Getting To Know Sextech

How unlikely bedfellows became the perfect match

It’s the gamechanger that’s redefined how we play.

Sextech is a growing category of adult toys, but what does the union of sex and technology actually entail?

Is it robotic dolls a la fembots in the Austin Powers movies, but without the weaponry?

Or is it the immersive experience of on-demand erotica in virtual reality?

The answer is: yes and yes.

It’s also the vibrators in bedside drawers, if not in your room, then most likely in that of someone you know.

More and more those vibrators are coming with recharging capabilities, wireless remote controls and Bluetooth-enabled smartphone apps for the ultimate millennial makeover.

Sextech is a broad term for any technological advances intended to improve our sexual experiences and understanding. Those innovations are designed to improve not only our sexual pleasure, but also our sexual health and education.

Sextech is a broad term for any technological advances intended to improve our sexual experiences and understanding

Through embracing sextech we can find additional ways to explore, experience and express our sexuality. We can also meet new intimate partners, even some who many differ to our usual type, and experiment with how we connect sexually.

Sounds good, right? It is!

Sextech can open exciting possibilities for anyone receptive to it. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, be it new or old, or facing sexual challenges because of distance, bodily limitations or a form of discrimination.

But if sextech has so many benefits for so many of us, why has it taken so long to enter mainstream discourse?

For a long time, sex has been difficult to discuss openly and honestly – and it still is in certain social and cultural circles. That’s before any mention of sex toys, for fear they would conjure images of sad and lonely singles or those needing ‘help’ in bed.

But with popular culture increasingly peppered with references to sex, and sex toys, old taboos are slowly breaking down.

Add to that more research on sexual matters, particularly female-led, and public critique of sex cultures prejudiced against women (think the #MeToo movement), the ground was fertile for the growth of sextech.

Now, we’re seeing an abundance of toys for a diverse and inclusive audience thanks to innovative technologies.

Nerdy is sexy, but you can be a newbie

So, to the question on many people’s lips: is sextech only for the tech whiz?

Short answer: no!

Long answer: a lot of sextech is designed for intuitive use so even if you don’t consider yourself tech savvy you can feel your way through it, with instructions provided as a fallback.

After all, this is about accessibility and normalising sex. With ‘tech’ tacked on at the end, sex toys become another gadget in the household, and one that is ‘normal’ to use as part of a healthy adult life.

A lot of sextech is designed for intuitive use so even if you don’t consider yourself tech savvy you can feel your way through it

For your first foray into sextech, let your needs and desires be your guide.

If you’re seasoned, see what’s new – not only on the market, but in terms of your own evolving sexual expression.

You’ll find sextech in just about every adult toy category, for use from head to toe, front or back, and internally, externally or both.

There are techy takes on traditional favourites like vibrators, strap on dildos, eggs, massagers, rings, plugs, strokers and more. Then there’s sextech that’s more companion than toy, from artificially intelligent dolls to virtual reality headsets with choose-your-own avatars.

Whatever your experience with sextech, you’ll find a toy that tempts your tastes.

Sextech for her

For women, the Elvie App-Controlled Smart Kegel Trainer is a must-have.

We’re repeatedly told the importance of strong pelvic floor muscles for sexual and overall health, but it can be hard to tell if you’re performing the necessary exercises properly.

Elvie takes out the guesswork.

Simply apply water-based lubricant and place the small and comfortable pebble-shaped trainer inside your vagina with its tail sweeping over your vulva.

Then connect to the Elvie smartphone app, which will guide you through five-minute workouts designed by experts.

Gold standard biofeedback technology and sensors measure your pelvic floor movement while the app lets you visualise the exercises in real time. You can set personalised targets and track your results across different levels.

Sextech for him

For men, Lelo’s F1s Developer’s Kit is a unique console no one will recognise as a sex toy.

Using intense dual motors, this masturbator delivers sonic waves rather than standard vibrations that permeate deep into your shaft, so it feels like they’re resonating from all directions. Ten performance sensors and the cruise control setting allow it to monitor and control the intensity for a seamless and uninterrupted experience.

Here’s where it gets really exciting: the F1s Prototype features a window panel so you can view your stimulation and can be used with the Lelo demonstration app to control and gain insight into your sessions.

Sextech for couples

For couples, look no further than the We-Vibe Chorus Vibrator.

One end of this C-shaped toy sits over her clitoris while the other end sits inside her vagina, leaving him plenty of room to enter during penetrative sex. It’s completely flexible, so you can customise the fit to suit your own body.

Then, use the remote to explore 10 powerful, rumbly vibration modes – what makes it special is that the tighter you squeeze, the stronger the vibrations.

Chorus also features three touch-sense modes which let you control the vibrations with your movements, making the toy even easier to use.

As with most We-Vibe toys, Chorus is compatible with the We-Connect app so couples can create their own custom vibes, play to music or share control of the device from anywhere, whether across the room, the house or the world.

So, if it’s time for you to restart or refresh in the bedroom, why not do it with sextech?