C2 • THE SILHOUETTE
THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2011
SEX and the STEEL CITY
Perusing the sex toy market Ensure you get a quality gadget by becoming a sex toy connoisseur RANDAL DESOUZA CARLA BROWN SHEC MEDIA
In the market for a sex toy? Whether it is your first time experimenting with toys, or your collection already fills your underwear drawer, these tips will help you find the toy that is right for you. First, you need to consider if you want a toy for use alone or for with a partner. The most common toys for solo play are masturbation sleeves for men and vibrators and dildos for women. These toys can be used with a partner, but there are other toys made exclusively for use with another person, including cock rings, anal stimulators, and double headed dildos. You’ll also need to decide whether you want to use your toy externally, for clitoral or penis stimulation, or for vaginal and anal penetration. Vibrators, for instance, are shaped differently if they’re meant to be used for penetration than if they are bullet vibrators meant for clitoral stimulation. The kind of toy you’ll want depends on your unique needs. One important consideration is what you would like your toy to be made from. Most toys are made of plastics, which can either be hard silicones or soft jelly plastics. If you’re purchasing a soft toy, be careful to avoid phthalates, which are chemicals used to soften plastic that may be toxic. Look for toys labelled phthalate-free or use a condom over the toy. This is not a concern with silicone toys. Some toys can be made from more exotic materials, like stainless steel, glass, or wood. These tend to be more expensive and more durable. If you’re looking for some subtlety with your sex toys, there are plenty of options available to you. Vibrators shaped like rubber
ducks or tubes of lipstick are popular, and also make a great kitschy gift. Another important consideration if you’re buying a vibrating toy is noise. Be sure to test any toys you might buy in the store, as vibrating toys with strong motors can sometimes be loud enough to hear from the next room. As a student, you probably want to keep budget in mind. Sex toys are available in all price ranges, from $3000 diamond-encrusted Jimmy Jane vibrators to $10 vibrating cock rings. Typically, plastic toys are cheaper than those made of other materials. Toys with electronic controls are more expensive than those without. For a longer lasting toy, look for buttons attached directly, rather than a remote which might wear out. The Love Shop in downtown Hamilton offers a 10 per cent discount to students with a student card. If you’re not comfortable shopping for a sex toy in person, there are many places to buy them online with discreet shipping. Once you’ve picked out your ideal toy, you should find out how to clean it. Unclean toys can harbour bacteria, spreading infection to places that you absolutely do not want infected. Waterproof toys can be washed with soap and water, or else a dilute bleach solution if they’re being shared between multiple people. Most places where you can buy sex toys also sell antibacterial cleaners if your toy cannot be exposed to water. If you’re sharing sex toys, it’s best to use a fresh condom to cover the toy for each partner. Remember, sharing toys can spread STIs. Sex toys can be a fun way to spice up your sex life, solo or with a partner. With this knowledge, you’re ready to find the toy that’s right for you. From cock rings to the “fleshlight,” sex toys extend far beyond the traditional vibrator.
SILHOUETTE PHOTO FILE
ThreadCount Jenlynn Harding
Second year Communications and Cultural Studies Describe your style: A mix of vintage and modern. Favourite quote: “Life’s too short to be anything but happy.” - Nicole Visser What do you look for in a significant other?: Humour, spontaneity, nice shoes, great smile, similar music taste, excited about life.
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters - $20 Scarf: Urban Outfitters - $34 Jeans: Urban Outfitters - $60 Bag: Mintage - $40 Wooden ring: Cambodia Owl ring: Vintage shop in Vancouver - $10 Bag: Mintage - $40
Presented by Tyler Hayward