Written by Frederik A.K.A Toytoture
Most people who have not yet experienced E-Stim are somewhat afraid of it. But when done correctly with good tools, it is one of the most versatile, intense and horny forms of play. There are two types of electric stimulation used for erotic pleasure and torture: Shock and TENS (short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) which this 101 will be about.
How does E-Stim work?
In order to create a sensation at least two poles that don’t touch each other need to be connected to one channel of a power unit. This unit generates electric impulses which travel from one electrode to the other, stimulating the nerves in the area around the electrodes. Due to the way nerves are distributed throughout the body and the way they transmit information, it is possible that the stimulation can be felt elsewhere, for example in the glans even though the electrodes are around the balls and the penis root. The sensation is felt stronger or only at the electrode with the lower the mass and/or the smaller contact area. Generally speaking it can be said “The larger the mass and the surface area covered, the smoother the sensation is going to feel.” For that reason electrodes which produce sensations beyond pure agony are more expensive.
Safety rules
E-Stim play is not more dangerous than any other form of BDSM as long as sticking some basic safety rules:
- E-Stim must not be done if the sub has any electronic medical devices implanted like a pacemaker! The stimulating impulses of the e-stim box can cause male function or destroy the device.
- If the sub has any illnesses affecting the nerve system or heart, a doctor should be consulted where electro stimulation is possible.
- Only use AC devices! DC power boxes are only made for medical purposes. In a nut shell: Besides just feeling stingy and unpleasant, the impulses of a DC currency will affect the cellular electrolysis which among other things will cause necrosis.
- Never let currency run across the chest! Muscles are triggered by electric impulses and thus can also be affected by E-Stim. The heart is one big muscle and exposing it to E-Stim can be fatal!
- Only use toys that are in perfect condition and fully functional! Malfunctioning E-Stim toys can produce very nasty effect.
- Be cautious of unintended results of the stimulation especially when triggering large muscles! Some stimulations can trigger an unexpected and hard muscle functions.
- It is advisable only to use power boxes on battery. This limits the bad effects when something goes wrong to the voltage of the battery (mostly 9V) which might be extremely unpleasant but not dangerous.
How to play
Electro play is a delicate play where only a little intensity increase can mean the difference between agony and ecstasy. When preparing a sub for play attach the leads to the electrodes, then put the electrodes onto or into the sub. Next ensure that all channels are completely turned off and plug the leads into the power box. Finally slowly increasing the intensity until the sub starts feeling a slight tingle.
The pain memory of the nerves regenerates quickly. Even after just a short break the sensation will feel like the scene has just started. Because of that the sub needs to be ramped to the desired stimulation level again after a break. After a long and intense scene it is not uncommon that even after the power has been turned off the nerves keep firing, leaving a buzzing sensation for minutes up to a few hours.
If something goes wrong NEVER FIDDLE WITH THE BOX! Just pull the leads out of the box! Disrupting the currency flows will stop the sensation.
What do you need to play?
Power boxes
A power box is an electrical device that converts the DC which comes out of the power adaptor or the battery into AC. Inside the box is an amplifier which creates an electric pulse onto which the wave pattern – commonly called programs – are modulated.
When purchasing a power box with more than one channel like the E-Stim System Pebble or E-Stim E-Box Series 2B Kit, it is important to buy a box with isolated channels. Through this layout each channel get the full power and unintended interaction between the channels are impossible. Having two channels allows for more varied play by stimulating two areas at the same time.
Some power boxes come equipped with an additional interface like a line-in and/or a microphone like the . This can be used for evil feedback loops like the louder the sub screams the harder the box fires.
Connection systems
There are two major systems for connection leads: Round plug on 2mm pin used by MyStim among others and 3.5mm audio plug onto 4mm banana plug which is used for example by E-Stim Systems. For connecting electrodes which have a different socket than the leads, adapters can be used.
Electrodes
There are two types of electrodes. Surface electrodes are used on the skin. The most basic ones are pads or loops but there are also more elaborate ones like pin wheels or ball crushers available.
As the name already says insertables are designed to enter the body. The most popular ones are plugs and dildos. Another form of insertables are sounds. They are monopoles thus another electrode is needed for a stimulation, like a conductive loop around the balls.
Conductive Lube
In order to transfer the stimulation from the electrode onto the body there has to be a conductive medium between the electrode and the nerves. Skin has a relatively high resistance making the sensation stingy. Using water-based lube containing glycerin or special electro gels will ensure optimal conductivity.
Silicone lube and oil are isolating and should not be used, especially with electrodes made out of conductive silicone. The silicone lube will disintegrate them.
Check out the entire range of Electro toys on Misterb.com
Who is Frederik?
Frederik discovered his passion for kink quite early in his life. Living in the scarcely populated northern German provinces for most of his life has not stopped him to explore Leather, Rubber, Fisting and BDSM.
Being a toy collector and user as well as a masochistic switchy sub at heart he started ToyTorture.com in 2012. The websites focuses on reviewing the best BDSM toys for gays and talking about play and kink from his perspective. Following his motto “Perverting the world one kinkster at a time” he is giving speeches and demos on BDSM. He is also a member of the Chicago Hellfire Club and the Quälgeist e.V. to support organizations which foster a welcoming and open environment for kinksters.
If you want to keep up with him and his kinky life follow him on Twitter @ToyTorture.
