How sex toys can be beneficial for couples

Sex toys are not just for members of the lonely hearts club and fetishists. Anybody looking to spice things up in the bedroom or boost their sex life can experiment with them. Besides, there's a reason they've been around as long as they have - a wooden dildo that dates as far back as 500 BC might serve as testament to that - so, there's no reason to be shy and deny you and your partner of sexual pleasure.

The general assumption is that sex toys are restricted to facilitating pleasure mostly for women, but a quick scan of the variety of sex toys for men available for purchase online will prove the contrary. As long as both partners are open to experimentation and don't feel pressured into conforming, sex toys can be a great way to boost intimacy between a couple.
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Experts say that notions of the penis being the most erogenous zone for men are outdated, not to mention untrue. Anal stimulation can be a source of heightened sexual pleasure for the man, and there are specific tools, including prostrate massagers and wands that can help facilitate this.

Erection rings, sometimes referred to as P-Rings, are rings with vibrators attached that can be slid over the member. These rings can help a man maintain his erection, and coupled with the vibrating element, can add a different dimension to vaginal penetration, prolonging pleasure for both the man and woman. Vibrators can be used to pleasure for both men and women, though vibrators for men are typically smaller in size.

What can we say, except that it pays to be a little open-minded in the bedroom or dinner table sometimes.

Sex toys can help you (and your partner)...

1. Orgasm.
American sex researcher, Alfred Kinsey, found that 70% of women do not reach orgasm by penetration alone. So, relax, the solution need not deprive you of your manhood. Be a considerate lover and make her pleasure a priority as well. Remember, happy lovers make for grateful lovers, and the extra brownie point will stand you in good stead.

2. Spice up your sex life.
If sex has started to feel like a choreographed routine and she won't let you switch off the TV, because she'd rather not miss out on the "last 5 minutes" of her favourite programme while you're getting to your happy place, then yes, it's time.

3. Discover your (and her) pleasure points.
Are you always in search of the big 'O'? Yours and hers? It might be time to introduce yourself to new letters in the alphabet. Try 'S' and 'T' for sex toy, to begin with.

4. Become more self-reliant.
The best part about a sex toy is you don't have to worry about setting the right mood or the perfect timing. It's there for you when you need it.

5. Turn into a sex machine.
Craving for all-night action? Every night? Refer to the previous point.

3 'most-disturbing' sex toys
All right, so there's kinky, and then there's just plain wrong. Here's our pick of the most deviant sex toys on the market that will make you cry out loud, in pain, not pleasure, mind you.

' Area 51 Love Doll
If you've seen Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1990 sci-fi film Total Recall that had Arnie run around Mars as part of an alleged fantasy, you might recall a three-breasted woman. If you haven't watched the film, don't worry there's a life-size doll that has the same attributes. If inanimate, boring, 'normal' women made of rubber don't float your boat, meet the Area 51 Love Doll, who is ready to be your life-long love slave.

' Breast Enhancers
The term 'breast man' takes on a whole new meaning with these strap-on jugs. Made for men, the breasts are strapped on, so you're ready for your very own Mrs Doubtfire party for one. Don't forget the heels, though, love.

' The Cone
This 'pleasure toy', and we use the term loosely, has no resemblance whatsoever to the conical bras that we grew to love on '80s-Madonna. Turns out, it's not just the ladies who have a G-spot. Guys do too. One guess where's it's located! No pain, no gain? We'll pass, thanks.