If spending more time with ourselves during the last couple of years has taught us anything, it's that masturbation really does wondrous things for our mental health and wellbeing. And to reach even more euphoric heights, sex toys have most definitely played a part in solo fun.
But sex toys don't have to be relegated to our bedside drawers when we fancy some alone time, there are amazing sex toys for couples that can be whipped out to elevate sexual experiences with our partners.
We understand a certain level of confidence is needed and a lot of communication between you and your sexual partner to make sure everyone is comfortable when introducing vibrators, bullets, suction toys and even kegel balls. As Annabelle Knight, Lovehoney's sex and relationship expert sexual explains, sex toys can be intimidating, particularly when involving heterosexual partnerships.
'Most women don't orgasm through intercourse and only around 30% can do it. Like many other sex experts, I have been making this point for years. The result is men have at least three times as many orgasms with a partner than women do.'
To make things easy for those of you looking to introduce new sex toys into a relationship (to try and close that orgasm gap) or you're looking to improve solo play, Knight has put together a selection of the best Lovehoney sex toys to get you started.
Don't miss out on up to 70% off some of Lovehoney's Top Rated sex toys.
SHOP: The Best Lovehoney Sex Toys Recommended By The Expert:
https://www.lovehoney.co.uk
Best Lovehoney sex toy for suction: 'Suction toys are the sex toy sensations of the last five years,' says Knight. 'They feature revolutionary Pleasure Air Technology which effectively creates a vacuum around the clitoris so that all that gentle stimulation is targeted on your sweetest spot. They have completely changed the market and women who have never orgasmed before say that their sexual happiness has been transformed. Don't take my word for it - read some of the 700 reviews of the Pro40 on the Lovehoney site to see just what a game changer the Pro40 is.'
Pros
- Lots of intensity levels
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy for travel
Cons
- No internal stimulation
- Not standard charger
Allergens: Latex-free, Phthalate-FreeVibration | |
Multiple speeds, 6 levels of suction intensity | |
Waterproof | |
Power source: Rechargeable | |
Length: 6.5in | |
Extra quiet and extra powerful | |
Material: Silicone |
- Lovehoney review: 'I have been a loyal Lelo vibrator customer for 15 years. I lost my charger cord, so instead of just replacing the cord, I shopped around for a new toy. I read lots of reviews, researched different brands, and finally decided on this Womanizer X Lovehoney model. It's my first time switching from the classic vibrators to the newer air-pulse clitoral stimulators and O.M.F.G. I should have switched immediately when these things started coming out a few years back. I'm a really light touch when I'm receiving oral - less is more, the tiniest little flicks do the most - so I am not surprised at all that this toy is like jackpot money for me, even on the lowest settings. After a lifetime of too-intense buzzing vibrators, it is so refreshing to be able to, like, make love to myself instead of just rubbing one out. Amazing.'
https://www.lovehoney.co.uk
Best Lovehoney sex toy for the G-spot: 'This toy is essentially two-for-the-price-of-one and enables the user to cocoon the G-spot and clitoris in gorgeous sensations at the same time. It is really clever - a slimline bulb internally rests against the G-spot, while its tickler flutters against the clitoris for dual-point intimate pleasure,' explains Knight. 'All that fun and super affordable, too - what's not to like?'
Pros
- G spot and clitoral stimulation
- Quiet
Cons
- No lower vibration for beginners
Allergens: Phthalate-Free | |
Vibration: 3 speeds and 4 patterns | |
Waterproof | |
Power source: 2 x AAA batteries | |
Length: 7.5in, insertable length 3.5in, circumference 3.5in | |
Material: Soft plastic |
- Lovehoney review: 'My wife and myself love this toy. It is her go to for solo play and always gets her off. We love using it in couples play as well. Nice design and very easy to use. The speeds and vibrations are pleasant, and being waterproof is fantastic for taking in the bath.'
https://www.lovehoney.co.uk
Best Lovehoney sex toy for kegel ball users: 'These balls are definitely not for beginners looking to strengthen their pelvic floor,' says Annabelle, 'They have a combined weight of 221g which gives a full and heavy sensation suited to experienced kegel ball users. They are easy to wear and can be removed thanks to a stronger silicone retrieval cord. Studies show that toning the pelvic floor consistently boosts sexual happiness and leads to more intense orgasms as we age. Kegel balls are a great way to improve sexual satisfaction.'
Pros
- Good weight
- Stay in easily
- Sleek design
Cons
- Not for beginners
Allergens: Latex-Free, Phthalate-Free | |
Waterproof | |
Length: 8.5in, circumference 4in | |
Material: Metal |
- Lovehoney review: 'I was super excited to get this, I didn't even need any help inserting them. Very heavy, but make me feel alive again. A workout plus seductive pleasure. Worth every penny.'
https://www.lovehoney.co.uk
Best Lovehoney sex toy for beginners: 'A bullet is the perfect starter sex toy. Discreet, not at all scary and small enough to be carried in a handbag if you never want to be without it! Bullets are all about clitoral stimulation and zoning in on your sweet spot and they provide wave after wave of pleasure. This Mantric bullet is at the luxury end of the bullet market (you can get excellent and more affordable bullets for as little as £10) because it looks super-classy and it delivers in spades. It will pay for itself in pleasure very quickly.'
Features
Allergens: Latex-Free , Phthalate-Free
Vibration: 7 patterns and 3 intensity levels
Waterproof
Extra Quiet Travel Lock
Power source: Rechargeable
Length: 3.5 in, insertable Length 3in, circumference: 2.75in
Material: Silicone
Pros
- Lots of variations in intensity
- Good battery life
- Very quiet
Cons
- Hard to press the button
Allergens: Latex-Free , Phthalate-Free | |
Vibration: 7 patterns and 3 intensity levels | |
Waterproof | |
Extra Quiet Travel Lock | |
Power source: Rechargeable | |
Length: 3.5 in, insertable Length 3in, circumference: 2.75in | |
Material: Silicone |
- Lovehoney review: 'I love the feel of the silicon compared to other bullets I have had in the past which have the chrome like looks. The settings are great and the vibrations are very strong. Would recommend this in anyone’s collection.'
https://www.lovehoney.co.uk
Best Lovehoney sex toy for solo play: 'With Doxy products, it is all about that one important word: POWER,' says Knight. 'They are not for the faint-hearted or for the more inexperienced sex toy user. Doxys are for users that know they need to really feel the force to get off. You'll get scintillating pleasure through the soft silicone head. Doxy pioneered the wand vibrator, which is now one of the most important sex toy categories. For many users, Doxys are the oldest and still the best.'
Pros
- Powerful
- Large buttons
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Can be noisy
Allergens: Latex-Free , Phthalate-Free | |
Vibration: Multiple speeds | |
Not waterproof | |
Power source: Mains powered | |
Length: 13in, circumference 7.5in | |
Material: Silicone |
- Lovehoney review: 'The best wand in the market by a long mile. Easy 3 buttons at the top and heavy enough to stay in place. Vibrations are a mix of patterns from low to high and on low it is great if you need it to be discreet. Really does a great job without fail!'
https://www.lovehoney.co.uk
Best Lovehoney sex toy for couple play: 'This is a great toy to take with you if you are going away for a dirty weekend. It is super quiet and discreet (you don't have to worry about room service hearing the rumblings through the door). The remote control means either of you can be in charge of directing the pleasure - it's always fun to take it in turns,' says Knight.
Pros
- Discreet design
- Flexible
- Strong vibrations
Cons
- Difficult to use during penetration
- Higher price point
Allergens: Latex-Free, Phthalate-Free | |
Vibration: One speed and 9 patterns | |
Splashproof | |
Extra Quiet Remote Controlled | |
Includes satin drawstring bag and USB cable | |
Power source: Rechargeable, 1 x CR2032 battery (remote) | |
Length: 3 in, insertable length 2.5in, circumference 3in | |
Material: Silicone |
- Lovehoney review: 'My partner and I love the free vibe with the remote, not only for pleasure on the go, but in the bedroom also when using our strap-on! It’s a nice toy for beginner and getting the GSpot aroused.'
How to introduce sex toys in a relationship
Annabelle Knight, sex and relationship expert with sexual wellness brand Lovehoney, explains that the idea all women can orgasm through intercourse is the 'biggest and most damaging myth about sex'.
'Most women don't orgasm through intercourse and only around 30% can do it. Like many other sex experts, I have been making this point for years. The result is men have at least three times as many orgasms with a partner than women do.'
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To help some of us along Knight recommends adding sex toys to your repertoire, 'They are a great way to stimulate the clitoris and improve women's chances of orgasming, which is why they are a fun way to improve sexual happiness and close that orgasm gap.'
Buying sex toys does not have to be expensive, Knight advises starting with something simple with a clitoral vibrator like Lovehoney Tease Finger Vibrator, or a bullet like the Mantric Rechargeable Bullet Vibrator. 'Both are great fun to use on your own – or even more fun if your partner takes the lead'.
'But if you've never used sex toys before, the prospect can be intimidating, to say the least,' Knight adds. 'Maybe you're worried about offending your partner or that they won't be into it, or you think the toy you want to try feels taboo. Often, the main concern is that the sex toy could replace the partner, or could be 'better' than your partner. But that fear is unfounded. There is no replacement for live, human contact.'
Knight explains that the purpose of sex toys in any type of relationship is 'To increase connection and pleasure, as well as add to the sexual experience within a couple, not detract from it. Toys are sexual enhancements, like ketchup on a hot dog.'
'The key point to stress when you raise the subject is that the sex toys are not just for you but both of you. This is all about your mutual pleasure. Go slow - start with a simple bullet and maybe use it to enhance foreplay. If that works, start shopping together. The most popular couple’s toys are love rings - worn together during intercourse, enhancing the experience for both of you.'
Expert advice: How to get over masturbation shame
'Overwhelming feelings of shame or guilt are sadly not uncommon for women when masturbating. But there are lots of ways you can overcome them,' Knight explains, 'The most important first step is to love your body. If you are not sure where to begin, kick off by making a list of five-ten things that you love about your body. These can be traits that make you feel empowered or show your strength. The key is choosing things that make you feel more confident.'
An act of self-care
'Start thinking of masturbation not as a cause of shame but as an act of self-care and self-love. Seek out daily pleasures and build self-care into your daily regime. See how it improves your mood and overall happiness. Extend this self-love beyond masturbation – go for a massage or maybe treat yourself to a day at a spa.'
Explore your body
'Remember that your pleasure and sexuality extend far beyond your vulva. One fun trick is to explore every erogenous zone in your body except your vulva. There are more than 20 – from your ear lobes to that sweet spot at the top of your thighs.'
READ MORE: The Best Underwear To Make You Feel Great
Pick up a mirror
'Don't be afraid to connect with your vulva like you never have before. Try exploring the region visually by looking in a mirror and drawing your labia.'
Explore different sex toys
'Get to know your preferences. None of us masturbates in the same way – that is why there are so many different types of sex toys. A powerful toy such as a Doxy works for some while others prefer the fluttering delights of the new wave of suction toys such as the Pro40.'
Solo date
'Finally, don't forget to romance yourself. Just because you are going solo doesn't mean that you cannot enhance the mood with candles and aromatic scents.'
Knight says, 'In short, masturbation is something to be celebrated, not to feel ashamed about. Celebrate it as part of your self-care regime and it will enhance the quality of the whole experience.'