The MA+ Guide
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
The MA+ Guide A guide to More Accessible sexuality-related assistive technology Narelle Higson Occupational Therapist MSWA The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia (Inc) A word from the author: This guide is not a collection of facts; it is a collection of ideas. Ideas about pleasure, having fun, being playful, trying something different, finding new ways of doing things, thinking outside the square. Ideas about different ways to achieve and enrich sexual pleasure, on your own or with a partner. You may not particularly like these ideas…or prefer your own. That is absolutely ok. (I would love to hear your ideas if you are willing to share ) This guide merely tries to be a conversation starter…a thought prompter. The MA+ Guide does not seek to educate about sexuality or the potential impact of MS on sexual function – there are already many wonderful resources available on that topic (please see the resource section at the end for details of these). This guide is in no way intended to be prescriptive, it simply seeks to identify sexuality and positioning products which: May be easy to use May be easy to adapt Have useful features Are readily available in Australia (unless otherwise noted) This guide does not intend to be prescriptive in any way and does not replace the advice of your healthcare practitioner. Although up to date at the time of writing (2012), the products listed are just a small sample chosen from local or online suppliers. Please feel welcome to contact the MSWA Sexuality Service (or your local MS Society) for further information on current pricing and availability or alternative products which may be of use for you. A word for Health Professionals: This guide can be printed in full as a general resource. Alternatively, its design enables relevant sections to be printed individually to meet specific needs. I wish to acknowledge the generosity of the MSWA in supporting the creation of this resource – and hope you find it helpful Narelle Higson (OT- Sexuality Service) [email protected] 2 This resource is intended as a guide only and should not be seen as the MS Society’s specific recommendation or endorsement of any product/company. Contents Holding On 4 Taking Control 13 Extending your reach 18 Getting into position 20 Alternatives to batteries 23 Altered sensation 26 Fatigue 29 Privacy 30 Continence 31 Lubrication 32 Men only 33 Cleaning and safety tips 38 A brief word about anatomy 39 Resources 40 3 This resource is intended as a guide only and should not be seen as the MS Society’s specific recommendation or endorsement of any product/company. Holding on Is it ever challenging to get and keep a good grip on a toy? (…or do you imagine it could be?) Whether you choose to wear it, stick it or prop it...there are many ways to use toys that don’t involve holding them... Wear it Why? Wearing a toy on your body means that you don’t have to hold on to it. Some toys are designed to be worn; others are shaped in such a way that they can be tucked into clothing. Using a toy with a remote control enables you to be in control even if the toy is out of reach. Wear it: On your hand Why? Anywhere your hand can reach you can experience a different sensation, without the need to hold on. Can be used on self or partner, wherever it may feel pleasurable or as part of a massage. Glove style massagers are generally very quiet as the vibrating units are very small. As with all gloves, they may be tricky to put on, however they will usually stay in place once put on correctly. Name: Fukuoko 5 Finger Massage Glove (Fukouko) Approx. cost: $80 What is it? Waterproof stretch fabric glove, with small vibrating units at the tip of each finger. Powered by 3 AAA batteries housed in pouch at base of glove. Small sliding on/off switch on battery compartment also selects hi/lo speeds. It is available in left or right hand and can be used in the bath or shower. http://www.fukuokuglove.com Other ideas: For a cheaper alternative to a glove, consider putting a small bullet vibrator in the finger of a loose latex or leather glove (e.g. golf glove). 4 This resource is intended as a guide only and should not be seen as the MS Society’s specific recommendation or endorsement of any product/company. Wear it: On your finger Why? As with the glove massagers, finger vibes allow you to turn your fingers (or toes…or anything else they may fit onto) into a vibrator, without the need to continually hold onto it. Finger vibes are very quiet and are often waterproof for use in the shower or bath (where they can also be cleaned). Depending on the model, these small vibrators use batteries ranging from small watch cell type to larger AAA size, which may be easier to replace. Name: Micro Finger Tingler (California Exotics) Approx cost: $40 What is it? Small, hard plastic finger vibe. Small sliding switch at side turns on/off and controls multiple speeds. Powered by 2 x watch cell batteries. http://www.calexotics.com Name: The FingO (Screaming O) Approx. cost: $20 What is it? Waterproof textured silicone sleeve with a vibrating bullet, designed to slip over any finger. On/off switch is at the base of the bullet. Available in different textures. Powered by 3 x watch cell batteries. http://www.thescreamingo.com/ Name: Finger Tingles (Rocks-Off) Approx. cost: $40 What is it: A bullet powered vibrator made from soft stretchy rubber. It is worn in such a way that your fingertip also becomes a buzzing part of the toy. Powered by a 1.5V N battery. http://www.rocks-off.com Name: Ipo waterproof finger vibe (PicoBong) Approx. cost: $50 Features: This silicone waterproof vibrator is powered by 1 x AAA battery held in place by a screw cap, which lasts approximately 2hrs. A two button interface controls 12 vibration patterns. These buttons are housed under the smooth silicone coating and identified by raised symbols. http://www.picobong.com 5 This resource is intended as a guide only and should not be seen as the MS Society’s specific recommendation or endorsement of any product/company. Wear it: On your tongue Why? Tongue vibrators require little hand function for use, although positioning on the tongue may require assistance. They are designed to add a tickling, buzzing sensation in any area that can be kissed in partner play. Tongue vibes can also be used on other body parts (fingers, toes…) and can be slipped over non-vibrating toys to turn them into buzzing ones. They are lightweight, waterproof and quiet. Tongue vibrators are available in cheaper disposable or more expensive reusable models. Name: Ling O Vibrating Tongue Ring (Screaming O) Approx. cost: $20 Features: Attached to tongue by a stretchy silicone strap. Vibrating area is textured silicone for added sensation. Disposable – powered by a small non-replaceable battery. http://www.thescreamingo.com/ Name: Tongue Joy (Tongue Joy) Approx. cost: $120 Features: Chrome plated vibrating unit attached to the tongue (or finger) via a silicone elastic band. Silicone sleeves are available for added comfort, texture and to reduce the potential for damage if the unit comes into contact with teeth. Powered by 2 x watch cell batteries. An optional wired Turbo Pack is available which uses 2 x AA batteries, provides higher intensity variable vibration and longer usage time. http://www.tonguejoy.com.au 6 This resource is intended as a guide only and should not be seen as the MS Society’s specific recommendation or endorsement of any product/company. Wear it: On your body Why? Once positioned correctly, a wearable vibrator can stay comfortably in place without any need for adjustments. Those controlled via a remote control (wired or not) often have larger more accessible controls and may be easier to use once in place. Name: Fetish Fantasy Elite Vibrating Panty (Pipedream) Approx. cost: $55 Features: A bullet vibrator situated inside a shaped silicone sleeve is held firmly in place inside the underwear with two elastic straps. To turn on/off or change the vibration pattern or intensity, the button at the base of the bullet must be accessed (making this tricky when the underwear is in place). http://www.pipedreamproducts.com Name: 10 function remote control vibrating fantasy panty (Pipedream) Approx. cost: $90 Features: A ten function bullet housed inside a textured rubber sleeve designed to be worn internally (inside the vagina). Once in position, the bullet is controlled via wireless remote control from a distance of up to 8m. Requires 1 x 23A and 2 x N batteries. http://www.pipedreamproducts.com Name: Micro Wireless Venus Butterfly (California Exotics) Approx. price: $40 Features: A bullet vibrator powered by 1 x AAA battery is housed inside a silicone sleeve (in this instance shaped like a butterfly). The vibrator is held in place by removable elastic straps which are placed around the thighs and waist and are adjustable to ensure a secure fit. As this model does not have a remote control, it is easier to turn it on to the desired setting before putting in position. http://www.calexotics.com 7 This resource is intended as a guide only and should not be seen as the MS Society’s specific recommendation or endorsement of any product/company. Wear it: On your body - Other ideas: A small, ergonomically shaped vibrator can be worn inside regular underwear or tucked between two pairs of underwear to hold in place.