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April 12, 2013

Add A Little Extra To Pegging With These Great Toys

Filed under: Sex Tips,Toy Reviews — Tags: , , , , , , , — Charlie @ 10:03 am

I get a lot of questions from women who want to try pegging or who have given it a shot, and want to get a little more pleasure out of the experience. Of course, lots of women get off on the experience of pegging, even if they don’t get much direct physical stimulation from it. But there are also some great toys that will give you some extra action.

Some harnesses let you place the base of your dildo low enough down that it rests on your clitoris. That means that every thrust presses it into you, which can be enough in itself for some women. I even know one dedicated harness user who added a clitoral hood piercing so that the bead on the ring would hit the spot. Now, that’s not something that everyone will want to do, but it does show how creative people get when it comes to sex!

Low-rise harnesses will work better for this, and Spareparts makes some awesome ones. The Tomboi and the Sasha are especially good because they’re designed to have a little stretch. When you pull back, the base of the dildo move a little away from your body, so when you push back in, you’ll get even more sensation. (Here’s a review of the Sasha.) One of the great features of these harnesses is that they simply pull on, so they’re super easy to use. They’re also machine-washable, making clean up a snap. I also like how the ring that holds the dildo is sewn in, rather that being held in by straps, because there aren’t any snaps to bump into anyone’s tender parts. A lot of women who have used these harnesses have said that they were able to orgasm from the clitoral stimulation, which makes pegging awesome!

Another great choice is the Feeldoe. You insert the bulb into your vagina and use your PC muscles to hold it there while using the other end on your partner. There’s also a vibrator for added fun, as well as small ridges to press against your clitoris. And just so you know, the shaft isn’t as long as it looks in the photo because the wearer’s body takes up a few inches of it. The insertable portion is about 6 inches (15 cm) long.

The Feeldoe can be a little tricky to hold onto, and the difficulty is that making the bulb bigger also makes it less comfortable for some women. If it slips out at the wrong moment, try wearing the Feeldoe in a low-rise harness to get a little extra support. It’s a great combination.

Want some other choices? Some harnesses like the Vibrating Corsette Harness have a mini vibrator that slips into a pocket in the front pad. If you enjoy vibrators, these can be a fantastic way to get some extra stimulation. These harnesses are super adjustable, machine washable, and quite comfortable. They’re also a great choice if you’re new to pegging because they cost less than some other models. That makes them a good starter harness for a lot of folks. Plus, the wider strap across the back looks really sexy.

If you like G-spot pleasure, take a look at the Smartballs. They have a small marble that rolls around inside of them. Insert them into your vagina and each time you move your hips, you’ll get a little hands-free G-spot action. The single ball might be easier for some women, especially during pegging, but if you want a lot of stimulation, try the double. The Smartballs are coated in body-safe silicone (including the string), so washing them is easy. I’ve also heard from some women who wear them when they go out dancing.

Speaking of toys that work well for pegging and for dancing, check out the Club Vibe. It looks like a standard bullet vibrator, but the battery pack picks up on any background noise to control the vibrator. It works really well at at club since each beat of the music will make it pulse. But you can also have a great time with it during sex since every time you or your partner makes a sound, the vibrator will switch on. There’s a lot of potential for a feedback loop: the more noise you make, the more it vibrates and the more it vibrates, the better it feels. Just don’t wake up the neighbors!

The Club Vibe 2.0 is a bit bigger, and it’s designed to slip into a pair of panties for a night out on the town. But I bet it would work really well with the Tomboi or Sasha harnesses. (I haven’t had anyone test this yet, so if you’ve given it a try, I’d love to hear how it worked.)

Don’t forget that lots of women enjoy anal play, too. You can wear a butt plug while pegging your partner. Just make sure that the bulb is wide enough relative to the neck to stay in during vigorous action. The Bootie Plug (reviewed here) and the larger Bootsy Plug both have an asymmetric shape that makes it easier to insert. Rather than going straight in, try sliding them in on a C-curve that follows the shape of the toy. The slim base means that you can put your legs in any position without losing the toy.

As you can see, there are lots of ways to make sure that pegging is as fun for you as it is for him. It takes a little creativity and some experimentation, but it’s definitely worth it. After all, sex is even more fun when you’re both seeing fireworks. Have fun!

Charlie

Charlie

I'm a writer, blogger, teacher, workshop facilitator, sex & relationship coach, and a certified somatic sex educator. I teach workshops and seminars on many different sexuality topics, including sex-positivity, sex & shame, communities of erotic affiliation, many different sexual practices, gender & masculinity, and sexual politics. Contact me for more information, to arrange a speaking engagement, or to find out how I can help you create an amazing sex life.

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April 4, 2013

Does Anal Sex Cause Hemorrhoids?

Filed under: Sex Tips — Tags: , , — Charlie @ 10:59 pm

Here’s a question I got on Facebook:

Do you have a grasp of the research on the link between anal sex as a cause for hemorrhoids? Any chance you’ve encountered something like a metastudy?

Some sex educators and columnists claim there’s no link. And I see some medical sites do claim a link, but these same sites also use weirdly moralizing tones about anal sex (i.e. it’s not natural, not designed for sex, etc).

While there’s not much good research on the topic, here’s what I can tell you.

Hemorrhoids are like varicose veins, but instead of happening in the legs, they happen in the blood vessels in the anus. They can occur when the pelvic and anal muscles are too tight, which traps blood in the veins, so they bulge out, sort of like a bicycle innertube pushing out through a weak spot in the tire. There are different reasons people get them such as constipation causing them to squeeze extra hard when they have a bowel movement, the extra pressure on the pelvic floor during pregnancy, or long term stress making the pelvic muscles tighten for extended periods without relaxing (especially during prolonged sitting or driving). Unfortunately, a minor case of hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, causing an itching or burning sensation. That feeling can, in turn, make the anus tighten further and create an ongoing cycle of discomfort and muscle tension.

Some folks wonder whether anal sex can cause hemorrhoids, but when it’s done correctly, anal sex can actually help you avoid them by helping the pelvic floor to relax. The trick is to never go further than your body is capable of enjoying because if you do, it’ll make the muscles tighten up. In fact, mild cases of hemorrhoids can be helped by gentle anal massage, in much the same way that any tight muscles can be encouraged to relax through massage. I’m talking about a finger, a slim buttplug, or perhaps one of the Aneros products. The goal is to be very slow, and very mild. It’s not about sexual stimulation as much as soft touch. Given the discomfort, you probably don’t want to have much anal play when you have a case of hemorrhoids, anyway. If you’re experiencing hemorrhoids, it can also help to slip on a glove and lubricate the anus a before bowel movement in order to reduce how much you need to squeeze. That’s especially beneficial if you’re having constipation or for pregnant women.

It is possible for anal sex to lead to hemorrhoids when it’s not done right. If, for example, you don’t use enough lubricant or if you go faster than your body prefers, you can end up irritating the sensitive anal tissues. That can cause the muscles to tighten up in response to the discomfort, which can lead to hemorrhoids. Anecdotally, I’ve heard of this happening when folks are drunk or stoned past the point of being able to pay attention to the signals during sex that would be telling them to add lube or slow down. The same thing can happen when the receiver doesn’t feel comfortable telling their partner what they need during anal sex. And if you have a minor case of hemorrhoids, anal play can irritate them and make them worse.

So the answer to your question is: sort of. Anal sex really does require a fair bit of know-how to do safely and pleasurably, just as lifting weights needs to be done correctly to avoid injury. That’s why we have a whole chapter devoted just to that in our book.

And yes, a lot of people do have some unfortunate anal-phobic attitudes. That doesn’t mean that they know what they’re talking about. After all, lifting weights isn’t all that “natural” either, but I’ve never heard anyone say that people shouldn’t do it on that account. So don’t let those attitudes get in your way. Listen to your body, follow the pleasure, and have fun!


If you have questions about any kind of sex or sexual health issue, drop me a note through our contact form, through my website, or through Facebook. I’m always happy to track down info and help you have the best sex you can!

Charlie

Charlie

I'm a writer, blogger, teacher, workshop facilitator, sex & relationship coach, and a certified somatic sex educator. I teach workshops and seminars on many different sexuality topics, including sex-positivity, sex & shame, communities of erotic affiliation, many different sexual practices, gender & masculinity, and sexual politics. Contact me for more information, to arrange a speaking engagement, or to find out how I can help you create an amazing sex life.

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March 10, 2013

The Aneros Peridise: A Great Way to Explore Anal Penetration

Filed under: Toy Reviews — Tags: , , , — Charlie @ 3:35 pm

It’s not often that we see a truly innovative product, but the folks at Aneros have another winner!

The Peridise is a fairly slim anal toy with an unusual design. Its shape causes the anus to relax much more than almost any other toy by stimulating involuntary peristaltic contractions. Peristalsis is the rhythmic contraction of the smooth muscles of the digestive system. Sometimes, the anus is held so tightly that it misses out on these contractions. We might hold too tightly in this part of the body for any of a number of reasons, but whatever the cause, it can hinder arousal, make anal play less pleasant, and just be uncomfortable.

When you insert the Peridise (use plenty of lube, please!), it gently stimulates the anal muscles to relax and reconnect to the peristaltic reflex. It also increases blood flow to the anus, which can heighten arousal and create some amazing sensations. The Peridise can help you develop greater awareness of your anal muscles and the subtle and amazingly pleasurable stimulation that anal play can offer. And the more you can tune into how anal stimulation feels, the easier it is to relax the muscles, which makes anal play more fun and allows for more intense prostate pleasure.

When you purchase the Peridise, you’ll get two models of slightly different sizes. Unlike most anal toys, the larger one is the starter one. Think of how much easier it is to hold a pen than a needle and you’ll understand why. The Peridise is made of hard plastic, so clean-up is a breeze and you can use any lubricant with it. At only 4″ (10cm) long, it’s an easy way to explore anal play.

The Peridise feels amazing on its own or when combined with genital stimulation, whether solo or with a partner. And unlike the Aneros MGX or their other products which are specifically designed for prostate play, the Peridise can be used by anyone who wants to enhance anal play. For beginners, it can help you develop the awareness to make penetration more fun. Folks with more experience with any play will be surprised at how much pleasure this toy can offer. Whether you’re new to anal play or a backdoor expert, you’ve never felt anything quite like the Peridise. Get yours today!

Charlie

Charlie

I'm a writer, blogger, teacher, workshop facilitator, sex & relationship coach, and a certified somatic sex educator. I teach workshops and seminars on many different sexuality topics, including sex-positivity, sex & shame, communities of erotic affiliation, many different sexual practices, gender & masculinity, and sexual politics. Contact me for more information, to arrange a speaking engagement, or to find out how I can help you create an amazing sex life.

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November 1, 2012

Get Into Position With The Liberator Wedge & Ramp

Filed under: Toy Reviews — Tags: , , , , — Charlie @ 5:05 pm

One of the most important things you can do to make anal penetration easy and pleasurable is to be able to relax into it. The muscles of your pelvic floor  almost never switch off. In fact, other than your heart, they’re some of the hardest working muscles in your body. The only time they relax (other than when you’re enjoying anal play) is when you go to the bathroom. Otherwise, they’re on the job, all the time.

It takes some practice to learn to turn these muscles off, especially for men since guys often have too-tight pelvic floors. If you spend a lot of time sitting, whether it’s at a desk or in a car, there’s a good chance your muscles have difficulty relaxing unless you learn how to do it. It’ll depend on your body, of course, and what position you’re in. Fortunately, there are some great products that can help a lot.

The Liberator Wedge and Ramp make it much easier to get into a comfortable position and stay there. Sure, you can just use a regular pillow but these offer some advantages that cushions from your couch simply don’t.

Both of these cushions are made from a dense foam, so they hold their shape and give you lots of support. They won’t compress down like your bed pillow does, so once you find the right position, you’ll stay there. Then, there’s a waterproof cover, which keeps the foam clean and unzips so you can toss it in the wash. On top of that, there’s a soft velour cover. Not only does it feel good on your skin, it also keeps the cushion from sliding on your bed when things get vigorous. Of course, it also unzips for easy cleaning.

The Wedge is smaller and it lends itself really well to positions like being on your back. It lifts your hips up for easy access and the angle is just right for pegging and anal intercourse, because having your hips above your shoulders makes penetration easier for the giver and the receiver. And if prostate massage is on the menu, it’s a lot easier for the giver to sit between your legs because you’re up higher.

That’s not all, of course. Since the Wedge gives you plenty of support, you don’t have to work at all to keep your legs in the right position. You might want to support your knees with your hands, but that’s a lot less effort than trying to do it when you’re flat on the bed. That means you can relax more, and that makes the whole experience much easier and more fun.

If you want, you can also turn over and lie across the Wedge, but I think the Ramp makes that work better because you can keep your spine straight instead of being in a back bend. And again, whether you have massage, pegging, or intercourse in mind, you can simply relax and melt into the firm support. You’ll be amazed at how much easier and more fun that makes things!

The Ramp also works if you want to be on your back, but it requires your partner to be tall enough to be able to reach you. It also helps if you have a pillow or the Wedge under your head. Either way, it’s a fantastic way to lie back and have a great time.

If your storage space is limited, get the Wedge since it’s smaller, so you can slide it under the bed. But if you have the room for the Ramp, it’s definitely worth adding to your collection. They both make relaxing into anal play a lot easier. Plus, if you enjoy cunnilingus or spanking, they help for that, too! All in all, these are great products that’ll put a smile on your face.

Charlie

Charlie

I'm a writer, blogger, teacher, workshop facilitator, sex & relationship coach, and a certified somatic sex educator. I teach workshops and seminars on many different sexuality topics, including sex-positivity, sex & shame, communities of erotic affiliation, many different sexual practices, gender & masculinity, and sexual politics. Contact me for more information, to arrange a speaking engagement, or to find out how I can help you create an amazing sex life.

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October 15, 2012

Getting Started With Anal Play? Try the Bootie Plug

Filed under: Toy Reviews — Tags: , , — Charlie @ 10:32 am

If you’re just starting out with prostate play, you might feel a little nervous about anal penetration. It takes a little know-how to make it feel good, as well plenty of practice. But even guys who have been doing it for a while can sometimes need to take it slow at the beginning of a session. It makes sense- warming up and stretching before a workout at the gym makes a big difference, and there’s no reason that doesn’t apply to anal penetration.

I’m a big fan of the Bootie Silicone Anal Plug for that. The slim profile makes it easy to use and the asymmetric shape makes insertion much smoother than many more traditional anal plugs. The shaft is long enough to fit inside the anal canal, and the bulb is a good size to keep it in place. Plus, the base is quite slim, so it fits comfortably between your butt cheeks.

The Bootie isn’t likely to reach your prostate, but it’s a good way to help your body relax. Since you can leave it in place, you can wear it during solo sex or sex with a partner. Heck- you can even wear it while walking around, though you might want to practice with it at  home before going out to a restaurant! If you want a fun time, try having an orgasm while you have it in- that’s a favorite of a lot of guys.

And then, of course, you can always warm up with the Bootie before moving on to a different toy, prostate massage, or pegging. Whether you want to use it on your own or with someone else, the Bootie is a fun toy.

Cleaning the Bootie is easy. Since it’s silicone, it’s non-porous and hot water & soap does a great job. If you want to disinfect it, wash it and then put it in boiling water for five minutes or the top rack of a dishwasher. Couldn’t be much simpler.

So if you like to start off with a slim toy at the beginning of your prostate fun or if you’re just beginning to explore it, pick up a Bootie Silicone Anal Plug at Good Vibrations. See for yourself how much fun it can be!

Charlie

Charlie

I'm a writer, blogger, teacher, workshop facilitator, sex & relationship coach, and a certified somatic sex educator. I teach workshops and seminars on many different sexuality topics, including sex-positivity, sex & shame, communities of erotic affiliation, many different sexual practices, gender & masculinity, and sexual politics. Contact me for more information, to arrange a speaking engagement, or to find out how I can help you create an amazing sex life.

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October 4, 2012

Opening to Receiving

Filed under: Sex Tips — Tags: , — Charlie @ 10:49 am

“It’s so much easier to be on the giving side. To receive is much harder — one actually has to be more delicate, if I may say so. One has to help people to be more generous. By receiving from others, by letting them help you, you really aid them to become bigger, more generous, more magnanimous. You do them a service.”
-Henry Miller

One of the common concerns that men have when it comes to receiving prostate play or anal penetration is the fear that it implies anything about their masculinity. There are a lot of assumptions about being penetrated. It’s seen as “the woman’s role” or something that gay men do, so straight men are often hesitant to try it.

It’s not only straight guys who worry about it, either. Some top-identified gay dudes think that they can’t bottom because of what that might mean. Of course, for lots of gay and bi guys, it’s simply a matter of preference- there’s a difference between “I don’t want to because I don’t enjoy it/I don’t want to do it right now.” and “I don’t want to because that would make me less macho.” After all, recent research shows that fewer than 40% of gay and bi men had anal sex the last time they had sex. So I’m certainly not going to suggest that everyone has to try it or has to like it or has to do it every time. And yet, if someone won’t do it because he’s afraid of what it might imply about him, he’s missing out on some potentially amazing fun and I think that’s unfortunate.

Part of what I find so important to bring up around this is that the messages that say that receiving penetration is unmanly are all inside our heads. They’re part of the “Act Like a Man” Box and they keep a lot of men from discovering new ways to experience pleasure and have fun. And a lot of men’s partners have told me that they wish that their guys could get over that.

There’s something incredibly powerful about a man who can be fully present in his masculinity while also being open and receptive. Something life-changing happens when you realize that you can let go of the shame, relax, and receive without worrying about being less of a man. In my experience, that’s often part of the process of letting go of the performance model of masculinity and learning to pick and choose which facets of your gender are authentically yours and which are externally imposed. Sure, you can certainly engage in that work without receiving anal play, but there things that the embodied experience can teach you that no amount of talking or processing ever can. It’s a profoundly transformative experience that can’t really be described- you just have to lean into the scary places and see for yourself.

And let’s not forget that learning to receive makes more room to discover the amazing pleasures of prostate play. When it comes to sexual pleasure, the prostate is very similar to the G-spot. Men who have tried prostate stimulation often say that the orgasms feel more expansive or bigger. They might learn how to have multiple (non-ejaculatory) orgasms, riding wave after wave of pleasure. And lots of men have discovered that it has made them better lovers and more attuned to their partner’s bodies and desires. If that’s not a great incentive, I don’t know what is!

Letting these inflexible notions of what it means to be a man keep you from experiencing something so amazing seems like a pity to me. I know that it can be scary. And I’ve also talked with enough men of all sexual orientations who have discovered incredible pleasure once they let go of these ideas to know how powerful that experience can be. So my suggestion to you is to try it out. You might really be surprised by how much fun you can have and how much it can change your entire perspective on what it means to be a man.

Charlie

Charlie

I'm a writer, blogger, teacher, workshop facilitator, sex & relationship coach, and a certified somatic sex educator. I teach workshops and seminars on many different sexuality topics, including sex-positivity, sex & shame, communities of erotic affiliation, many different sexual practices, gender & masculinity, and sexual politics. Contact me for more information, to arrange a speaking engagement, or to find out how I can help you create an amazing sex life.

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