• The pandemic has led to a decrease in sexual encounters for many people. Masturbation can help boost confidence, energy, cognitive function, and more.
• It’s time to de-stigmatize the practice and enjoy some self love.
• Lelo’s minimalistic and functioning approach to vibrator design is actually mouth-watering.
• The Gigi 2 is the only user-friendly, travel-friendly, vagina-friendly vibrator you need. Here’s why.
• The Siri 2 seems built for the music aficionado, and we’re pretty big fans. 
• Visit The Swellscore for more health tips.

It’s taken me some time to cozy up to this decision, but this month I’ve decided to have epic sex with my favorite partner… ME.

Ok, for starters, I had to change my byline because…well, my Mom is likely reading this. (Sorry, mom.) But can we talk about sex for a minute? Covid has severely put a damper on “things.” Online dating is a joke and I’m not exactly looking forward to swapping spit with anyone right now, unless it’s a PCR test. But lucky for me, I’m a wellness product tester and, well, it’s my civic duty to test all. Let me tell you, this one was pure pleasure.

I may have found the holy grail of sex toys.

For the past two months I’ve had the “pleasure” (pun intended) of figuring out these two epic vibrators: One for G spot stimulation, the other for clitoral stimulation. (I know, work sucks, right?)

If you’re new to this, as I was, there have been incredible advancements in sex tech that have opened pandora’s pleasure box for many. From remote clitoral stimulation to virtual reality tech, toys, and more, there are so many incredible new things to try to achieve pleasure. So many of us have dived into it during a pandemic, so we’re left to our own devices when it comes to looking for something that can help us to relax and enjoy this change.

Studies have shown how a healthy sex life can directly contribute to a healthy mind and body, but what about masturbation? Aside from the reproductive aspect of male/female partner sex, pretty much every health benefit of traditional sex can be achieved through masturbation. Not only does climax flood feel-good hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and prolactin to the brain, but after that high wears off, those same hormones reduce tension, encourage relaxation, and can improve sleep. With the regulation and release of oxytocin comes some substantial relief for people who suffer from social anxiety, as oxytocin plasma levels are associated with that form of anxiety and other psychological disorders that have social anxiety in their pathophysiology.

I know a lot of people are pragmatic about approaching masturbation. A large portion of society was taught that masturbation is not a form of abstinence, and there is a negative stigma attached to self pleasure, especially when it comes to women, that is embarrassing and tough to get past. Many people don’t want to talk about sex, let alone consider that they can achieve such pleasure without a partner, and not feel guilty for doing so. But masturbation is known to boost concentration, reduce stress, elevate your mood, and often helps to relieve menstrual cramps and other pains. It’s like the natural anti-inflammatory you don’t need to make plans around, and having that type of control over your own pleasure can be empowering. Plus, a 2015 study suggests that “masturbators [have] significantly more orgasms, greater sexual desire, higher self-esteem, and greater marital and sexual satisfaction, and required less time to sexual arousal.” More masturbation leads to better sex in the long run? I’m in.

When I was asked to test out a couple of vibrators, I will admit I was a bit hesitant to do so for the public. But I also felt like a pioneer for the women who need more information to make a pretty difficult choice. Lelo is a unique company has been working to develop esthetically pleasing supplemental sex items for the bedroom and beyond since 2003. This design-based approach has led the company to really dive into their consumers’ desires and develop products that delight and surprise.

The GIGI 2 was created with the ideas of stealth and finesse in mind. This sleek, minimalistic design comes with a near-silent motor (ask me about it), and the flattened tip is reversible so you can cater to your G-spot and your clitoris almost simultaneously. It is also antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and non-porous, which gave me peace of mind about my health when approaching it. I was a huge fan of the user-intuitive layout, with four buttons to control stimulation and intensity. The matte velvet feel, travel lock, and design did it for me on this one. (And the explosive orgasms, but we can save that for another day.)

As a music editor, it was a compelling sell to tell me that the SIRI 2 has a ninth setting that keys into ambient sound and the noise around you, in addition to touting eight different patterns created to mimic genres of music. It is a global bestseller, and its 100% waterproof design and eight settings are proof as to why. And while I enjoyed the sleek design and musical elements, I wasn’t as impressed with the lack of control that the GIGI 2 offers. However, if you’re particular about the soundtrack to your sexual encounters and interested in trying out a more compact design, this might be the next toy to try!  Both vibrators are on sale for 10% off through March 31st and already discounted for members all year long.

I want to note that there are many types of stimulation that can cause a person to orgasm. The two most potent according to history, however, are clitoral and G-spot stimulation. While only a portion of the population remembers orgasm in a very specific way that would implicate the G-spot, some people are not even sure if it exists.

[Dr. Jen] Gunter [gynecologist and “The Vagina Bible” author] said that ultrasounds that examined the clitoris during masturbation and vaginal penetration revealed that both actions cause the clitoris to swell, meaning that various form of sexual stimulation, whether they involve physically touching the clitoris or not, result in the brain sending pleasure signals to the clitoris.

The clitoris, however, is a proven stimulation point for the majority of the population. I happen to be someone who acknowledges and enjoys both forms of stimulation, which is the main reason I enjoyed the GIGI 2.

As with most vibrator encounters, you’ll want to use a safe lubricant to help reduce the risk of personal injury and soreness from masturbation. I used Good Clean Love’s water-based Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant and absolutely loved it. Research actually suggests that water and silicon-based lubricants encourage higher ratings of sexual pleasure, whether you’re exploring with a partner or with a toy. Not only is Almost Naked made without petrochemicals, parabens, or glycerin, but it’s pH-balanced and iso-osmolar to help prevent infection and is safe to use with toys as well as latex and polyisoprene condoms. Plus, I recognized all of the ingredients in it at first glance. Could it get more back to the basics than that?

For a high-end experience, I was also able to try Uberlube, which has a silicone base and vitamin E. Silky, and moisturizing, every part of the experience – including the sleek, minimal packaging – is absolutely luxurious. Right now, get 10% off a heightened sexual experience with Uberlube in our online shop! Sale ends March 31, 2021.

To work on building up your pelvic muscles a little bit after working them out so much with your  new toy, I would suggest the Laselle Exerciser 38g Medium Weighted Ball. The weight inside of it moves when you move, so you’re actively working out, but comfortably. Its silicon surface will be just as luxurious as your vibrator, and will ensure your health with regular cleaning.

All of the above and more are available in the Swell Score shop and for members, most are on sale every day!  Do yourself a favor and indulge in self-pleasure… after all, it doesn’t just feel good, it’s good for you!