There has been a long standing debate and argument for standardising sex toys. Let’s normalise pleasure and self-exploration with sex toys and break the stigma.
The adult toy industry was roughly worth AUD$44.69 Billion worldwide during 2020 and it is projected to grow to AUD $69.61Billion by the year 2028 (Grandview Research, 2021).
Standardising Sex Toys – Embrace the Pleasure
Acceptance of LGBTQ+, sexual wellness and acceptance, sexual experimentation, even Fifty Shades of Grey and lets not forget COVID, the global sex toy market increases to grow and expand.
All of these reasons and more can be attributed to the rise of the purchase and use of adult sex toys but with the increase in mainstream use and attention.
At this point it is important to note that it is an unregulated corner of consumerism. That’s fine and well for me to say, but what does that mean?
Simply put, anyone can make an adult toy and sell or market it as such. It does not have health standards to meet or safety standards.
That alone is pretty scary though because I mean, these toys are more often than not going near our nether regions.
These regions have sensitive, delicate organs very important to our everyday function as well as for pleasure and sometimes for reproduction. And they aren’t even all external, some are internal which brings a whole new spin to the question,
Standardising Sex Toys – So How Do You Know What You’re Really Putting in Your Body?
Immediately you think and agree that we need to put good quality if not premium quality grade materials in or out of our body during our pleasure time.
And that is a great consensus. A brilliant, amazing solution to the aforementioned problem.
But then there is the cold hard grossly more concerning fact that there is no regulations.
Anyone can state an adult toy’s materials is one thing on the packaging, and nobody, no regulation, no standard or government body can stop them or pull them up on it.
Yes, they cannot say that a dong is made of silicone when in actual fact it is made of PVC. But it does not need to be 100% silicone for a company to label an adult toy “silicone”.
Factories are legally able to add fillers in and cut corners and costs to produce more and cheaper toys. Bringing in a bigger revenue or convincing you that you can get away with a cheaper product.
In fact, that material is no better for your body than if you chose a product that was made with “bad” materials in the first place.
What about BodySafe or Medical Grade?
Even tags such as BodySafe or MedicalGrade are a little bit dependent on who has deemed it so. BodySafe silicone for instance is deemed body safe in each individual factory or lab. Therefore will have different and varying grades across the world.
How Do I Pick my Sex Toy?
All is not lost and there are safe toys out there.
Quality Product
- The best way to ensure that you are using a quality product is by investing money in a product. Yes it may seem like a bit of money.
- But we consider things such as shoes or a car, the money we put into them is the quality we often see in return.
- When we skimp on these things, we aren’t surprised when they don’t work, or they break or we end up injured.
Buy from Reputable Brands
- While we may not have regulations, there are reputations.
- There are some pretty amazing companies developing products that are safe, made from high grade materials and amazing for your body.
- Least of all forgetting the literal orgasmic nature of them.
- These big companies have worked hard on their reputations to bring you products that will last a long time.
- They are working hard at improving sexual wellness in the world.
How Do I Know What a Reputable Brand is?
- Not sure what makes a reputable brand? Talk to the sales consultants. This is all part of their job.
- We extensively train with representatives from companies.
- And research the companies that are being sold in our stores. This is to ensure that we can give you the best information regarding the safest product experience for you and for your body.
Warranties
- Another good indication of quality is a warranty.
- If a product doesn’t have a warranty, give it a wide berth.
- When a company puts a warranty on their products it’s somewhat telling you that they have faith in their product.
Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long though. With so much traction, popularity and exploration with sex toys, it was no wonder that soon there would be a consensus that adult toys needed standards.
Swedish Institute of Standards – Standardising Sex Toys
Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS) approached the International Standards Organization (ISO). In 2019 a committee was created for discussions surrounding this.
ISO/PC 325 Sex toys – Design and safety requirements for products in direct contact with genitalia, the anus, or both.
This document will specify safety and user information requirements relating to the materials and design for manufactured products intended for sexual use. It will cover only manufactured products that are intended to come in direct contact with genitals and/or the anus.
How Would this Help with Standardising Sex Toys?
So how will this change the industry? It can only mean good things for the industry! Or at least, for our health and safety.
Unfortunately, yes it will mean that adult toys and products will most likely become more expensive. It will also mean that companies will be held liable for producing safe and good quality products for “consumption”.
Already, there are a number of “admittance’s” to hospital or medical related issues that have come down to materials used in cheaply or poorly made toys. Currently, American law dictates that only serious injury or death as a consequence from a product can warrant investigation and prosecution.
With standardisation this will be a thing of the past.
These are yet again why it is so important to shop in store, to be able to ask the relevant questions regarding material composition with our sales consultants.
and discuss the differences between the companies and factory origins of individual products to ensure that you are getting and putting the best companion for your body to make for the ideal play partner.
I can only imagine that having a set of standards to abide by will also drive the industry forward to be more innovative and produce more specialised products that are improved in both material, design and functionality.
The sex toy industry has already changed and evolved so much since the 90’s. I cannot wait to see where these next decades will take us. Especially with an introduction of standards that are there to work for us as consumers.
How to Step Outside Your Sexual Comfort Zone
Sex should be fun and exciting and sometimes you must Step Outside Your Sexual Comfort Zone. If your love life is more than a little mundane or regimented, it might be time to turn it up a notch in the bedroom – or outside of it.
You may be willing to try new techniques, embrace your fantasies, and learn new tactics and so you have arrived at the perfect place. Read the following advice on how to step outside your sexual comfort zone.
Shake Things Up
If your partner is always on top, or you try the same position every time you step inside the bedroom, it is time to shake things up.
Rather than allowing your partner to dominate you, you can take charge in the bedroom, which is bound to excite your other half. You could even pick up a copy of the Kama Sutra to try different positions, such as:
- Pretzel Dip
- Doggy Style
- Magic Mountain
- Cowgirl’s Helper
It can increase both your pleasure, and it can keep sex fun and unique. New positions and roles could encourage you and your partner to spend a little more time in the bedroom.
Let Yourself Go
Your brain can determine your comfort and satisfaction during sex.
It is essential to let your guard down and trust your partner during sex, which can help you let yourself go and enjoy the experience. A relaxed approach to sex could encourage you to step outside your comfort zone, too.
If a lack of confidence is holding you back, find ways to boost your self-esteem. For instance, you could wear sexy lingerie inside and outside the bedroom.
Also, make time for grooming and exercise to boost your confidence and ensure you feel sexy with a partner.
Communicate Your Wants and Needs
Enjoy every sexual encounter by communicating your wants and needs during sex with a partner.
By being open and honest about your fantasies, likes, and dislikes, you will feel more fulfilled under the sheets. Plus, it will improve your partner’s enjoyment, as they will be eager to please you.
Step Outside the Bedroom
Spice up your sex life by stepping outside the bedroom every once in a while. A little spontaneity can keep your relationship fresh and exciting.
For example, you could try different positions in the kitchen, living room, or even the bathroom. Mixing up settings could add a new energy to your lovemaking and ensure you both have many memories to look back on with a huge smile.
You may be feeling adventurous, you can look for ways to have sex outside the home, which could really ramp up the spark.
Meet Someone New
If you’re single and ready to mingle, look for opportunities to connect with someone new. Let’s take the small city of Bochum in Germany for example; this is a place that isn’t short on attractive, sexy females.
A fun sexual encounter (paid or otherwise) could transform your boring sex life for the better, improve your experience. And help you learn new techniques that will boost your confidence.
Enjoy Some Erotica
Are you stuck for ideas on how to step outside your sexual comfort zone? Erotic novels and porn can open the door to different sexual opportunities, positions, and fantasies you might never have discovered.
In addition, it can help you tap into your desires, which you can then share and make a reality with a partner.
Try Dress Up
Dressing up will allow you to adopt a whole new persona, which can help you banish self-esteem issues and feel more confident during sex. Different options could get your partner’s pulse racing. You could dress as:
- Nurse or doctor
- Fireman or firewoman
- Sexy secretary
- Cowgirl or cowboy
Try Different Sex Toys
Sex toys can provide couples or individuals with different stimulations, which could help them identify what they do or don’t like.
There are sex toys available for single people and couples, and they are options for every orientation and gender. Explore the different toys available together to find options that will get both your hearts racing.
Explore Both Your Bodies
Improve sexual pleasure by exploring yours and your partner’s bodies. Try to stimulate different areas of the body to trigger new responses and increase enjoyment in the bedroom.
Remember, each body is different so find what works for you and your other half.
Follow the 30-Day Sex Challenge
The 30-day sex challenge, which started on Reddit, will push you and a partner outside your sexual comfort zone.
Each day for 30 days, you must take on a new sexual challenge to try something different and spice up your sex life.
Sit down with your partner and write a list of challenges you would both like to complete. And then tick them off the list throughout the month.
Discover Tiffany’s journey! Sexologist, passionate writer, & educator exploring kink, sex, and pleasure. Enjoy her insightful reads on the Adultsmart blog!
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