Pleasure 101: A Guide to Different Types of Sex Toys for Women

You walk into a sex shop or browse online, and you’re faced with an endless array of buzzing, pulsing, and strangely shaped devices. You wonder, “So what am I supposed to get?” Indeed, the world of women’s sex toys has grown in recent years. It's hard to choose! You have everything from discreet bullet vibrators to app-controlled devices.

Let’s explore the different kinds of sex toys for women, cut through the noise, and focus on what really matters - how they feel and what sensations they can bring to your most intimate moments.

Let’s start with the most popular one, the external vibrator, which is designed to stimulate your external bits, mainly the clitoris. With over 8,000 nerve endings packed into this area, it’s no wonder why many reach for this type of sex toy first.

Bullet vibrators are often the getaway toy because they’re small, discreet, and affordable. A good one can deliver that intense, focused stimulation right where you want it. They’re easy to incorporate into partnered sex, and some are even waterproof for shower play.

Wand vibrators became popular with the iconic Magic Wand (formerly Hitachi), and they’re best known for their serious power. These larger toys feature a long handle and a rounded head that delivers deep, rumbly vibrations spread over a wide area. They’re for women who need stronger stimulation or have difficulty reaching orgasm with lighter toys.

Then, we have the newer kinds: air pulse or suction toys. These devices use air pressure technology to create a sucking or pulsing sensation around the clitoris without direct contact. Many users report that the resulting orgasms using this toy feel different and more intense than those from traditional vibrators. This toy might be for you if you find that direct vibration is too intense or numbing.

While external toys focus on clitoral stimulation, internal toys are designed for vaginal or G-spot pleasure. They typically feature a curved shaft specifically designed to target this zone, which is located about 1-3 inches inside the vagina's anterior wall. The curved or bulbous tip makes applying pressure to the right spot easier, while vibrations add that extra sensation.

Traditional dildos skip the vibration altogether, focusing instead on shape, size, and texture. The material plays a huge role in how they feel. Silicone offers a bit of give that many find comfortable, while glass and metal provide firm pressure perfect for stimulating the G-spot.

Then, there’s rabbit vibrators, which provide the best of both worlds with dual stimulation. These toys feature an internal shaft for vaginal pleasure plus an external attachment (traditionally shaped like rabbit ears) that sits against the clitoris. When positioned correctly, this toy can deliver that “blended orgasm”.

Anal toys deserve to have their own category because they require specific design features to be considered safe. The rectum is remarkably efficient at drawing things upward, so these toys need a flared base or handle to keep them from getting lost inside.

The most common is the butt plug which is made to be inserted and stay in place, creating a feeling of fullness. They come in different sizes and are often worn during sex since they can increase sensitivity and pleasure.

Then there are anal beads which consist of a series of connected spheres or ovals that you insert one at a time. The real magic of this toy happens during removal - pulling them out while having an orgasm can intensify the experience dramatically.

You’re probably still stuck on what to get with so many options. Start by thinking about what kind of stimulation you already enjoy. Your masturbation habits and what feels good during partnered sex can give you valuable clues. If you're new to the world of sex toys, something less intimidating like a bullet vibrator or a modestly sized dildo makes sense. As you discover your preferences, you can always level up to more specialized toys.

You don’t have to build an extensive collection right away. Many women find that one or two well-chosen toys are enough to satisfy their needs. Focus on finding the sensations that make you feel amazing. Sex toys are tools for self-discovery and pleasure, and exploring what works for your body is one of the most empowering forms of self-care you can do.