Male Sexual Aids and How Your Patients Can Benefit

Sexual aids, also known as sex toys, have been used clinically and personally by both men and women throughout history. Earliest accounts of sex toys include phallic-looking devices made of wood or stone. While commonly discussed in the context of pornography and women’s spaces, men also benefit from sexual aids, and their providers should be knowledgeable about how they can have satisfactory sex.

Aiding devices are very commonly used to enhance the pleasure of both partners, yes. But they can also be used to help treat a variety of sexual dysfunctions (SD), such as erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), and anejaculation. This article intends to explain the different sexual aids available to men and how they can help with the treatment of SD.

Personal lubricant (lube) is a sexual experience enhancer that can minimize dryness and pain during sexual activity. Patients should be reminded that it is not a commentary on their foreplay abilities if lube is used with a female sexual partner; it is a way for both partners to have a smooth sexual experience. Lube can also be beneficial for those with PE by reducing friction and the intensity of sensation.

When recommending a lubricant, suggest a pH-balanced product that is gentle on genital tissue and condom-safe if the patient relies on condoms for protection; patients should avoid ingredients such as parabens and unnecessary flavoring, especially if they are prone to irritation. 

• Water-based lubricants are gentle and compatible with condoms and silicone toys but may require re-application.
• Silicone-based lubricants last longer but can damage silicone toys and may be harder to wash off.
• Aloe-based lubricants can be soothing, condom- and toy-safe, and longer-lasting than water-based products.
• Oil-based products can be useful for hydration but may increase irritation or infection risk in some people and should not be used with latex condoms.
• CBD-based lubricants and suppositories may provide moisture and potentially help with pelvic floor relaxation in both partners, but products vary considerably in quality and regulation.
• There are additional lubricants currently on the market that only contain natural ingredients.

Regardless of the type patients choose, a lubricant should never cause burning, stinging, or discomfort. Additionally, patients who are trying to conceive should consider a fertility-safe lubricant, as some formulas are harmful to sperm.

Erection rings (“cock rings”) apply pressure at the penile base and obstruct venous outflow, providing a more rigid erection. These are commonly used to treat PE and venous leakage and can also be recommended for coital incontinence. The goal is to choose an erection ring that provides enough compression to keep blood in the penis but not so much compression that it causes discomfort.

Vibrators stimulate all erogenous zones. While many think that vibrators are just for women, vibrational therapy can also be very beneficial for men. Vibration therapy has also been used to stimulate ejaculation in men with spinal cord injuries.

Some studies have reported that men who use vibrators are more likely to practice good sexual health care, such as performing genital self-exams, and have reported higher International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) scores.

Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) are commonly prescribed for ED treatment. These improve erection rigidity by applying negative pressure. VEDs can also be used for penile rehabilitation following radical prostatectomy or for any man who is concerned about penile size loss, typically related to erectile dysfunction and/or Peyronie's disease (PD).

External penile devices are designed for men with ED who are uninterested, do not respond to pharmacotherapy, or are unwilling to undergo penile implant surgery. These are worn on the outside of the penis and support the penis enough for satisfactory penetrative sex.

Positioning aids are especially useful for those with mobility issues. Swings, pillows, and wedges can help with movement and positioning during sexual activity.

Honorable mentions include dildos and (experimental) electrical stimulation units. Dildos or penile support sleeves can be helpful for men with ED or who have just undergone pelvic surgery to partake in sexual activity and satisfy their partner while they are in treatment or recovery. Many men also use dildos anally for personal or partnered sexual pleasure.

Electrical stimulation units may be applied to the perineum and have been shown to help men prolong their time to ejaculation.  

Key Takeaways

• Male sexual aids can be helpful for both increasing sexual pleasure and treating SD, enhancing sexual satisfaction and supporting a good sexual quality of life.
• Providers should be familiar and comfortable with discussing aiding device options with their patients.
  • Some devices work better for some patients over others. It often comes down to trying different things to find the right fit for each patient.
  • Be cautious to check skin integrity with all adaptive devices. Patients who are experiencing discomfort or irritation may want to try another option.
• Being open to discussing more “taboo” options for sexual healthcare can be the first step to enhancing your clinical practice.
• It may be beneficial to refer patients to other healthcare providers, such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, and/or sex therapists who may also have particular expertise in sexual wellness products. Sexual health is multidisciplinary, and approaches to care should reflect that.

Resources

Loeb, C. A., Hammad, M. A., Barham, D. W., Miller, J., Young, K., Horwitz, R., Amini, E., Nguyen, M. X., Nag, N., Jenkins, L. C., Pearlman, A. M., & Yafi, F. A. (2024). Trends, safety, and efficacy of wearable male sexual devices. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 12(3), 411–418. https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qead053

Miranda, E. P., Taniguchi, H., Cao, D. L., Hald, G. M., Jannini, E. A., & Mulhall, J. P. (2019). Application of sex aids in men with sexual dysfunction: A review. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(6), 767–780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.265