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Erotic electrostimulation, also called "E-stim", is a human sexual practice involving the application of low current electricity to the body using special apparatus (such as TENS units) for purposes of sexual stimulation. Erotic electrostimulation is particulaly associated with BDSM activities. Different types of electrode are used for erotic electrostimulation, such as specially designed vaginal plugs, vaginal skin electrodes, butt plugs, cock rings, catheters, CBT boards, etc. Electrodes usually require electrically conductive gel to be applied before use. There are a large variety of devices available.
Safety
Electrostimulation can be potentially fatal if misused. The greatest risk is electrocution that can stop the heart even at relatively low currents and voltages.
Mains-powered equipment should never be used, and all devices should be battery powered, isolated from mains supplies, and current-limited.
It is important to keep the path of current away from the heart, neck and head areas. The general guideline is keep it below the waist. Permanent or temporary body piercings should not be connected to any electrostimulation device. Like all electrical devices, keep TENS units away from water. Always follow the manufacturers instructions. A little common sense goes a long way, and as with all BDSM toys, its important to educate yourself in their use, problems and effects. Understand your level of play before starting a scene using any form of electrical play.
Never use any form of erotic electrostimulation on someone who has a pacemaker, insulin pump, or other electrically operated medical implant. Do not use on anyone with a history of epilepsy, a history of strokes or seizures, heart disease, or nerve damage. Pregnant women should not use electrostimulation. If you have any doubt about the risks associated with electrostimulation, consult a physician.
History
Erotic electrostimulation first came into existance during the 1950s with the introduction of a device called the Relaxacisor. It was originally designed to be used to stimulate the muscles of a person using electrical currents while they relaxed (as a means of "passive exercise"). Such devices are still in medical use today and are known as EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation) units.
Some people soon found alternative uses for the Relaxacisors by placing the contacts in sexual parts of the body. By the 1970s, medical TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units were also being used for erotic electrostimulation too.
However, neither EMS or medical TENS units were ideal for erotic purposes, and in the 1980s the first devices manufactured specifically for erotic electrostimulation became available.
Types of devices
Medical devices
Medical TENS units are designed to desensitize nerves (for pain management), and while they can be used for erotic electrostimulation purposes, most people don't find the sensation they produce especially erotic. Medical EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation) units are designed to cause muscle contraction and are also far from optimal for erotic use.
Body toning devices
An increasing number of "body toner" or "electro massage" type devices are being marketed direct to consumers. Like medical devices, these types of device were not designed to be erotic. They vary widely in quality and capabilities and most of them have a power output which is often too low for erotic use.
Homemade devices
Some people may try to make their own electrostimulation device, or adapt commercial products that were never intended for electrostimulation use on the human body. This is dangerous and such improvised devices can easily cause various kinds of damage to the body. Never use a device which is not specifically designed for use on the human body!
Erotic electrostimulation devices
Erotic electrostimulation devices are specifically designed and manufactured for erotic use on the human body. The first analogue devices became popular during the early 1980s, and later during the 1990s digital devices also became available.
Both types usually allow adjustment of frequency and power output level. There are three major manufacturers of erotic electrostimulation units in the United States. The price of erotic electrostimulation units varies according to the design and sophistication of the device.
Electrodes
Different manufacturers use different connector types. Adapters are available to allow electrodes made by other manufacturers to be safely and conveniently used with other erotic electrostimulation devices.
Medical gel electrodes are commonly used and have a 0.080 inch jack (and may require a "banana to pins" adapter to convert a standard 4 mm banana plug into a 0.080 inch TENS pin lead). A "banana to snap" adapter can be used to connect a standard 4 mm banana plug leadwire to devices having 4 mm snap studs. Adapters are also available to connect electrodes with 2.5 mm plugs into devices which have 3.5 mm connectors. This makes most erotic electrostimulation devices interchangable.
Lubricants which contain silicone should generally not be used, as silicone is an insulator and hence reduces conductivity. Use of the correct type of lubricant is very important as it not only lubricates, but also has the desired conductive properties and can increase the strength of the signal.
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