Electrostimulation

Electrostimulation, e-stim, uses a small electrical current through the skin to make nerves and muscles react: a tingle, a pulse, a throb, or a contraction that the body does on its own. It is a sensation nothing else produces, and it ranges from a mild buzz in a pair of nipple clamps to a power box driving electrodes inside the body. This guide explains the two tiers, what is safe and what is not, and how to start without being put off by a shock.

Two tiers

Self contained toys have the current built in: nipple clamps, wands, plugs and cock rings with a battery and a few levels, run from a button. They are low powered, cheap, and the right first step. Power boxes are a separate control unit with channels that connect by cable to electrodes, pads, loops, plugs or dildos, and they are what serious e-stim means: adjustable frequency and pulse, programs, sometimes music or app control, and a lot more range.

The hard rules

Never with a pacemaker, an implanted defibrillator, a heart condition, epilepsy, or during pregnancy. Never across the chest: current must not pass from one side of the heart to the other, so both electrodes go below the waist, or both on one side of the body. Never on broken skin, never on the head or neck, and never while driving or in water with a mains powered unit. Metal jewellery near an electrode concentrates the current; take it off.

Starting

Start on the lowest setting with the electrodes in place and the unit off, then turn up slowly; a jump in level feels like a shock. Conductive gel or a conductive lubricant improves contact and makes the sensation even rather than sharp. Pads on the thighs or buttocks are a gentle way to learn what the sensations feel like before anything goes inside. Sessions of twenty to thirty minutes are plenty.

Choosing electrodes

Pads for large areas and a spreading pulse; loops and rings for the penis; plugs and dildos with two metal bands for internal use, where the current runs between the bands. Insertable electrodes need lubricant, and conductive lubricant is best.

Care

Wipe electrodes with a damp cloth and dry them; wash insertable ones with warm water and mild soap and keep the contacts dry. Store pads on their film so the gel does not dry out.

Frequently asked questions