Nice write-up, Foriegner. :)
Purring-Pussy wrote:
Recently tried some estim gloves and they were amazing.
See now, gloves sound interesting to me, but I still don't think it's safe for me.
Sum Sub wrote:
Jess, is the feedback here suggesting you could write a debunking estim myths type blog post...?
A good idea, but I hope you're not referring to what I said. I don't believe I have heard much about e-stim, including myths. My use of the word 'fry' was simple hyperbole and the mention of people being elotrocuted by household items was meant to be tongue-in-cheek.
But the part about my arrhythmia, and my metal implant are true. And while I haven't spent hours poring over information, I have (and had done before posting, because I don't like posting in complete ignorance) cross-referenced the guide that Jess linked above with a TENS information page on the NHS website. They seem to agree that I may not want to use these devices:
From the NHS:
TENS isn't safe for everyone to use. Don't use it without first seeking medical advice if:
you have a pacemaker or another type of electrical or metal implant in your body
you're pregnant, or there's a chance you might be pregnant – TENS may not be recommended early in pregnancy
you have epilepsy or a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia)
And from the LH Guide:
-
Do not use an electrostimulation unit if you have heart problems or have a pacemaker fitted.
-
Do not use electrostimulation devices while pregnant.
-
Do not use electrostimulation devices above the waist.
-
Do not use electrosex kits when feeling fatigued, dehydrated, undernourished, unwell or not at your best.
-
Do not use electro sex toys on broken or irritated skin.
-
Use a water-based lubricant (with internal attachments) or electro-conductive gel (with external attachments) to increase sensitivity and avoid any skin tenderness.
-
Always ensure that the power is off whilst you're applying a device to your body (that includes while you're inserting a dildo or butt plug).
I never thought of that fourth one down... Unfortunately being 'not at my best' is all too common for me, especially in the British winter. :( So it's for that reason (personal health issues) and that reason only why I wouldn't really want to even try. Otherwise I'm generally up for trying it before knocking it. It's unfortunate, because I'm ALL about sensation play. Big fan of tingling. I love my wartenburg wheel like no one should love an inanimate object. But if you look at it that way- I know I can get those sensations without the electricity. It may not be the same, but what I don't know won't disappoint me and I'm happy with what I have already. The truth is though, there are a few other reasons why I'm not that interested: -The consumables, as mentioned above by Foreigner. I don't even like toys that take batteries. It's not just a 'green' thing, it's also a laziness and frugality thing. That said, I'm being a bit of hypocrite here. I do like lubes and sensation gels/balms. But adding more consumables on top of those is undesirable. -The preparation. My partner and I are like a sexy whirlwind of passion; fast and furious and sometimes going for miles. We have an awful lot of spontaneous sex and have more afterplay than foreplay most of the time. The only thing we do fairly regularly that requires a bit of prep is anal. Some people are fully capable of turning prep work into part of the 'show', building anticaption as part of the pleasure. And yeah, I'm sure I could get into that too, if I liked what was coming well enough. But if I'm honest? Pretty much everything I have that could even remotely be considered as needing minimal prep gets sidelined and all but forgotten. That even includes rechargable toys! My favourite things are man-powered items like clamps and pinwheels, jiggle balls, cockrings, and my lover. So there's a good chance an e-stim kit or toy would just end up gathering dust, which is doubly undesirable because... -The price. Lots of other people, including people who do use e-stim, have mentioned the cost. Not a lot of folks want to risk not liking something when it comes at high cost. And even with a good returns policy, it is a put off. It's still out of your bank acccount for the duration. And there's always something you know you like that you can get for the same price or less. So you tend to stick with what you know until there's a massive clearance sale. Summed up, there are just more reasons for me, personally, to not invest than there are (1) to do so. IF there was a for-hire service and I got an OK from a doctor, then I would give it a go.