from specialty stores often provides this. Using an Amazon locker or a separate account and gift cards were suggested methods for discrete online purchasing.

FAQ Section

Are male sex toys only for those with penises?

While many toys are designed for those with penises, some like anal plugs and beads can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of gender or anatomy. Certain toys, like vibrating cock rings, can also provide pleasure to female partners.

What are masturbators/strokers made of?

Most are made of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or TPR (thermoplastic rubber) which are soft, flexible, and body-safe in composition. Silicone is used less often but offers unique qualities.

How do dildos designed for anal use differ from others?

Any toy intended for anal insertion, including anal dildos or plugs, must have a prominent flared base to prevent it from getting stuck inside. Other dildos may lack this safety feature.

Are anal toys safe?

Yes, when made from body-safe, non-porous materials (like medical-grade silicone, glass, or stainless steel) and used correctly with plenty of lubrication. Ensuring toys intended for insertion have a flared base or retrieval feature is absolutely crucial for safety. Proper cleaning is also essential. Using porous materials carries higher hygiene risks.

How do I clean my male pleasure toy?

Clean toys before and after each use with warm water and a mild, unscented soap or a specialized toy cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely, preferably by air-drying. Avoid harsh chemicals or heavily scented soaps. Store properly once dry.

What kind of lubricant should I use?

Water-based or silicone-based lubricants are generally recommended. Use water-based lube with silicone toys as silicone lube can damage them. Never use oil-based lubes with latex or polyisoprene condoms. Using ample lubricant is crucial.

Can anal toys get stuck?

Yes, a toy can get stuck if it is inserted anally without a sufficient flared base or retrieval feature. The anal sphincter muscles can pull it inside. If a toy gets stuck, do not panic; try applying more lube and gently pushing, but if it doesn't come out easily, you must seek emergency medical help immediately.

Is it normal to experience discomfort when using anal toys?

You might experience some minor discomfort the first few times. However, consistent, increasing, severe, sharp, or intense shooting pain is not normal and is a sign to stop. Pain can indicate insufficient lube, tense muscles, or a potential injury.

What should I do if I see a little blood (anal play)?

A small amount of blood when removing a toy or wiping isn't uncommon due to tiny tears in the delicate tissue, which usually heal on their own. If you have constant bleeding, or pain and bleeding together, you should contact a healthcare provider.

What conditions might make using anal toys difficult or inadvisable?

If you have conditions like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or certain prostate conditions, you should talk to a doctor before using anal sex toys, as they might worsen these conditions. Acute bacterial prostatitis is a contraindication for prostate massage.

How do I know what size to start with?

It's generally recommended to start with a smaller size than you think you might eventually enjoy and gradually work up. Beginners can even start with finger exploration for anal play. For FTM/non-binary strokers, consider bottom growth when choosing size.

Are all sex toys regulated for safety?

No, sex toys are often considered "novelty items" and are largely unregulated. It is important for consumers to research and choose reputable products made from body-safe materials.