What is a TENS unit?
The most often used machine for electro sex is a TENS unit. Their original medical use was for the relief nerve or muscle pain, lots of women use it to ease labour pains, but they can also be used for pleasure purposes.
TENS units consist of two parts: a power box that houses the controls for the electrical current and a pair of electrode pads.
The pads are designed to be placed on a muscular part of the body a few inches apart from each other. The current that passes back and forth between the pads is what helps relieve pain in that particular area.
Most people describe the feeling as a prickling, buzzing, stroking, throbbing, or rhythmic suckling. The sensation is similar to a vibrator, but with a much deeper reach. Now imagine that you could also set the frequency of its vibration from a constant, steady buzz to a slow, pulsing beat. That’s sort of what a TENS feels like.
If you have a medical TENS unit (or “electrotherapy machine”) at home, it can be used for erotic purposes. While it won’t have insert-able attachments, the electrode pads are often enough to satisfy most people.
TENS Unit Use
Always attach your electrodes (usually in the shape of a sticky pad) on your body first before turning on the current. Keep these below the waist if you’re new to the world of electric. The electric current will flow between the pads. TIP: the wider apart they are, the more gentle, the smaller the area between the more intense the sensation.
The size of the pads will make a difference too. The bigger they are, the wider the area covered but, the smaller they are, the more focused and intense the sensations will be. If you’re looking for erotic stimulation, bigger pads are probably better, for pain go small.
Proper electrode pad placement is essential to get the most out of your TENS unit. If you get this right, it’s very possible to have strong, hands-free orgasms with electrode pads alone. You should experiment with TENS unit placement to see what feels best on your body. If you place the pads too far apart from each other, you may not feel anything.
Placement
Common electrode placement for penises is on the underside of the shaft, with one pad near the head of the penis and one at the base. Alternatively, for testicular enjoyment, place one pad on the top of the scrotum and the other on the bottom.
TIP: You may need to spritz with saline (water and salt) if you’re using connections that don’t have conductive gel on them as dry skin is not a good conductor. If you have conductive gel, that won’t generally be needed. If electrodes are being inserted, be sure to use lube (as with any insertable) but also for conductivity purposes too.
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