Male
A male masturbator (stroker) is a toy that mimics the sensation of penetration for men. It comes in two forms. A hand sleeve: a cylindrical TPE/silicone sleeve, with or without an outer case; cheaper, with flexible pressure. A cased stroker (Fleshlight style): a TPE sleeve inside a hard case, torch-shaped; stable, with proper pressure. The inner channel: smooth or with ridges/bumps for extra sensation.
Two different levels. Hand (sleeve, stroker): a small toy 15-25 cm long, 200-800 g, cheap at 20-100 euros, easy and portable. Torso: a whole body with a vagina/anus, 5-15 kg, pricier at 200-800 euros, a more realistic experience as the user makes the movement with their body (hands-free). Advice: a beginner, the hand type; an experienced frequent user, invest in a torso. A torso falls under the 'Dolls' category in male form when it's a male torso.
The inner channel determines the sensation. Variants: smooth, a plain surface, an even feel, good for beginners; ribbed, horizontal ridges, a rhythmic feel during movement; studded, small protrusions, an intense feel; multi-textured, a combination in different sections; and a suction tunnel, with narrower/wider points for variable sensation. More specialised: replicas from pornstars (Fleshlight Girls). Beginner advice: smooth or simple ribbed.
Thorough cleaning due to the porous TPE. Clean immediately after use: remove the sleeve from the case. Rinse with warm running water from the inside (turned inside out). Toy cleaner or mild unscented soap. Careful cleaning along the whole channel. Dry fully before storage: if stored wet, it grows mould and bacteria. Talc powder afterwards so the TPE doesn't get sticky. Store in a dry place. Frequency: mandatory after every use.
With proper care. TPE/silicone TPR sleeve: 6-18 months with frequent (daily) use, 2-3 years with moderate use (1-2 times a week). Silicone sleeve (premium): 2-5 years, as silicone doesn't wear as easily. The case (if ABS plastic): practically forever. Signs to replace the sleeve: it hardens or loses flexibility; cracks appear; an odour that won't go with cleaning; a colour change. Sleeves are interchangeable in most quality brands.
A cock ring is placed at the base of the penis or around the penis and testicles. Two main purposes. Maintaining an erection: it limits the return of blood, keeping the erection longer and harder, useful in mild erectile dysfunction or for prolonged activity. Stimulation: it increases the tip's sensitivity due to the raised blood flow. Additionally, some have external bumps or a vibrator for stimulating the partner's clitoris.
With strict adherence to the rules. Maximum continuous use: 20-30 minutes; beyond that, a risk of vessel injury. If you feel pain, numbness or a colour change (blue/purple): remove immediately. Always have a means of removal available (scissors for elastic, a key for metal). Not while intoxicated. Not with haemophilia or anticoagulants. With Viagra, the risk of priapism rises, a medical emergency.
Different sensations and flexibility. Silicone or elastic: stretchy, adjustable in size, easy to fit and remove, safer for beginners, a lifespan of 1-2 years. Metal (stainless steel): a fixed size, no stretch, heavier, with a cold feel, hard to remove if the penis swells, giving firmer pressure. Leather: more common in a BDSM context, with snaps for adjustment. Beginner: silicone with an adjustable system. Experienced: metal for a different sensation.
Yes, it serves an extra purpose. A vibrating ring has an external motor placed on top (above the penis). Purpose: during intercourse, the motor contacts the partner's clitoris, providing stimulation; meanwhile, the man benefits from maintaining an erection; and in some models the vibrator sits underneath for stimulating the man's testicles. A double benefit (mutual stimulation). Brands: We-Vibe Pivot, Lovense Diamo, Tracy's Dog. Price 50-150 euros.
Measure the penis when erect. Penis base circumference: measure with a tape. Compare with the ring's inner diameter. Typical elastic sizes: S 35-40 mm, M 40-45 mm, L 45-50 mm, XL 50 mm+. Point: the ring should be slightly smaller than the circumference so it fits, but not so much that it cuts off circulation. Many models come in a set of 3 sizes to test. If used around the testicles too, a larger size is needed.
A penis pump is a cylindrical tube with a pump at the end that creates a vacuum around the penis. The vacuum causes: increased blood flow, blood gathering in the penis, swelling it temporarily; an erection, in people with erectile dysfunction the pump achieves an erection mechanically; and a temporary size increase, where after use the penis can look larger for 1-2 hours. Point: it doesn't cause a permanent size increase, despite the advertising promises.
Two options. Manual: a bulb-type or trigger pump, cheaper at 20-80 euros; advantage, the user controls speed and intensity; downside, it needs both hands. Electric: an automatic battery/USB pump, pricier at 80-300 euros; advantage, hands-free, steady pressure, often with an LCD showing pressure. Brands: Bathmate (hydraulic, in the shower), Hydromax, Penomet. Hydraulic ones (Bathmate) are considered safer than air pumps.
With strict adherence. A gradual increase in pressure, never abrupt. Maximum continuous use: 10-20 minutes. A break on discomfort. Not with haemophilia, anticoagulants or high blood pressure. Not on a penis with injury or irritation. A quick-release for instant depressurisation. Risks from misuse: capillary bleeding (petechiae), a haematoma, bruising, rarely tears. In quality models with a gauge, the risks are reduced. Medical advice if it's for ED.
Not permanently. It's the most common misconception about penis pumps. Immediately: yes, there's a swelling of 1-2 cm in length and 0.5-1 cm in diameter, temporary, lasting 1-3 hours. Long-term: systematic use (daily for months) can bring small permanent increases, usually less than 1 cm. Adverts of '5-10 cm in weeks' are unreliable. Research shows help in Peyronie's and ED. Scientifically, pumps are medical tools.
The most common programs. For ED: 3-5 times a week, 10-15 minutes, on a doctor's advice. Prolonged use (in sexual practice): before each activity, 5-10 minutes. 'Enlargement' (disputed): daily for 6-12 months, 15-20 minutes. Point: more frequency doesn't bring proportionally bigger results. Excessive use leads to tissues that 'tire' and lose sensitivity. Breaks between sessions. Advice: moderate frequency.
A penis extension (extender, sleeve) is a TPE/silicone cover placed over the penis, adding length and/or diameter. Types: a sleeve (thin), adding 1-3 cm length and minimal thickness, nearly invisible; an extender (thick), adding 5-10 cm length and/or 2-3 cm diameter, more visible; hollow, for ED or extra size; and with ridges, adding extra sensation for the partner. It differs from a hollow strap-on, which needs a harness.
Two measurements. Inner sleeve length: it must fit the erect penis without squeezing too much; +0.5 cm over the penis length is recommended. Inner diameter: matched to the penis diameter; too small squeezes, too large slips. Outer length: as much as the user prefers for extra size. Outer diameter: matched to the partner's preferences. First-purchase advice: start with a sleeve +2 cm length, +1 cm diameter.
There's a trade-off. Advantages: extra size for the partner; with ridges, partner stimulation; in hollow form, a solution for ED. Disadvantages: the user's sensation drops due to the intermediate material (~30-50% less); harder to reach orgasm; the partner feels the material instead of skin; less warmth. If the goal is mutual pleasure, it serves. If the goal is only the user's pleasure, it may not help.
Three main mechanisms. Elastic fit: the silicone/TPE fits snugly around the penis and stays in place through friction, the most common. Straps around the testicles: bands hugging the testicles from below, more stable in intense activity. A full harness: like a male strap-on. System: for normal use, an elastic fit with enough lube; for intense activity, the strapped version. All systems require the correct size.
Clean after every use. Remove from the penis. Rinse inside and out with warm water. Wash with toy cleaner or mild unscented soap. Careful inside cleaning, especially if hollow. Dry fully. Talc powder if it's TPE so it doesn't get sticky. Store in a fabric pouch, in a dry place. Advice: if used on two bodies, clean and disinfect in between. Check for cracks before the next use. Replace when worn.