Sex toys are an incredible way to elevate your sex life and experience an entire world of different sensations you’d never have access to any other way. This is no less the case with strap-ons than with any other type of toy; so strap-on sex is well worth exploring at some point in your own sexual journey.
But what are strap-ons really all about anyway, and who exactly are they for? And more importantly, how can someone interested in trying strap-on sex ensure they and their partners get the most out of the experience? Let’s look at everything you need to know.
What Is Strap-On Sex?
Strap-ons, in their most basic form, are penetrative sex toys that can be attached to wearable pelvic harnesses. This allows the wearer to simulate having a penetrative sex organ and using it to engage in penetrative sex with a partner.
Traditional dildos in various sizes are the most common types of strap-on attachments. However, many people like substituting penetrative vibrators, probes, and other penetrative toys in different shapes. Some strap-on harnesses are designed to house a small bullet vibe or other toy to further enhance the experience for the wearer, as well.
Who Has Strap-On Sex?
Although strap-on sex is most commonly associated with lesbians; they are far from the only people who enjoy it or can benefit from incorporating it into their routines. Penetration is potentially pleasurable to people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and strap-on sex opens the door to many new ways to experience it.
- Heterosexual couples can experiment with activities like pegging and role reversal.
- Trans men often find strap-ons to be sexually empowering and an excellent tool for connecting with partners.
- Strap-ons can help people with penises overcome erectile dysfunction and similar conditions.
- Straps-ons can help people manage feelings of body dysphoria.
- Strap-ons give couples of all types a chance to further explore concepts like size, shape, and more.
In other words, strap-on sex is for absolutely anyone and everyone. All that’s required is that you be interested in it and open to trying it.
What to Expect from Strap-On Sex
Communication is essential when it comes to strap-on sex. The giver will not be able to feel their partner responding to their movements the way they would if they were penetrating them with a natural penis; they must listen carefully to their partner and make an effort to check in with them before, during, and after play.
Receivers should only engage in strap-on sex with partners who make them feel physically, sexually, and emotionally safe. Make sure your partner knows whether something they’re doing feels good or not; don’t be afraid to give direction as far as what you’d like them to do.
How to Prepare for Strap-On Sex
Lube is truly your best friend whenever your repertoire for the evening includes using a toy to penetrate yourself (or anyone else). It helps smooth things along and enhance sensation, even when engaging in vaginal penetration. However, it’s essential if anal penetration is on the menu at all.
Always choose lubes carefully, as not all of your options are safe to use with certain types of toys. For that reason, many people who love strap-on sex or sex toys generally like to keep a good water-based lube around, as that’s pretty much safe to use anytime.
You should also take safety precautions when engaging in strap-on sex, just as you would at any other time. Use condoms to protect your toys and bodies from any risks associated with fluid exchange. Clean toys thoroughly after every use, and never put a toy that’s been used anally anywhere else without sterilizing it first.
Choosing the Right Strap-On for You
Although most people picture a traditional phallic dildo loaded into a simple O-ring harness when they think of what it means to wear a strap-on, your options are actually wide open. Harnesses come in lots of different styles, and there are many, many kinds of harness-compatible toys out there.
For example, you can stick to standard phallic shapes for your inserts if you like. But there are non-representational and fantasy options you can explore, as well. Harness-compatible toys can be made of glass, metal, silicone, plastic, and many more options. And if you don’t particularly care for the idea of wearing a harness; there are even strapless dildos that feature insertable appendages you can wear inside your vagina or anus.
In other words, the world of strap-on play is vast, varied, and highly enjoyable for those who love exploring new ways to experience and give pleasure. So, if you think it might be for you and your partner, it’s well worth your while to try it. It just might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
