Drawing from the pulses of electricity to ignite a thrilling, ‘electrifyingly’ good experience in the bedroom, E-stim for sex (electrosex, electroplay) is undoubtedly an experience worth trying for couples looking for something unique, different, and naughty.
Erotic E-stim or electrostimulation for sex, also known as electrosex or electroplay, is a form of BDSM sensation play involving electric shock-inducing sex toys and devices to stimulate nerves and muscles for erotic purposes. The practice is used to enhance sexual pleasure and orgasms. Recognizing that the practice should be done safely with the proper equipment and constant communication is essential. Medical benefits of E-stim may include reduced tension and improved blood flow, potentially helping those with Erectile Dysfunction.
From tingles to pulsations and the promise of safe and intense orgasms, let’s explore just how electrifyingly good this sexual activity can be.
What is E-Stim?
E-stim for sex is a form of pleasure and pain activity that turns up the heat in the bedroom. It is a type of BDSM sensation play involving electric shock-inducing sex toys and devices to stimulate nerves and muscles in the body by passing electrical currents through them. This thrilling practice can bring on a range of sensations, from a light tingling to powerful pulsations that can be leveraged for naughty purposes in the bedroom, creating a thrilling and unexpected experience for both partners. But it’s not all sensual pleasure– electro-stimulation can also be used for medical purposes, such as treating weak muscles, spasms, and overactive bladder. E-stim is part of electroplay and electrosex.
How Does E-Stim Work?
E-Stim sends a safe electrical current through the skin into the muscles and nerve endings. This electricity creates stimulating erotic sensations you can customize with a control unit. The electrical signals pass through the nerves, creating a variety of sensations depending on the voltage, current, and intensity of the E-Stim device used. When used during sex, E-stim can lead to heightened arousal and intense orgasms. It can be used to stimulate the genitals, anus, and other sensitive areas of the body. Erotic E-stim can also be used to relax muscles and reduce tension, making it a great way to enhance sexual pleasure. Further, in the context of BDSM scenes, E-stim could be used for punishment as well.
Brief History of Electro-Stimulation
The use of electricity as a source of entertainment and pleasure can be traced back to the 18th century. Seriously used in the context of electrosex, magnetos (a type of electric generator that uses permanent magnets to produce alternating current) became available in the 1830s. Allowing people to connect attachments to them and insert those into their bodies. This eventually led to the invention of electric belts, which could be worn to stimulate the body with small electric currents. Initially hyped up as a remedy for impotence, the American Medical Association deemed them a form of mechanical masturbation in the 1920s.
The modern era of electro-stimulation began in the 1950s with the invention of the Relax-A-Cizor. This device was initially designed to stimulate relaxing muscles with electric currents for weight loss purposes, but later people realized that placing the contacts on erogenous body parts could provide an entirely different type of pleasure. In the 1970s, medical TENS units were also used for electro-stimulation, leading to the invention of the Titillator and the P.E.S Power Box, originally known as the Pleasure Box in the 1980s.
In the following decades, bare speaker wires were discovered to deliver a jolt, and people began experimenting with recorded and live sound for electro-stimulation. People constructed makeshift attachments out of metal pieces and resistors to control the current, thus ensuring safety from electric shocks. These jury-rigged experiments eventually led to the development and commercialization of specialized equipment and toys designed to provide an enhanced electro-stimulation experience safely. These days, E-stim units use complex waveforms such as music or specially designed computer algorithms to create rhythmic pulses that can be used to stimulate the body.
Devices for Erotic Electrostimulation
Erotic electrostimulation devices are designed to help spice up your intimate moments. These devices range from TENS and EMS to dedicated E-stim units such as this Electrastim axis (base) with an Electro paddle (attachment) designed to produce safe electrical pulses for erotic purposes. TENS units are designed to relieve pain and are known for their low-intensity electrical stimulation. In contrast, EMS units are designed for more muscular stimulation and to improve your strength, endurance, and tone.
Other devices, such as wands and electro-zappers, can also provide pleasurable electrical stimulation. For example, this easy-to-use and versatile Neon wand from Kinklab can be used to produce uniformly distributed and safe high-voltage sparks that can feel unique and very stimulating. Meanwhile, E-stim toys such as cock rings and butt plugs can provide a controlled electric shock that can deliver acute yet slightly sharp sparks for E-stimulation.
Erotic electrostimulation devices come in different sizes, styles, and power levels, so it is crucial to choose a device that is right for you. If you want to learn more about it, check out our article on Electrosex and Electroplay – Your Top 10 Toys To Get Started.
With the proper use of these devices, sex can start to feel more electrifying and pleasurable!
What Does an E-Stim Machine Feel Like?
Most of us have experienced a jolt of electricity, that static feeling of your hair standing on end when you’ve shuffled across a carpet and touched a doorknob. But what about when that zap is mediated through an E-stim machine? It’s no ordinary shock, and many wonder what it feels like.
So, what does an E-stim machine feel like? Low-frequency devices such as neon wands can feel intensely zappy or stinging, as if you are quickly getting hundreds of tiny shocks. For those more sensitive to these sensations, it can feel quite painful. For higher frequency E-stim devices such as EMS, the sensation is not as intense. Generally, these devices are used with denser accessories such as metal or rubber, allowing for smoother and more focused muscle contractions. Although it can still be intense, it’s not typically accompanied by the same sharp shocks that lower frequencies often induce.
It’s important to remember that although an E-stim machine might feel intense, it doesn’t really “hurt .” It’s like an exciting jolt that provides a therapeutic stimulating effect instead of pain. Everyone experiences electro-stim machines differently, so it’s essential to communicate with your partner before engaging in erotic electrostimulation.
9 Things You Need to Know Before Engaging in Erotic Electro-Stimulation
1. There are devices made explicitly for electrostimulation. Don’t take the risk of using DIY devices or playing with actual electrical wires and cords– only use electro-stim toys designed explicitly for erotic electroplay and electrosex. With dedicated E-Stim for sex Units, TENS units, and Violet/Neon wands, you can play safely and enjoy all the sensations meant for electro-stimulation.
2. Electroconductive gel or lube is super crucial in erotic electro-stimulation. Always use electro-conductive water-based gel to create the necessary conductive connection between your skin and the electrodes, reducing the risk of burns. Avoid silicone and oil-based lube, as they could act as insulators and reduce the sensation.
3. Setting boundaries, confirming consent, and discussing safe words with your partner are essential. A conversation about all elements of erotic electro-stimulation, such as safety and boundaries, is essential before engaging in such activities. Consent from the people involved and communication of safe words and action plans are necessary to ensure the experience is safe, enjoyable, and pleasurable. We repeat ourselves in mentioning that consent is an essential part of BDSM.
4. Mental preparation is a very important part of erotic electro-stimulation. Be present and aware of the sensations that come with electro-stimulation. If something becomes too intense, you should know when to stop and communicate that to your partner using your safe words.
5. E-stim above the waistline is risky. Steer clear of any body parts above the waist, such as nipples, neck, throat, temples, and head areas – these are sensitive regions and come with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, even cardiac arrest due to ventricular defibrillation. Always read the instruction manual accompanying your E-stim product to stay on the safe side.
6. People respond to electrical stimulation differently. Every person experiences electricity differently, so don’t expect the same results for everyone. Listen to your body and take it slow as you experiment – allow your body to adjust and build up resistance to the stimulation.
7. Power and duration should be monitored. Electricity strength and duration should be constantly monitored for the best experience. Start slow, increase the power gradually, and don’t go for too long to avoid burning the skin due to sustained contact with the electrodes. Sensory play can also start with something else, like dripping candle wax on a partner, especially if you’re a beginner. See our article on alternatives to electroplay here, which are also giving a great opportunity for interesting foreplay in your BDSM scene.
8. Skin contact is necessary for electro-stimuli to take effect. Place the electrodes directly on the skin and constantly check the skin’s reaction and sensation. Clothing or cushions should not be used for e-stimulation as this creates insulation between the device and the skin, reducing or suppressing the sensation.
9. Clean your sex toys and electrodes regularly, specifically after every use. Clean and take great care of your e-stim toys and electrodes after every use. Otherwise, they can become non-stimulating, uncomfortable, and even cause infection due to bacteria and dirt build-up.
Is E-stim Harmful?
When used correctly and with a suitable device, E-stim should be safe, but when used incorrectly, the potential for harm is real.
The most common form of risk comes from high current or high intensity when using E-stim electrodes on the skin, resulting in E-stim burns. This can be avoided using electroconductive gels or water-based lubes when engaging in external and internal electrostimulation. Other potential risks include cramping, pain, and secondary musculoskeletal aches due to prolonged electrical stimulation at a very high intensity.
Also, it should be noted that there is a risk of interference with normal heart function, so it is highly advised not to place the electrodes so that current passes through the chest cavity- especially for those using pacemakers or who have other existing heart conditions. If you have any doubt about your medical condition and using E-stim for electrosex, consult your physician first!
The risk of E-stim can be minimized by investing in a device made for human use, which generally comes with varied and graduated intensity settings to control the intensity of the current, as well as safety shut-off features for added protection. A good example is this TENS-Unit or the ElectraStim Axis. The latter one even provides an unprecedented level of pleasure as you can customize the intensity and length of your stimulation with a flick of your wrist (Flick mode), a tilt of the device (Tilt mode), movement of the device near your partner’s body (Proximity mode), a wave of your hand (Gesture mode), or the sound of your voice (Microphone mode).
FAQs
How often should you do electro-stim?
During electrosex and electroplay, it actually depends on what you want to get out of it and how you feel doing it. Ultimately, you should experiment and see what works best for you. Some people may enjoy doing erotic electro-stim daily, while others may find that doing it once a week is a perfect way to get their desired feeling. Others are using it frequently in their BDSM scenes for funishments as well as for punishment. There’s no right or wrong answer, so take the time to find what works best for you!
How long should an erotic electrical stimulation session last?
It all depends on the intensity of the electrical stimulation, the stimulated body region, and what is most pleasurable for the person receiving it. Generally speaking, the session should last anywhere from 5-30 minutes. If the stimulation is more intense, the session should be shorter, whereas if the stimulation is more relaxed and slow, then the session should be longer. If it’s the first time trying erotic electrical stimulation, then it’s a good idea to start with a shorter session and work up from there.
Does E-stim help with treating erectile dysfunction (ED)?
The answer is – yes; e-stim may indeed play a positive role in treating erectile dysfunction. A 2018 randomized clinical trial involving 22 patients suggests that functional electrostimulation (FES) therapy could improve erectile function and quality of life in ED patients. While the exact mechanism of how this happens remains unclear, it is believed that FES may help re-stimulate degenerated smooth muscle and help improve blood flow, ultimately providing an effective treatment when the cause of ED is related to the degeneration of cavernous smooth muscle.
Wrapping Up
E-stim, short for electrostimulation, a part of electrosex and electroplay, is an increasingly popular BDSM practice involving using electrical-inducing sex toys and devices to stimulate the nerves and muscles in the body. From E-stim units to wands–– the world of E-stim is vast and allows the user to control the intensity of electricity to customize a unique and thrilling experience.
When engaging in electroplay, it’s essential to keep safety in mind and remember to use conductive gel, observe body reactions and use electrostimulation below the waistline. If done safely, correctly, and with the right device, E-stim can help you explore and enjoy electricity erotically with your partner in ways you never thought possible!
Interested? Learn more in our dedicated articles about electrosex and electroplay: