There are many reasons why sex can feel boring even for the most loved-up couples. There’s familiarity or even being exposed to long-term stress (such as the pandemic). These can lead to partners becoming more complacent. This is according to Melinda DeSeta, a certified sex therapist and psychotherapist.
Fortunately, there are ways to revive the spark between you and your partner without necessarily leaving the comforts of your home. You and your partner can even try something new in bed while staying safe. This is where sex shops come in.
Is it safe to go to sex shops?
While the idea of exploring sex shops can be nerve-wracking for first-timers, there are several sex shops available that provide safe and trusted experiences: from promoting sex-positivity in a friendly and approachable manner, to ensuring reliable, discreet, and trustworthy transactions. Although sex shops used to be shrouded in stigma, there are now shops in the Philippines that offer a more welcoming environment for couples and individuals of all backgrounds who want to safely discover their boundaries.
Ready to begin exploring? Here’s a round-up of some of the best sex shops that offer an approachable experience and a trustworthy transaction.
Ilya
With its tagline “come out and play,” Ilya makes sex toy shopping a fun and welcoming experience for pleasure-curious individuals, from its bright and colorful visuals to its witty captions. Taking out the taboo and the lewd, Ilya wants to provide a shop that “does not feel like a shameful secret” by providing a tasteful experience for customers, whether in-store or online.
Visit their website here.
Lauvette
Founded by a sex-positive couple, Lauvette aims to form a sex-positive community where individuals and couples can safely explore sexual wellness. The sex toy shop is also the official partner of Love Yourself, Inc., a non-profit organization that aims to erase the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, and promotes HIV/AIDS testing, awareness, and counseling.
Aside from offering an extensive collection of sex toys, they also have a blog called LauvBlog, featuring educational articles and resources on sexual health and relationships.
Shop on Lauvette here.
Noti
At first glance, Noti’s website looks like your usual fashion shopping portal. Noti aims to empower Filipina women to own their sexuality and promote sex education, erasing the stigma and fear surrounding sex toy shopping. Noti’s goal is to create a safe space online where women can safely explore their sexual desires.
Visit their website here.
Midoko
Midoko’s range of budget-friendly toys has made the shop popular among beginners who want to explore adult toys for the first time without breaking the budget. They are also available on platforms such as Shopee and Lazada, making ordering from them a breeze.
Visit their website here.
Love Corner
Love Corner promises a dedicated customer service staff that is available 9 hours a day, from Monday to Saturday. If you are also worried about having your order delivered to your home, not to worry: they wrap each item in gift wrapper before being placed inside a box or a colored plastic bag so that no one suspects a thing. The online receipt does not reflect the name “Love Corner,” so you are kept safe and secure.
Visit their website here.
Pleasure Shop
Aside from a rather large collection of sex toys, Pleasure Shop also guarantees a hassle-free shopping experience whether you visit them in their physical shop or order online. Each order is automatically gift wrapped and bubble wrapped upon purchase — they will also never print their name on the package, ensuring privacy and discretion. Each item will also be wrapped in a nondescript box with a purple ribbon.
Shop at Pleasure Shop here.
Bonus: Happy Ending Game
While not technically a shop, Happy Ending Game is a locally created and independently produced adult board game that can be played by a couple or a group, and helps players safely explore their sexual boundaries with consent.
The Happy Ending game does not involve explicit sexual acts, but provides an avenue for open discussion and trust. The game involves fun, vibrant, and cartoon-like visuals that take the taboo and lewdness out of adult games.
Check out their page here.
What are sex toys?
Sex toys — also known as adult toys — are objects that can help spice up sex lives and heighten sexual pleasures. Sex toys can be used solo or by couples.
For some, sex toys can help relieve or deal with certain sexual disorders. According to Planned Parenthood, sex toys may help with erectile dysfunction, genital arousal disorder, hypoactive sexual disorder, and orgasm disorder. They can also help people deal with conditions such as a low sex drive or decreased sensation in their private areas.
Experimenting with a sex toy should be fun and enjoyable, and can help introduce new sensations, explore your bodies, and uncover new or previously unknown preferences.
Are sex toys safe?
Sex toys are generally safe for use as long as you use them responsibly and keep them clean. Sex toys from trusted shops or suppliers are typically made with body-safe, non-porous materials such as medical-grade silicone.
Remember to clean reusable sex toys after every use, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Silicone toys are usually cleaned with warm water and soap. Be careful of toys with batteries.
Sharing sex toys with another partner — particularly for penetration — without covering it with a condom may lead to transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Using a lubricant can also make insertion more comfortable and reduces the risk of breaking the skin, which can be prone to infections. For silicone toys, use water-based lube — silicone lube on silicone toys can cause the silicone to degrade over time.
- Sexual health is a natural part of your overall health and well-being. Don’t be afraid to explore your sexual boundaries with your partner in a safe environment.
- Trust and communication with your partner is key. Be open and honest about your likes, dislikes, fantasies, and comfort levels.
- Make sure to read any reviews of sex toys that you are interested in. If it’s possible, check out the item in person so you can see if it’s to your liking. Remember to follow minimum health protocols when outside.
- Clean reusable sex toys after each use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, especially for toys with batteries. Silicone toys are usually cleaned with warm water and mild soap.
- If you plan on sharing sex toys with another partner, covering the toy with a condom before penetration can help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Learn more about Sexual Wellness here.
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