What exactly is a strapon?
A strapon, literally “to strap on,” is a type of harness or gear that allows individuals without a penis to attach a dildo or vibrator in the groin area, thus enabling them to penetrate others in the desired manner.
What types are there?
Strapons come in various variations. Whether with toys or just a harness, as a system solution with toys that can be locked with a click, with stretchy rings for fixing toys or as a complete set with rubber bands. There are also so-called “strapless strapons”, which are toys that are inserted into themselves and then have a limb-like extension for the partner.
Who uses a strapon?
Particularly popular as a sex toy in the BDSM community is the strapon in configurations involving a dominant cis-female person and a submissive cis-male person. The corresponding practice that comes into play is called “pegging.” Among same-sex couples, the strapon is also popular outside of power dynamics. Additionally, gender-fluid individuals or those who define themselves as male can find new ways to explore their sexuality with this accessory.
Why do you do that?
Whether it’s a play with power, taking the male partner “from behind,” or about the physical intimacy of anal, oral, or vaginal penetration, strapon sex is an intense, exhilarating experience that can enrich your sex life in a very diverse way.
Dominant cis women can also provide their partner with a strap-on dildo to further objectify them and use them for pleasure without the partner receiving any stimulation themselves. This form of humiliation can be very intense, especially if the submissive partner is a man who has his own penis.
For many cis-male bottoms, the thought of being “taken” by their partner is very arousing. The stimulation of the prostate without a phallus is another reason. For cis-women, the motivation can vary greatly: one might see it as a male perspective or experience, the next as a natural extension of themselves, and others might just be excited to have their hands free.
Same-sex couples or genderfluid as well as pansexual people can simply find enjoyment in the variety of variations that are now available. Penetration that happens hands-free is often more intense. This is often simply about the intensity of the act and the strapon is simply seen as a natural extension.
What do I have to consider when using it?
The most important thing when using it is a high level of attention and consent. You always have to pay attention to the other person, especially when you find yourself in the dominant role. Depending on your preference, you have to pay attention to the wishes of your counterpart and stick to the limits you set.
As usual with anal sex, you should make sure you have enough lube and time. Hygienic care of toys is essential. If both the vagina and anus are penetrated with a strapon, two different toys or attachments should be used to avoid fungal and urinary tract infections.
The active part involves wearing the equipment for testing beforehand to make sure where it should sit. The basic movement sequences, positions and postures should also be roughly considered and tested. As already mentioned, a strapon can be seen as an extension of the body, much like high heels or long fingernails. This means you have to get used to it and develop a certain familiarity.
What do I need to consider when buying?
When buying, you should first pay attention to the user rating, as the harness can vary greatly in quality in the many variations. Think in advance about which points are particularly important to you: washability, compatibility, choice of toy and so on. If you have regular partners, you can also take their preferences into account when choosing which toys to attach. Many of the well-known brands and shops have their own strap-on harnesses in their range.
You can find a detailed guide to choosing the right strapon in this guest article from Zartbitternacht.de.
