Advice Guide: Sex Toys for Penises

The penis has a slew of sensitive nerve endings (PubMed). It’s no wonder toys can be such a game changer for people looking to explore pleasure in their bodies, or level up solo and partnered play. Trust me, there’s a whole world of sensation beyond the same routine you’ve been relying on since your teenage years. Toys can offer kinds of pressure, vibration, and texture that hands alone often cannot. And remember, pleasure products are for anyone. Stigma around using toys because of your gender or anatomy should never stand in the way of feeling good.

If you’re in the market for something new, you’re in the right place. This guide covers the basics and shares tips to help you find the toy or toys that feel right for you.

What Kinds of Toys Exist for Penises?

Masturbators

“Male masturbators” is an umbrella term that is often used interchangeably with strokers, sleeves, pocket pussies, fleshlights, and similar toys. I’ill describe some distinctions below. Overall, masturbators are generally designed to simulate penetration. They can be used in place of a hand during masturbation, providing a different texture and/or grip. 

Strokers/Masturbation Sleeves

The connotation of “strokers” is that these masturbators are non-motarized, soft and squishy toys that wrap around or sheath a penis. They have a hole for insertion and are most often made of silicone or soft Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE). Their interior patterns can vary, which can provide variety in the sensations you experience.

Pocket Pussies/Fleshlights

Pocket Pussies are specifically synthetic vaginas that come in different shapes, sizes, and textures depending on your preference. Like the name implies, most are portable and handheld. There are also synthetic mouth and anus toys.

“Fleshlight” refers to a specific brand of stroker that may be crafted to resemble a vagina, or anus, or may not. What makes them distinct are their tunnel-shape, allowing you to slide the stroker up and down manually. 

Certain models in both categories are produced from casts or anatomical references of the vulvas of adult performers and celebrities. Certain models are themed and can be fantastical or otherworldly.

Motorized and Vibrating toys

Some versions of these toys vibrate, oscillate, thrust, use air pulse/suction technology or even connect to apps. These tend to be bigger in overall size, and may be larger or more feature-rich. Automatic strokers can come with special features like adult content syncing. These mimic the feeling of sexual intimacy with a partner, delivering erotic sensations with less manual effort on your part.

Cock Rings

Cock rings are designed to be worn around the base of the penis. At their most basic, they’re circular bands that create constriction, helping slow blood flow out of the penis once an erection is achieved. This can make erections feel firmer (and sometimes fuller in girth), help them last longer, delay ejaculation, and increase sensitivity for the wearer. Some cock rings are adjustable, some vibrate, and some include additional features like attached anal stimulators.

Penis Sleeves and Extensions

Penis sleeves and extensions are worn over the penis to enhance your size, hardness, and pleasure. Added length or girth can be great for the person being penetrated, especially those who enjoy a fuller feeling or unique sensations created by textured or patterned materials. 

They also benefit the wearer. Like cock rings, these toys can delay ejaculation, or help maintain an erection if there is a ring at the base.  

“Penis sleeve” can refer to toys that cover part or all of the shaft, while “extensions” or “hollow strap-ons” typically describe styles that fully encase the penis to increase overall size. Some models include vibrating features for additional stimulation. Depending on the design, they are held in place by a stretchy base ring, or a harness worn on the body.

Penis Pumps

A penis pump, also known as a vacuum erection device (VED) is a useful tool that relies on a vacuum effect to stimulate and maintain blood flow to the penis, allowing it to get hard and stay hard for longer. These devices typically include a hollow plastic cylinder that fits over the penis and a hand-operated or battery-powered pump that creates the vacuum effect. Once an erection is achieved, a cock ring can be placed at the base of the penis to help maintain firmness for a longer period of time. There is evidence these tools can be especially useful for those with erectile dysfunction (PubMed).

Materials

Silicone is widely considered to be one of the best materials for male sex toys, because it’s body-safe, soft to the touch, and easy to clean. Materials to avoid include those that are porous or contain toxic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, jelly rubber, and materials containing phthalates or BPA.

Sensations

Consider what types of sensations you desire. From sensual vibrations to manual stroking, and lifelike sensations — there’s a toy for whatever you’re into.

Explore Toys at Love & Lust

Exploring new sensations with toys can open the door to more orgasms, and more connection with your body. Need help narrowing down the options for toys? Our customer service team is always happy to help you find the right fit, offering no-judgment, anonymous assistance.

Best for beginners FAQ

How do I clean my toy? 

Any toy made of non-porous materials can be washed with warm water and mild soap. Be sure to check the instructions that come with your toy to explore the recommended care instructions. It’s best practice to clean your toy (at least with warm water) before and after use. It’s especially important to properly cleanse toys after each use if you plan to share them with a partner(s).

Should I use lube? 

If you’re upgrading from hands to toys, it might also be time to upgrade from lotion to lube.

Lube makes sex or using a sex toy smoother and more comfortable. Water-based lube is compatible with all materials. Do consider that silicone lube shouldn’t be used with silicone toys.

Are toys safe to use on penises regularly?

Yes, when used properly and cleaned regularly. Always follow the instructions and choose body-safe materials.

Contrary to some belief, long-term sex toy use for males does not decrease pleasure or harm sexual function. In fact, in addition to helping people explore their bodies, sex toys for penises have been linked to strengthening muscles, reducing chronic tension, and helping with overall blood flow (PubMed).