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tuesday: sunny
hi 37º / lo 19º
hi 30º / lo 18º
Monday, November 11, 2013
An independent student newspaper, serving the University of Wisconsin-Madison community since 1892 Volume 123, Issue 48
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The Dirty Bird
News and Editorial Editor-in-Chief Abigail Becker
Managing Editor Mara Jezior
News Team News Manager Sam Cusick Campus Editor Megan Stoebig College Editor Tamar Myers City Editor Melissa Howison State Editor Jack Casey Enterprise Editor Meghan Chua Associate News Editor Sarah Olson Features Editor Shannon Kelly Opinion Editors Haleigh Amant • Nikki Stout Editorial Board Chair Anna Duffin Arts Editors Cameron Graff • Andy Holsteen Sports Editors Brett Bachman • Jonah Beleckis Page Two Editors Rachel Schulze • Alex Tucker Photo Editors Courtney Kessler • Jane Thompson Graphics Editors Haley Henschel • Chrystel Paulson Multimedia Editor Grey Satterfield Science Editor Nia Sathiamoorthi Life & Style Editor Elana Charles Special Pages Editor Samy Moskol Social Media Manager Sam Garigliano Copy Chiefs Vince Huth • Maya Miller Kayla Schmidt • Rachel Wanat Copy Editors Kerry Huth • Jake Smasal
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Editorial Board Haleigh Amant • Abigail Becker Riley Beggin •Anna Duffin Mara Jezior • Cheyenne Langkamp Tyler Nickerson • Michael Penn Nikki Stout l
Board of Directors Herman Baumann, President Abigail Becker • Mara Jezior Jennifer Sereno • Stephen DiTullio Erin Aubrey • Dan Shanahan Jacob Sattler • Janet Larson Don Miner • Chris Drosner Jason Stein • Nancy Sandy Tina Zavoral
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sex and the student body
Guide to sex toys, part I: Getting our ‘buzz’ on
edit@dailycardinal.com
tODAY: snow
Alex tucker sex columnist
I
n real life, my friends often ask me how to pick out their new favorite sex toy. I think it’s because they are all hysterical. (History joke, anyone? Buehler? [How often is she going to make that joke? SHUT UP, YOU KIDS.].) This week, we’ll talk about what to look for when we pick out our new toy!
Materials
Sex toys come in a variety of materials. Each has its own advantages and can provide different types of pleasure. Examples of materials: Hard plastic: This material comes in porous and nonporous varieties, so make sure to stay informed about how to properly clean the toy. Hard plastic can be a cheap alternative and perfect starter toy because it offers the durability of metal and glass without all the expense. Jelly/elastomer: This material is cheap to produce, meaning it’s not too expensive once it reaches shelves. They are hypoallergenic and contain no latex, so they’re gentle on skin. Elastomer is easy to clean, but is porous, so it’s important to use barrier methods when sharing these types of toys. Silicone: These toys are nonporous, hypoallergenic and easy to sterilize. They can be cleaned in the top rack of the dishwasher (tell your roommates first!) or by boiling in water. Silicone can be very firm or soft; we should choose the one we like best! Silicone toys CANNOT be used with silicone-based lube. They MUST be used with wateror oil-based lube, otherwise the enzymes that keep the silicone liquid will essentially melt the dildo (the same applies to all silicone toys). They can cost anywhere from $30-$100 (they are more expensive because of the type/amount of material use). Cyberskin: Also known as Soft Skin, Futurotic or UltraRealistic, this material feels just like skin and heats to skin when it’s touched or held. Cyberskin is very porous, so it may begin to look dirty once it has been used. Cyberskin cannot be sanitized, so barrier methods should be used during playtime. Glass: The kind of glass used for sex toys is also called pyrex. Pyrex is hypoallergenic, heat and chemical resistant and will not break or shatter. Because it is a non-porous material, pyrex can be sanitized by boiling, washing or utilizing rubbing alcohol. Glass toys can be expensive but should last forever if treated properly. Glass toys can be put into the fridge or a bowl of hot water to allow for temperature play. However, we should always do a “touch test” with our hands before inserting the toys into our body or playing with them elsewhere on our skin.
Metal: Metal toys offer a unique heaviness and are easy to disinfect. Like wooden and glass toys, metal toys can be expensive but will last forever. These toys also conduct hot and cold temperatures for temperature play. Any lube can be used with metal toys, so play away! Wood: Wooden toys offer the firmness of metal and glass toys but are less heavy. Wood toys are finished with waterbased sealant that makes them non-porous and easy to clean.
Dildos
Dildos are toys that can be used for penetration in any form of intercourse. They can be used to stimulate the clitoris, prostate and G-spot. Before buying a dildo, it is important we think about how many fingers we like to have inside of us. We should try to gauge how many fingers we think a toy stimulates before making a potentially expensive purchase. Dildos come in different sizes, colors and textures. Cleaning (sterilization v. sanitization): To clean silicone, glass or metal dildos we can either simply wash them off with soap and water, boil them for three to five minutes or clean them in the top rack of the dishwasher in order to sterilize them. We can also use a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water. Condoms can be used with dildos the same as we do vibrators.
Sixty percent of strap-ons are bought by heterosexual couples for women to use on male partners (pegging)!
Silicone can cost anywhere from $30-$100 (they are more expensive because of the type/ amount of material use). The different types of dildos include the following: Basic Dildo: These are usually a phallic shape that can be either “realistic” (i.e. include veins, glans or scrotum) or “abstract” (i.e. just a plain shaft). Double-ended Dildos: These dildos are doubledended so two partners can use them at once. They can also be used by somebody solo either by using one end to penetrate the anus and the other the vagina at the same time, or by using one end as a handle. This feature makes this a great toy if you want to have a good grip. “Banana” Dildo: It is great for people who would prefer a non-penile dildo. These come in a plethora of designs, from banana to dolphin. They are phallic without looking like penises and can look gentle and innocent. Harnesses (aka strap ons): Strap-ons come in a variety of sizes for a variety of uses that can be used for different people with differ-
ent needs. They can be used to turn traditionally receptive partners into insertive partners, for male-bodied people with erectile dysfunction or in the refractory stage, to be strapped around objects, etc. Some are harnesses, thigh straps, shorts, etc. According to Good Vibrations—a sex boutique in San Francisco—60 percent of strap-ons are purchased for heterosexual couples for women to use on male partners (pegging)!
Vibrators
These are vibrating toys that can be used externally and sometimes internally to stimulate the clitoris, vulva, perineum, penis and scrotum or any exposed skin. Vibrators can generally be categorized into two sensations: throbby and buzzy. Throbby vibrators have a less-rapid rhythm than their buzzy counterparts, which usually offer a constant vibration rather than an on-and-off beat. It’s important to know which sensation we prefer (if we have a preference at all) before investing in a new toy. Inexpensive versions of each are available for trial. If we find we like one more than the other, we can choose to upgrade whenever we want! While most vibrators are splashproof, meaning they can withstand regular bodily fluids, some are made to be completely waterproof, which allows the user to submerge them completely in water for use in the shower, bath or pool. Types of vibrators include: Slim Vibrators: Usually cheaper vibrators that can be great for starters and usually cost less than $25. They are made of hard plastic and often come with varying speeds from gentle to a stronger “buzzy” vibration. It can be used externally on the perineum, vulva and clitoris, testicles, and also vaginally. Soft Serve Vibrators:
Thicker vibrators similar to slim vibes in many ways. They cost about $20-$25 and are made of plastic. They can be used internally and externally, but should not be used for anal play. They are thicker than slim vibes and usually have a “throbby” vibration. Bullet (and Egg) Vibrators: These vibrators are small but pack a punch. They are made of metal or plastic and come in many different models and designs. Some have cords, some are cordless and some come with separate remote controls. Bullets should never be used internally. They often come with different accessories. “Duckie” Vibrators: Vibrators are available in nonphallic shapes as well. These include balls, lipstick containers, and of course our “duckie.” This is also a good idea if you need your toys to be discrete; if you live in a shared environment for example. Dual Vibrators: This vibrator was made famous on “Sex and the City” (one of the characters, Charlotte, purchases one and becomes addicted to it) and can be used both externally and internally. It’s primary function is to dually stimulate the G-spot and clitoris. The many different rotating beads and shapes provide different types of stimulation, particularly the first third of the vagina, which contains the most nerves. The smaller component on the outside can stimulate the clitoris (or perineum). The different components can be set to different speeds with different controls. This vibrator can be overwhelming for people new to the sensations, and is not recommended for first-time users. They cost anywhere from $25-$100 or more. Suggestions for Alex’s “part II” coming up next week? Email sex@dailycardinal.com to let her know!