How to Use Anal Love Beads

Sex Education Article

What are Anal Beads?
Anal beads are a sex toy consisting of several small balls attached together in series which are continuously inserted through the anus into the rectum and then removed with varying speeds depending on the effect desired (most typically at orgasm to enhance climax). Those who use anal beads enjoy the pleasurable feeling they receive as the ball passes through the narrow sphincter of the anus.
[read the entire article]….

How to Use an Anal Plug

Sex Education Article

What are Anal Plugs Used For?
Anal plugs are designed to stretch the anal opening and provide sexual pleasure for the wearer. Anal plugs are often used to prepare the anus for anal sex. Plugs are available in different circumferences and lengths.

Anal plugs can be purchased in a variety of materials including latex, silicone, neoprene, stone and metal. When choosing an anal plug, it is always best to start small and work up to the size that gives the most pleasure
[read the entire article]….

PHEROMONE FRAGRANCES, COLOGNES, SPRAYS, MISTS & LOTIONS
Pheromones are naturally occurring substances that the fertile body excretes externally, conveying an airborne message to trigger a response from the opposite sex of the same species. Science is doing a study on insects to see if it can work in the same way with humans….

Pheromone colognes contains a blend of ingredients, including copulins and pheromones, which together have been shown to increase women’s attractiveness to men. The copulins in this formula have been proven to increase men’s testosterone levels, and the pheromones provide an aura of youthful attractiveness. Apply some with your favorite perfume or cologne and see the effect for yourself!

One of the most interesting facts is that Pheromones are not consciously detected by the opposite sex. Pheromone molecules are detected inside the VNO (”vomeronasal organ”) that is located in a small cavity inside the nose. This information is transmitted to Hypothalamus, an almond size gland that is linked to other parts of limbic brain. These are the areas that control emotions and sexual activity.

women will find you more sexually attractive. Soon, you will notice more women making eye contact, flirting and talking with you. This will give you an extra edge over the competition. What are Pheromones? Pheromones are naturally occurring chemicals that send out subconscious scent signals to the opposite sex that trigger very powerful sexual responses. The human pheromone that attracts females has finally been created in the laboratory! Over 1 Million Satisfied Customers Worldwide have been attracting women like never before with our new breakthrough product. Jelique Pure Instinct contains the highest concentration of Pure Human Pheromones available today. Benefits of Human Pheromones. A revolutionary new men’s cologne that contains genuine human pheromones! Your Friends will envy your new found popularity with women. Now you can be more popular with the opposite sex than you ever thought possible! Just one bottle of the amazing product will get the sexual attention you want!

.

View Top Pheromone Fragrances

THE PROPER CARE AND CLEANING OF SEX TOYS
Sex Toy Cleaning: All sex toys should be cleaned with toy cleaner before and after each use. Incorrect cleaning can leave behind harmful germs and bacteria that can cause infections and illness. The wrong type of cleaner (such as antibacterial hand soap and water, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide) can break down sex toys that are made of materials that have a softer feel/consistency.

Toy cleaner is safe to use on all sex toys materials, types, styles and variations. Whether it is a non-waterproof vibrator or a basic dong, all sex toys can be safely cleaned with toy cleaner. As an added benefit to the health aspect, sex toy cleaner also makes cleaning toys easier, less messy and more time-efficient. 

For hygiene and personal safety, it is important for people who might be sharing their toys with others to put condoms over all sex toys prior to use. To be truly hygienically correct, sex toys that are made of porous materials should be covered with a condom during use.  The use of a toy cleaner before and after sex should keep porous toys safe for use, but the addition of a condom will keep them in near pristine condition and prolong their useful life. Toys made of non-porous materials such as silicone, Pyrex or stainless steel may also benefit by being cleaned with sex toy cleaner. When a sex toy is purchased, staff members should suggest a cleanser. No toy sale should ever be made without the recommendation of Fascinations brand toy cleaner.

View Top Sex Toy Cleaners

SUPPLEMENTS & APPLICATIONS
There is a variety of sexual supplements and herbal enhancers on the market. Some are designed to be taken orally while others are topical applications. Fascinations offers the best and safest prescription-free products to our guests.  Herbal supplements and topical applications can be potent enhancers of sexual sensation. Some supplements are designed to increase blood flow, sexual desire, and performance. Others are designed to increase sensation or heighten arousal.

These are neither impotence cures nor aphrodisiacs. It is very important to gain an understanding of the intended purpose of each herbal supplement and sexual stimulant.  Everyone reacts differently to supplement or application ingredients. Some guests may not experience any change when using a product while other guests may rave about that same product.  Read labels and become familiar with product ingredients.

The following is a general list of key ingredients and purported benefits contained in some of the sexual stimulants and herbal supplement products that Fascinations offers:

Arginine/ L-Arginine – Improved blood flow and vessel capacity

Ornithine /L-Ornithine – Improved blood flow and vessel capacity
o L-arginine and L-ornithine sometimes reactivate latent herpes virus infections. Therefore, persons who have had ocular or brain herpes should not use them.

Yohimbe- An evergreen tree that grows in Nigeria, Cameroon, the Congo and Gabon. The bark of the tree contains active compounds called alkaloids. The principal alkaloid is called yohimbine. Yohimbine is a prescription drug in the United States for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Yohimbe side-effects include a dangerous rise in blood pressure and anxiety.

Epimedium – aka Horny Goat Weed enhances nitric oxide production thus relaxing smooth muscle tissues thereby increasing blood flow and blood pressure to all the right places. It has been deemed an aphrodisiac for centuries.

Saw Palmetto - For some people, an increase in libido has been reported through usage

Menthol - Chemically triggers cold-sensitive receptors in the skin that creates the well known cooling sensation that it provokes when inhaled, eaten, or applied to the skin. It can increase sensation when applied to the clitoris or other highly sensitive areas of the body.

Niacin – Increases blood flow. Lowers bad lipids in the blood stream.  NOT recommended in high-dosages unless prescribed by a physician.

LUBRICANTS
Personal lubricants are mainly used to assist in replenishing the natural lubricants that the human body produces. The use of lubricants can protect the body from painful abrasions, especially when trying to accommodate a larger object into a smaller opening or during extended intercourse sessions.

Lubricant types and ingredients

Water-based: Water-based lubricants are great all-purpose lubricants. Water-based lubricants are compatible with condoms and toys.  Water-based lubricants quickly wash off with warm water and just a small amount of soap. Glycerin is one of the most common ingredients found in a majority of water-based lubes. Glycerin is a sugar derivative. Most women use glycerin/water-based lubricants without any issues. However, some women may be prone to yeast infections, have sensitive skin, or may be allergic to certain types of glycerin. If a female guest has such concerns, it would be a good idea to suggest a glycerin-free lube.

Some water-based lubricants tend to dry or evaporate easily. Adding a small amount of water or saliva to the lube as it is being used may help to re-activate or reinvigorate the lubrication.  Some water-based lubricants need to be reapplied frequently.  A generalized assumption of water-based lubrication is that all water-based lubes tend to get “sticky” or “tacky” while using them.  An easy way to dispel this myth is to invite guests to test in-store samplers thus demonstrating different consistencies and characteristics of each.

Silicone-based: Silicone lubricants contain various types and grades of silicone such as Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol. Dimethicone is the highest grade silicone.  The best silicone lubrincants will contain Dimethicone with no added ingredients.  Silicone in a liquid form can be generalized as being a skin protectant. It is not a moisturizer; in fact, it helps to lock moisture into the skin by lightly coating the skin’s top layer. This is what makes silicone lubricants ideal for intercourse or sex toy play underwater.

Pure silicone-based lubricants are hypoallergenic and an excellent choice for use with condoms. Be cautious when using silicone-lubes in bathtubs or on slick surfaces. Silicone makes slippery surfaces very slick! Silicone washes off skin and hard surfaces with a cloth, warm water, and soap. Cleaning silicone-based lubricant off toys is best done with a sex toy cleaner. Silicone-based lubricants are fantastic liquids to use for sensual massage.  They do not clog pores and do not require clean up after a massage.

Dildo: The definition dildo listed in the dictionary is: Dildo*., noun: a vibrating device that substitutes for an erect penis to provide vaginal** and/or anal stimulation. As stated by this proper dictionary definition, dildos have become traditionally-defined as a type of sex toy that vibrates or is electronic.  However, dildos originated from Ancient Greece long before electronics/ vibrators were even invented!  What does this mean? It can mean two things. First of all, a dildo is a somewhat phallic-like shaped object/sex toy. Dildos are used for purposes of insertion in vaginal, anal and even oral sex toy play. The main difference between a dong and a dildo is that a dildo does not have testicles or balls attached to it. Dildos can be phallic-looking, but they do not have those attributes.

The term “dildo” has become more commonly-used to reference, well, all sex toys, really. When assisting a guest, it is commonplace to find that guests often to refer to any given type of sex toy as a dildo. This can be quite confusing to the staff member assisting such a guest. The best way to gain clarity is not to correct guests’ improper use of sex toy terminology by imparting your fascinating wealth of product knowledge. Instead, the easier thing to do is to listen to them to them talk about the sex toy that has grabbed their attention. When guests see a toy they find interesting, they will often describe the attributes and specific characteristics about the toy they like. When guests mention such attributes and characteristics, this often gives clues for what they may be looking to purchase.

There are many uses for dongs and dildos. Small dongs and dildos are a great option for women, men, and couples who are new to sexual aids, used for warming-up to vaginal or anal intercourse. Remember that size is important and bigger is not always better. Length and thickness are also important. A woman can only be penetrated so deep before the cervix is touched. It is possible to bruise a woman’s cervix due to repeated thrusts with a penis/dong/ dildo that is too long. The inside of the vaginal wall is primarily stimulated for only the first 1-3 inches. A thicker penis/dong will result in more friction to that area and increase the sensation. Friction is only good until lubrication runs low and then the friction turns into an abrasion-causing pain. A dong or dildo should be comfortable and in the desired size, shape, texture and even weight for the person who is using it. This same information also applies to anal sex/toy play. A dong or dildo used for anal play must be comfortable for the person using it and lubrication must always be used. (Please note that specific information about anal play with dongs and/or toys is discussed in the “Anal Toys, Plugs and Probes” section of this guide.)

Ribbed, nubbed, swirled, lambskin, flavored condoms or glow-in-the-dark condoms ? Condoms are a great way to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI), but with so many options it’s difficult to know what to choose. Check out the pointers below to help guide you in the right direction. 

Three Condom Categories
All male condoms are made from one of three categories of materials: lambskin, latex, or polyurethane.

Lambskin condoms are literally made out of sheep intestines. Although they are an effective contraceptive, they should never be used for safer sex purposes. Viruses and bacteria that cause STIs are small enough to pass through the pores of lambskin material even though sperm cannot.

Latex condoms are the most inexpensive and widely available type of condom. These condoms vary a great deal in thickness, color, flavor, cut, and texture. They are a highly effective contraceptive and preventative for STI.

Polyurethane condoms are made from a thinner material than latex condoms, so some men report greater sensation. Polyurethane is also less stretchy, so this type of condom is cut slightly bigger. These condoms are ideal if you or your partner is allergic to latex. Polyurethane condoms are great for contraceptive and safer sex purposes.

Which Condom is Best?
With so many options no one can definitively say which condom is best for you. Masturbating with a variety of condoms is a great way to explore your options. Solo-sex with condoms also helps you gain confidence and become an expert in using condoms properly. Below are condom variations you’ll want to explore.

Cut
Different brands of condoms are cut differently. Some condoms are cut with straight sides, some with an indent below the head, and some are flared at the top and fit more snuggly at the base. Typically, a regular latex condom is cut less than two inches wide whereas a larger condom, such as Trojan Magnum, is cut greater than two inches around. Some men prefer a tighter fitting condom as this can help maintain erection. Uncircumcised men should choose condoms with a flared head.

Thickness
Condoms vary in thickness. For many men, the thinner the condom the greater the sensation. Thinner condoms, however, also break easier. I recommend starting with thicker condoms, such as LifeStyles Extra Strength, and going thinner until you find the thickness that works for you.

Textures
Textures vary from ribs, swirls, pouches, or raised dots. Some textures pleasure the penis while others are meant to provide extra pleasure to your partner. A texture can add a lot of sensation for some people and others don’t notice them at all.

Lubricated or Non-lubricated
I recommend using lubricated condoms as they are less likely to break and tend to be more comfortable than non-lubricated versions. Condom lubricants may contain warming agents or climax control, which is a desensitizing agent that numbs the wearer.
Caution: Some lubricated condoms contain a spermicide called Nonoxynol 9 (abbreviated N-9). We used to teach that N-9 helped prevent STI transmission because N-9 kills HIV in a test tube. We now know that N-9 is an irritant and therefore increases the likelihood of potential STI transmission. I don’t recommend purchasing condoms containing N-9. Keep in mind, however, that using a condom with N-9 is safer than not using a condom at all.

Have Fun!
With so many options of condoms the only way to find your right condom is to try out many. If one condom doesn’t feel good try another. Most importantly, have fun in the process and let me know what you discover!

Angela Towne, Sexuality Educator

Different women have different responses to vibrators. Some women have their very first orgasms with the help of a vibrator. Other women report that vibrators have a numbing effect on their sex organs. And, still other women say it took them a while to learn how to have orgasms from the stimulation provided by the vibrator. Whatever type of woman you are, check out the pointers below to get the best results from your vibrator.

Use Vibrators on the Clitoris
Because of the cylindrical shape of the traditional vibrator many women have inferred that the best way to use a vibrator is by inserting it into the vagina mimicking intercourse. However, the vast majority of women orgasm through clitoral stimulation and do not reach orgasm through vaginal stimulation alone. The clitoris is located outside the vagina about an inch or two above the vaginal opening (See “A Partner’s Guide to Clitoral Stimulation” for more information.) So, vibrators work best when used on or around your clitoris.

 
Move that Vibrator!
Though some women prefer to simply press a vibrator against their clitoris, most women require some kind of manual movement of the vibrator as well to achieve optimal pleasure. Try moving your vibrator up and down, back and forth, or in circles on your clitoris. Some women lie on their vibrators and circle their pelvis against it. And still others grasp their vibrator between their legs and contract their thighs to provide movement. Experiment with what types of movement feel most pleasurable to you.

 
Orgasm is a Learned Response
Orgasm is a learned response. You can actually teach yourself new ways to be orgasmic. Because different vibrators provide different sensations, using vibrators can help expand your ability to orgasm. By patiently experimenting with a variety of sex toys you can learn how to orgasm through new types of stimulation.

 
You have Options
These are lucky days for us women as there are all kinds of vibrators to choose from. Some women say they only reach orgasm from plug in vibrators as plug in vibes tend to provide a more powerful pulse than battery operated versions. I suggest trying the Hitachi Wand   if you’re looking for a strong vibration. Other women swear by vibrators that provide both clitoral and vaginal stimulation at the same time such as the IVIBE Rabbit . If you are a woman that gets numb from too much vibration, try a vibrator that provides intermittent sensation such as the Impulse Ultra Bullet.   If one kind of vibrator doesn’t do it for you, don’t give up hope, you have a lot of options.

 
Vibrators and Safer Sex
Be aware that it is possible to spread viruses and bacteria associated with STDs by sharing vibrators and other sex toys. If you are sharing, cover your vibrator with a fresh condom every time a new person uses it (including yourself) to prevent disease transmission. Also remember to always clean a vibrator that has come into contact with the anus before using it in the vaginal area to avoid causing an infection. I recommend cleaning your vibrator with an antibacterial/antiviral toy cleaner such as Eros Med Clean Spray.   Be safe and have fun.

 
Angela Towne, Sexuality Educator