![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/SEC_299704706-93da.jpg\")
\n\t\tIt\u2019s typically enjoyed by men who want a hands-free way to masturbate (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tIt\u2019s typically enjoyed by men who want a hands-free way to masturbate (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n
There\u2019s little left in the world of sex that shocks us anymore, but this just might. Literally.<\/p>\n
It turns out that typical hand-and-lube masturbation<\/a> just isn\u2019t cutting it for some guys, and they\u2019re turning to something a little more intense.<\/p>\n E-stim, otherwise known as electrosex or electrostimulation, is a niche sexual practice where men are using electrical pulses to stimulate their penis and testicles.<\/p>\n There\u2019s an entire 16,000-strong Reddit<\/a> community dedicated to the practice of e-stim where men share what kit they\u2019re using and how mind-blowing their orgasms <\/a>are.<\/p>\n That\u2019s not to say women can\u2019t pleasure themselves this way, and it\u2019s also touted as a great way to achieve a hands-free climax<\/a>.<\/p>\n But, it\u2019s left us wondering just how safe it is to shock your privates on a regular basis. So we asked sexologist Becky Crepsley-Fox<\/a> to tell us more\u2026<\/p>\n What is e-stim and how is it practiced?<\/p>\n \u2018E-stim is a sexual practice popular within BDSM<\/a> communities that uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate nerve and muscle endings, creating heightened sensation throughout the body,\u2019 Becky tells Metro.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a form of sensation play<\/a>, and she adds it has a dedicated following, but it\u2019s still far less common than things like spanking or wax play<\/a>. However, just because it\u2019s niche, doesn\u2019t mean the method isn\u2019t well established.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tSign up to The Hook-Up, Metro’s sex and dating newsletter\t\t\t<\/p>\n Love reading juicy stories like this? Need some tips for how to spice things up in the bedroom? <\/p>\n Sign up to The Hook-Up<\/a> and we’ll slide into your inbox every week with all the latest sex and dating stories from Metro. We can’t wait for you to join us!<\/p>\n \t\t \u2018Electric play dates back to the 1800s, evolving through the violet wand of the early 1900s \u2013 which emitted sparks and tingling on contact with skin \u2013 to the TENS machine of the 1980s, originally designed to soothe sore muscles using weak electrical currents\u2019, Becky explains.<\/p>\n When the 2000s arrived, the expert says the sex toy market began to formulate e-stim specific toys purely for sexual pleasure.<\/p>\n Now, when it comes to putting e-stim into practice, it\u2019s a delicate matter. Note: it does not include using any electricity from a plug socket.<\/p>\n Becky explains devices used for electrosex typically include a shaft ring, which is essentially a c**k ring which sends mild electrical pulses throughout the penis, and it\u2019s connected to a purpose built stimulator. This stimulator allows you to adjust the strength of the electrical pulse based on what feels pleasurable.<\/p>\n \u2018There are also adhesive pads to attach to your testicles, or insertable toys for both anal and vaginal use,\u2019 the sexologist says.<\/p>\n \u2018A typical set-up might place a loop around the shaft and a second contact on the perineum or inner thigh, allowing current to travel through a highly sensitive pathway. Vaginal users might combine a probe with an adhesive pad placed above the pubic mound.\u2019<\/p>\n If you\u2019re scratching your head wondering how these pulses feel pleasurable, Becky explains the electrical shocks increase sensitivity and promote blood flow, which intensifies arousal.<\/p>\n \u2018For people with penises, increased engorgement can create a sensation of greater firmness,\u2019 she says. \u2018The testicles are particularly responsive \u2013 the skin is thin, nerve endings are densely packed, and many people find even low-level current there produces an intense sensation.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t If you hadn\u2019t guessed, e-stim is a masturbation method that comes with significant risks.<\/p>\n \u2018Placing pads too high on the body can cause cardiac disruption,\u2019 Becky explains. \u2018Anyone with a heart condition or epilepsy <\/a>shouldn\u2019t try e-stim.\u2019<\/p>\n Electrosex blogs insist that stimulation is only applied below the waist, because introducing external electric currents\u2014especially near the head or neck\u2014can trigger seizures, according to the NHS.<\/p>\n If you have a pacemaker, the electrical pulses can also interfere with it, causing the device to stop pacing, or malfunction. \u2018Other risks include muscle spasms, nerve damage, and electrical burns,\u2019 the sexologist adds.<\/p>\n On the e-stim Reddit page, others complained of electrosex ruining more traditional methods of masturbation.<\/p>\n \u2018The normal way used to be get in the mood, bit of porn or whoever I was with at the time doing stuff etc, and the finish would be great,\u2019 said one. \u2018Now, when I do it the normal way on my own it just feels a bit underwhelming.\u2019<\/p>\n Of course, this is because your body learns to respond to a certain method of masturbation, and with time, if you stop using e-stim you should begin to gain more pleasure from typical self-pleasure methods.<\/p>\n Others mentioned genital numbness for a day or so after, with many saying it\u2019s due to using the stimulator on high power, rather than letting low or medium power build.<\/p>\n \u2018Does this give other people tingly\/buzzy sensations similar to those during sessions but it\u2019s over after?\u2019 asked one. \u2018For me this is lasting even 24 hours after or longer, it\u2019s not as intense during a session, more like a phantom of it, but it\u2019s a similar buzzy feeling.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t If the above hasn\u2019t deterred you, Becky outlined how best to practice this masturbation method.<\/p>\n \u2018Always start with your chosen device on the lowest setting and increase gradually, and only ever use purpose-built sex-tech devices \u2013 never improvised or DIY<\/a> equipment,\u2019 she says.<\/p>\n \u2018Check your device before use and never use it near water, as well as keeping pads strictly below the waist and away from the heart.\u2019<\/p>\n Becky also recommends doing it with a partner for the first time, which is popular with the dom-sub dynamic in BDSM anyway, in case of any medical emergencies.<\/p>\n The expert even suggests this masturbation method could be useful for men with erectile dysfunction<\/a>. \u2018Increased blood flow offers a non-medical route to improved function,\u2019 she adds.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re keen to try it, you shouldn\u2019t be shy about it, either. \u2018The desire to seek out novel stimulation is nothing new,\u2019 Becky says.<\/p>\n \u2018Long before purpose-built devices existed, people found creative workarounds \u2013 repurposing electric razors with the head removed for vibration, for instance. <\/p>\n \u2018The internet hasn\u2019t changed human ingenuity so much as made it visible, and given people access to devices that previously required a lot more imagination to replicate.\u2019<\/p>\n Do you have a story to share?<\/p>\n Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-2161975919.jpg\")
\n\t\tE-stim is a niche but popular form of masturbation (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-1566639936.jpg\")
\n\t\tIt\u2019s a more intense alternative to traditional masturbation (Picture: Getty Images)
\nAre there any risks to electrosex?<\/p>\n![\"Small](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GettyImages-1146105244.jpg\")
\n\t\tElectro stimulators allow you to adjust the intensity of the pulses (Picture: Getty Images)
\nWhat are the benefits and how do you practice e-stim safely?<\/p>\n
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