Health3 min(s) read
Published 09:40 03 Jun 2026 GMT
Masturbation is a key aspect of exploring sexuality, but some have taken it to the extreme, with the use of hands-free masturbation devices that have experts concerned about safety.
The conception of hands-free technology was quite the phenomenon when it was launched in 1999, allowing drivers to circumvent laws that prohibited them from being on the phone while at the wheel.
While keen masturbators won’t be able to benefit from such a legal bypass, for it is illegal to be masturbating behind the wheel of a vehicle, whether it is hands-free or not, this new technology might just accommodate those with stronger propensities towards sedentary lifestyles.
Electro play, sometimes referred to as erotic electrostimulation or e-stim, incorporates electricity to stimulate those sensitive areas of the body with specialized equipment.
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According to enthusiasts, electro play is generally much safer and more focused on sensation and enjoyment than many people expect when self-pleasuring.
Users are able to control the intensity and experience according to their comfort level, which uses low-voltage electrical currents to create physical stimulation.
Speaking to Metro, sexologist Becky Crepsley-Fox described the practice as: “E-stim is a sexual practice popular within BDSM communities that uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate nerve and muscle endings, creating heightened sensation throughout the body.”
Although it may sound intimidating, e-stim does not involve electricity from household power outlets. Instead, participants use specially designed devices that safely deliver controlled electrical pulses.
Crepsley-Fox explained that common equipment includes a shaft ring, similar to a c**k ring, which sends mild electrical pulses through the penis and is connected to a dedicated stimulator.
She added: “There are also adhesive pads to attach to your testicles, or insertable toys for both anal and vaginal use.”
She further explained how setups can vary, saying: “A 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.”
However, experts warn that e-stim is not without risks. According to Crepsley-Fox, placing electrodes too high on the body can be dangerous. “Placing pads too high on the body can cause cardiac disruption,” she said, adding that “Anyone with a heart condition or epilepsy shouldn’t try e-stim.”
Safety guidance from electrosex communities generally recommends keeping stimulation below the waist, as electrical currents near the head or neck can increase the risk of seizures. People with pacemakers are also advised against the practice because electrical pulses may interfere with the device's operation.
Crepsley-Fox noted additional risks, including “muscle spasms, nerve damage, and electrical burns.”
While e-stim remains a relatively niche practice, experts stress that anyone interested should understand the potential risks, use equipment specifically designed for electrostimulation, and follow safety guidance carefully.
While exploring new sexual practices is often exciting, the prospect of electrocuting one’s own genitalia in the process certainly isn’t.
