How To

How-to: Suction Toys 101

By Rachel Wright, MA, LMFT

Did you know that the clitoris is the only body part that's ONLY purpose is pleasure? Did you know that the clitoris is shaped like a wishbone, and most of it is internal, running along the sides of the vulva? There is a lot about the clitoris that we're not taught in school – and yet, sex toy and sexual wellness companies seem to understand the importance of stimulating this unique and special part of some folk's bodies. 

With stimulation, blood starts to rush to the clitoris (similar to a penis), enlarging it. Then, with enough continued stimulation, a clitoris-owner is often brought to orgasm. Clitoral suction or air-pulse toys help folks have continued stimulation to ultimately reach orgasm without doing "the work" themselves. And with clitoral orgasm being the easiest for folks to achieve, this makes using a toy/aid to assist a no-brainer. 

Clitoral suction and air pressure toys are more often compared to the sensations of oral sex vs. fingers, which is due to how they surround the clitoris. It envelops more than just the tip of the clitoris, making it a more full-body sensation vs. an intense pin-pointed experience. 

For example, let's take the Chickie Emojibator, a suction toy with multiple vibration patterns and suction modes (8 of each, to be exact). It is waterproof, made of silicone, and USB-chargeable. That's four important boxes checked right there — plus, it's so adorable. I mean, look at this. It looks like a tiny chick that provides waves and waves of pleasure when you pop its head off. 

Here are some tips for using a clitoral suction or air toy:

MINDSET

First things first—let's take the pressure of having an orgasm off the table and solely focus on *experimenting with pleasure points*. While orgasms are fabulous, they aren't always the goal. In fact, if orgasming is difficult, putting pressure on yourself to have one can only make it that much more challenging (it's very mental and physical!). So, no pressure allowed today, babes—only the prioritizing of pleasure and exploration. 

SEXY ATMOSPHERE

Even if you are alone (especially if you are alone?)—set. the. mood. baby! You deserve a cozy environment for a steamy masturbation sesh. And it also makes it so much easier to mentally get in the headspace to pleasure your body if your atmosphere matches the vibe you're going for. This can look like simply dimming the lights, lighting a candle or two (or ten), sitting/standing/laying in a position that is comfy/relaxing for your whole body, and take your time. Allow yourself the space to not rush and have some time—creating time for yourself is sexy!

LUBE

Lube is a MUST even during solo sex, and here's why—whether you are using your hands or toy, use the lube! Lube allows less friction, more effortless movement, and far more comfort. Plus, using a suction toy can help create more of that *oral sex* feeling because of the added moisture (which feels amazing!).

EXPERIMENTS WITH PRESSURE & MODES

Everyone's body functions differently, which is one of the reasons there are so many different settings on toys! Also, for many clitoris owners, our bodies experience different intensity levels at different times. If you are menstruating, your body might require more or less stimulation. So, test all the modes! Try all the things! See what your body responds best to and what it enjoys at different stages and times. And remember, orgasming isn't the goal—pleasure is! You might enjoy one setting people to get you in the mood and another to "finish!" YOU get to decide and explore!

TRY DIFF BODY PARTS/DISCOVER EROGENOUS ZONES

Who said suction vibrators were just for the clitoris? Not us! Suction vibrations can be great for nipples and exploring other possible pleasure points all over the body. The beauty of exploring is, and I mean this, you can't mess up. It's ALL meant to be fun. Yes, really! Exploring feels silly because many of us stop exploring once we become adults. Let the exploring be fun, imaginative, creative, and invigorating. You deserve it!

TRY TO USE IT WITH A PARTNER

Now all these tips and tricks I've been giving you, you can also try all of them with a partner! Bringing toys into partner play that you already like using or are currently exploring is SO. MUCH. FUN. Because not only do you get to show someone how this toy pleasures you, but you can also try out ways that this toy could pleasure your partner (and vice versa). Remember how we talked about the importance of play and exploration? The same thing applies to other humans in the room. Just have fun!


CLEAN WELL

After all the excitement and pleasure have been wrapped up, make sure to give your toy a good clean (with warm unscented soapy water or toy cleaner). Not only does this help your toy stay in tip-top shape, but it also helps kill bacteria (which helps keep away yeast infections and other infections). Plus, that means the next time you go to use it, it's ready for you!

The moral of this suction toy story—have FUN, use lots of lube, let go of your expectations, and sink into exploring YOU and your pleasure. You deserve it, and your pleasure deserves it too. 

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