Is Using Sex Toys Normal?

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Advertising disclosure: This content contains affiliate links and sponsored product placements. That means that if you make a purchase through one of these links, we receive a commission. See our Advertising Disclosure page for more info. Is using sex toys common? Is it…okay? Our answer at X’s and O’s is a resounding yes! Using sex …

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Your Sex Toy Gift Guide

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Sex toys as gifts? Absolutely! Orgasms are good for both mental and physical health. A gift that helps make them possible? Well, that sounds like a thoughtful gift to us here at X’s and O’s. For partners, sex toys can open up new paths to pleasure and intimacy.

Personal Lubricants 101: Your Top Questions Answered

Heart in Water

Over the years I’ve received many questions from patients and readers here at X’s and O’s about personal lubricants (also called sexual lubricants or “lube”). Lube is a liquid or gel used to reduce friction, ease penetration and increase pleasure during all kinds of sexual activity.

Accessible Sex Toys for People With Mobility Limitations

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Sex is for every body! A mobility limitation, disability, physical difference, chronic condition, arthritis, or age-related joint stiffness doesn’t have to preclude you or your partner from intimacy and sexual pleasure. Sex is about more than penetrative sex—that’s only one type. There are myriad different ways to enjoy sexual pleasure, partnered or solo.

How to Choose the Best Couples Vibrator

How to Choose the Best Couples Vibrator - How to Choose the Best Couples Vibrator - Xs and Os

Vibrator use for senior couples is growing! Vibrators increase blood flow to the genitals and provide the strong, consistent stimulation needed for arousal, erections, and orgasm. As we age, we need more and stronger stimulation—just as arthritis, weakened hands, aches and pains, and fatigue make it more difficult to deliver! Vibrators can help. They’re also a lot of fun, and can add zest and zing to familiar routines!

Sex Wedges, Pillows & Cushions

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As we age, we don’t fold and unfold quite like we used to. Mobility naturally decreases—more so if we have arthritis, are overweight, or have a chronic illness. Neck, back, and joint pain can make sustained lovemaking sessions or favorite sexual positions uncomfortable. Some positions may put too much strain on stiff or arthritic joints.

Viberect: FDA Approved Vibrator for ED Treatment

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In a previous article, Vibrators for Men: Can They Help Treat the Symptoms of ED?, I stated that I believe that vibrators are overlooked and undervalued as an option for treating the symptoms of ED. Viberect is a revolutionary FDA approved male vibrator that has the science to back its claims. A 2014 study from …

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What Are Clit Pumps and Can They Help with Orgasm?

What Are Clitoral Pumps - What Are Clit Pumps and Can They Help with Orgasm? - Xs and Os

I recently had the following question from a reader:

“I’m a woman and beginning to have more trouble getting aroused with a partner or even climaxing using a stimulator. As I age, will my orgasms be fewer and fewer? I have done a little research and wanted your opinion on clitoris pumps.”

There are two good questions here: one about orgasms and aging, the other about clitoral pumps. Today I am going to talk about the latter, clitoral pumps. The former will be addressed in the future.

Strap Ons for ED: Are They An Option?

Strapons Are a Great Solution for ED - Strap Ons for ED: Are They An Option? - Xs and Os

Using a strap-on, couples can still enjoy sexual pleasure even when an erection is not possible. In this final article in our series on options for coping with erectile dysfunction (ED) I am going to write about strap-ons for ED.   Before we get started I want to emphasize that ED can be a symptom …

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Penis Pumps for ED: Can They Help?

Penis Pumps for ED Can They Help 1 - Penis Pumps for ED: Can They Help? - Xs and Os

Many men are curious about using penis pumps for ED and their effectiveness. Who might benefit from pump usage? Penis pumps are an option for older, healthy men with ED who either don’t want to use Viagra-like medication or vibrators or who aren’t getting satisfactory results from them. However, their main indication is for men …

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Can Vibrators Help Treat the Symptoms of ED?

Virators for Erectile Dysfunction - Can Vibrators Help Treat the Symptoms of ED? - Xs and Os

I believe vibrators and stimulators are overlooked and undervalued as an option for treating the symptoms of ED. This is unfortunate, as they effectively provide the extra tactile (touch) stimulation many older men need to achieve erections.

Do Cock Rings Work for ED?

Penis Rings for Erectile Dysfunction - Do Cock Rings Work for ED? - Xs and Os

You lost weight, you moderated your alcohol intake, you stopped smoking, and yet the erections were still not satisfactory. The doctor gave you a thorough check-up and no serious problems emerged. He/she gave you a prescription for Viagra or a similar medication. You have heard about the side effects of the medication and besides, you are just not much of a medication taker. You ask yourself, are there other options?

Sex Aids for Older Adults

Sex Aids are becoming more common amond older couples - Sex Aids for Older Adults - Xs and Os

Are older adults using sexual aids (adult toys?) And if yes, is it common? Let’s look at some statistics. First, how many sexually active people are older adults? The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), 2007, published a sex survey of 57-85 year olds in the U.S. 3005 men and women Those reporting having sex …

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Vaginal Dilators

Vaginal Dilators - Vaginal Dilators - Xs and Os

I receive two questions often about sex and menopause. One is about painful intercourse (dyspareunia) developing gradually after the onset of menopause. The other is about how to resume penetrative sexual activity after a long pause—even years.

Sex Aids & Sex Toys for Older Men

Sex Toys for Senior Men - Sex Aids & Sex Toys for Older Men - Xs and Os

Sex toys have for the most part been designed for women, but more men are coming to realize their benefits. Sex toys for older men are recommended by therapists and physicians to help treat sexual dysfunction and to improve sexual enjoyment.

Should Every Woman Have a Sex Toy?

Should Every Woman Have a Vibrator - Should Every Woman Have a Sex Toy? - Xs and Os

Sexual devices have entered the mainstream of medicine to treat sexual arousal, orgasmic disorders, and to enhance the female sexual response. Sexual female dysfunction reportedly affects up to 40% of American women. In women 50 and older, dysfunction is more common. The following is my review of an article entitled “The role of mechanical devices …

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Visual Stimulation and Sexual Response

Visual Stimulation for Mature Couples - Visual Stimulation and Sexual Response - Xs and Os

Can videos with sexual content improve your sex life? Both men and women respond to visual sexual stimulation, but the human response cycle, sexual desire, activity, and satisfaction in men and women are very different.