Erotic electrostimulation

An erotic electrostimulation power source and electrode

Erotic electrostimulation (also known as electrophilia or electrosex) is a human sexual practice involving the application of low-frequency electrical stimulation to the nerves of the body, with particular emphasis on the genitals, using a power source (such as a TENS, EMS, Violet wand, or made-for-play units) for purposes of sexual stimulation. Electrostimulation has been associated with BDSM activities, and erotic electrostimulation is an evolution of that practice. Erotic electrostimulation is the use of electrostimulation in an erotic or sexual manner versus the more sadistic or painful applications in BDSM.

Safety

Electrostimulation can cause tissue damage or even death if misused. The most common problems arising from electrostimulation tend to be burns from lack of lubrication or bad contact between the electrode and the skin's surface. Even at relatively low current and voltage, there is also risk of interference with normal heart function (potentially including cardiac arrest), and this risk is higher for those who use an artificial pacemaker or similar device or who have heart conditions. Because of this, it is not advisable to place the electrical contacts in such a way that current passes through the chest cavity. Newcomers are encouraged to research the hazards, limitations, and techniques of electrostimulation and the devices used.

History

The use of electricity for entertainment purposes dates back at least as early as the 1740s. In the 1830s, insertable electrode attachments for small magnetos could be purchased. Later in the 1800s, various electric belts (some complete with "suspensory sack") were advertised as cures for impotence.

Modern electrostimulation first became recognized during the 1950s with the introduction of a device called the Relaxacisor, which was originally designed to stimulate the muscles of a relaxing subject using electric currents as a means of "passive exercise." Such power sources are still in medical use today and are known as EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) units.

Some people soon found alternative uses for the Relaxacisors by placing the contacts on sexual parts of the body. By the 1970s, medical TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units were also being used for electrostimulation. However, neither the EMS nor medical TENS units were ideal for erotic purposes, and in the 1980s the first devices manufactured specifically for erotic electrostimulation became available, in particular the Titillator and the Pleasure Box, later known as the PES Power Box.

In the 1970s, experimenters noticed that bare speaker wires could deliver a jolt and began using recorded and live sound for electrostimulation. At that time, there were no professionally made attachments for such play, so people built their own out of copper plumbing parts and other metal pieces with attention to resistors placed in series with the human parts to control the current for safety. Although early e-stim units used only a simple, pulsed, sinusoidal wave, newer units (such as the ErosTek 312) use more complex wave forms and also allow for the use of ambient sound or prerecorded wave forms like music or specially designed computer files for specific types of stimulation. There are now sites dedicated to the creation of MP3 files specifically for erotic journeys or symphonies, which can include such routines as rewards, punishments, very strong, and pleasantly soft portions.

Types of power sources

Medical power sources

There are repackaged TENS and EMS units marketed as erotic electrostimulation power sources. Medical TENS units are designed to desensitize nerves (for pain management), and though they can be used for sexual electrostimulation purposes, most people do not find the sensation they produce especially erotic. Medical EMS units are designed to cause muscle contraction and are also far from optimal for erotic use.

Body toning and massage units

An increasing number of "body toner" or "electromassage"-type power sources are being marketed directly to consumers. Like medical units, these types of power sources were not designed for sexual use. They vary widely in quality and capabilities and most have the incorrect power and frequency output for erotic electrostimulation.

Homemade power sources

Some people may try to craft a "homemade" electrostimulation power sources, or adapt or modify commercial products (such as a Hifi or DVD system) that were never intended for electrostimulation of the human body. These are dangerous practices; such improvised devices not specifically designed for use on the human body can easily cause injury. On January 23, 2008, a woman in Lower Windsor Township (near York, PA) is alleged to have died from using a homemade electrostimulation power source. Her husband is being charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment.

Erotic electrostimulation power sources

Erotic electrostimulation power sources are specifically designed and manufactured for erotic use on the human body. The first analog devices became popular during the mid-1980s, and during the late 1990s digital devices also became available. Both types usually allow for adjustments of frequency and power output levels, some with complex preset "programs" and computer controls. The setups usually consist of a "box" and electrodes connected by wiring. Many of the boxes are portable and can be powered by batteries or come with built-in rechargeable batteries. Some units can be connected to remote operators via an Internet-connected computer or controlled via radio frequency key fobs.

Other methods

There are other medical methods that have led to patent filings, such as the discovery that placing electrodes in the spinal cord can induce pleasurable feelings leading to orgasm. There are also various apparatuses, with external or internal stimulation.

• Method for artificially inducing sexual excitation
• Method and pacemaker for stimulating penile erection

Other kinds of apparatus use interferential currents with four surface electrodes to replace the internal electrodes.

Electrodes

An electrode is used to deliver the actual electrostimulation to the body.

Example of woman with electrode

For erotic electrostimulation, these are typically items designed to be applied to the genitals such as vaginal plugs and shields, anal plugs, probes to directly stimulate the prostate, testicle rings, CBT boards, cock rings, urethral probes, and other items for penile application. The pads used with TENS units are also used in the sexual application of electrostimulation. There are also electrified nipple and breast electrodes available, but there is disagreement within the e-stim community about their safety.

The electrodes can be made of metals such as gold, silver, aluminum, and stainless steel. There are also electrodes made out of conductive silicone. Conductive rubber is a cheap, flexible and efficient option. Electrodes can also be created by modifying medical machinery, telephone electromagnets and other devices that are electrical sources.

Lubrication

Lubrication plays an important role in the success of erotic electrostimulation since without it, there is a greater risk of high-frequency epidermal burning. Water-based lubricants are generally recommended, although olive oil is popular because it does not dry out as water-based lubricants can. Typically it is recommended to avoid any lubricant that contains silicone since it is an insulator and hence reduces conductivity. Practitioners of electrostimulation select lubricants for compatibility with the material of the electrodes, as well as for desirable conductive properties, which can maximize the strength and quality of the signal.

See also

• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
• SmartStim page including discussion, software, stim files, links to manufacturers, and various how-tos including home kits. Also includes larger lists of proper safety precautions.