I’m always on the hunt for a new favorite sex toy to add to my collection. Masturbation is an essential part of my self-care routine and I like to switch my routine up regularly to keep things interesting. Recently, I’ve been looking for a new rabbit-style vibrator because my old ones just aren't doing it for me anymore. While they are iconic and still able to bring many folks to orgasm the experience has been feeling dull for me as of late. I love dual-stimulation vibrators but I always find myself wishing the internal element of my rabbit was able to better mimic the sensation of penetrative intercourse. When I stumbled upon the Bellesa Thrust I was hopeful that my desire would finally be fulfilled. I saw this tweet and immediately purchased the toy:

“Just used a vibrator that changed the trajectory of my entire life. I came like 5 times back to back. felt happiness in its purest form. went to heaven and maybe saw god? I understand human existence now,” (@jasminericegirl)

After using the toy dozens of times I’ll admit that while I have come no closer to understanding human existence the Bellessa Thrust has changed my sex life for the better. It seems that the Thrust is on Cosmopolitan’s best vibrators list for a reason. This blog is my honest (not sponsored) guide to the ins and outs of Bellesa’s Thrust!

A shift in religious identity during adulthood is becoming increasingly common. A recent study by the Public Religion Research Institute reports that one in four Amerians were previously followers of another religion than the one they affiliate with now. This represents an increase from the 16% of Americans reported in 2021 (Religion and Congregations in a Time of Social and Political Upheaval, PRRI: ). Changes in religious perspective can prompt a reexamination of all aspects of one’s life: professional, political, and familial. Since one’s sexuality can often be closely tied to a religious practice, faith transitions may create unique challenges as adults navigate a shifting sexual self.

Being human with consciousness—that is, having feelings, thoughts, and memories—means once in a while we will feel anger, frustration, and anxiety in our relationships. It is nothing to feel ashamed and guilty about! The more you form distinctive relationships, the more you’ll get to explore the different faculties of your emotions—including anger and pain. You might find yourself or your partner(s) displaying anger in different ways and motions, both in sexual and non-sexual situations. When this happens, the best thing to do is to take the anger out for lunch, sit with it, and dig into the “whys” and the “hows.” The real challenge is not to stop yourself from feeling these emotions; instead, it is about learning to control and cope with the challenging situations you find yourself in. So, if you relate to experiencing discomfort when it comes to handling anger and frustration in your unique sexual experiences and relationships, I’d say keep on reading…

One of the things I’ve witnessed at the SHA events I’ve attended is how often this organization introduces people—who are often already professionals—to ideas that they have never before encountered. Truthfully, some of this information should be required learning before someone can become a certified therapist, but it’s not. SHA fills a void (especially with their certification programs) to introduce their students and attendees to information that will better help them assist their clients in a sex-positive and safe way. However, these programs and events may not be accessible to everyone, and you can’t always replay a webinar when you need some guidance.

From its origins in the ancient Fertile Crescent, the Dominatrix archetype continued to invigorate culture through the medieval period into the 19th century. The ancient goddess worship of Inana and Artemis Orthia had been violently oppressed as patriarchal religions and concepts of private property came to dominate society. Despite this, the dominant woman archetype persisted in art, literature, and erotica. From a brave knight jousting for his fair lady’s honor, to a governess disciplining her young wards, the Dominatrix archetype remained a constant theme in both art and fantasy.

Red-light Districts are defined as sections of urban areas designated for legal prostitution and sex-related businesses such as sex shops, strip clubs, adult theaters, and brothels. The color red has always held a relationship to sex and sexuality, and the red in red-light districts means “open for business.” While there are numerous red-light districts in the world—including Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Pigalle in Paris, France; Reeperbahn in Hamburg, Germany; and Kabukichō in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan—there is one red-light district that seems to surpass those mentioned in terms of popularity. Perhaps when you think of the term “red-light district,” a mental image of a European-style street painted in fluorescent red signs pops up. This area is known as De Wallen in Amsterdam.

Passion isn’t linear; it grows, changes, and evolves over time. What satisfies a couple’s sexual and romantic needs one day won’t necessarily satisfy them the next. While that can be difficult to keep up with at times, it’s also what makes relationships interesting and dynamic. 

The pursuit of spicing up your sex life is a worthwhile but ongoing process that requires time, attention, and input from both sides. With a bit of patience, curiosity, and communication, any consenting couple can enjoy an active sex life that’s satisfying, exciting, and stimulating, both physically and emotionally.