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Men’s sex toys were once considered taboo—in years past, massagers, strokers, and penis rings were devices that no one seemed to have (or at least admitted to having). But times have certainly changed; the use of men’s sex toys is on the rise. One study conducted in 2023 by the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology at Columbia University found that 63 percent of men have reported using a sex toy during solo play, proving that men’s sex toys are more popular now than ever.
This makes sense, considering there are real benefits to using them. “Sex toys can help you to explore your body and figure out what it is that you find to be pleasurable,” says Dr. Justin Lehmiller, Scientific Advisor at Arcwave. “You may find new ways of stimulating yourself that you enjoy, and you may discover new parts of your body that become immense pleasure sources. Better understanding your body is one of the keys to sexual self-confidence because it empowers you with the knowledge you need to ask for what you want.”
With so many kinds of sex toys on the market, you might be wondering which toys are the most commonly used. Luckily, Dr. Lehmiller gave StyleCaster the rundown on everything you’d want to know.
“There are a lot of different varieties of sex toys out there aimed at men, but some of the most popular include strokers (male masturbators), cock rings, and prostate massagers,” he says. “A stroker is a device that mimics the sensations of oral sex or penetrative intercourse. A cock ring provides a fuller erection and, sometimes, also offers vibrating sensations. And prostate massagers aim to enhance pleasure by stimulating the prostate gland. There are many options! So, the first step is figuring out what you want and what seems like the best fit for your comfort level and body.”
Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced user, certain toys might be better suited for your comfort level and needs than others. While there are no hard and fast rules about experience level requirements for toys, Dr. Lehmiller has some suggestions. “For guys who are just starting out in terms of using sex toys, a good place to begin is with either a cock ring or a male masturbator,” he says. “For guys who are more experienced, they might consider a toy designed for prostate stimulation.”
When purchasing a sex toy, you should always make sure the toy is made from a safe material. “Ideally, you’re looking for something non-porous and body-safe to minimize the chances of any kind of skin reaction or infection risk,” he says. “There are several materials that fall in this camp, such as silicone and stainless steel, but you also need to consider the feel of the material and how you’re going to use it. For example, silicone is going to be a bit softer and have a little give to it, whereas steel and glass are going to be very firm.”
When it comes to keeping your toys clean, methods will vary depending on design. “The best way to ensure you’re properly taking care of your toys is to follow the manufacturer instructions on cleaning and storage,” Dr. Lehmiller says. “Not following these instructions is a great way to ruin an expensive toy. There isn’t one-size-fits-all advice for proper toy cleaning and maintenance because every toy is different, so be sure to follow those instructions.”
