If you’re looking to bring heightened sexual stimulation to a sensitive spot, nipple clamps can be a great addition to a masturbation routine. Nipple clamps, which are simply clamps that concentrate pressure on a sensitive zone, can be used alone or with a partner. They’re often made of metal, but they come in a variety of materials and styles. They can even be paired with a vibrating option for extra pleasure.
Whether you’re a masochist or just into exploring your erogenous zones, nipple pinching can be intensely pleasurable. That’s why nipple clamps are such a popular sex toy. They concentrate pressure on a sensitive spot that’s full of nerve endings, and they’re also hands-free. Plus, nipple play releases oxytocin, which can lead to an orgasm.
Nipple clamps are “clamps that squeeze or pinch a small area of the body to increase sensation,” says clinical sexologist and co-founder of The Swann Center Valerie Poppel. The feeling they produce can be anything from a light, gentle pinch to a painful numbness. The best nipple clamps can be found online, and they can come in adjustable styles that let you control the intensity of the experience. They’re a great way to explore a new erogenous zone, and they can be paired with a variety of other sex toys for head-to-toe pleasure.
When you’re ready to try nipple clamps, make sure they’re fitted properly. They should feel snug, but not tight or restrictive. It’s a good idea to practice with a regular clothespin or even your own fingers before dropping cash on a pair of nipple clamps, especially for first-timers, advises sex and relationships expert Shamyra Howard, LCSW. That will help you find the right tension to get started and figure out your pain tolerance. If your nipple clamps have a screw on them, she adds, start with the lowest tension setting to avoid over-doing it.
Once you’ve found the right pair, try them out alone or with a partner. You can use them to lick, suck, tease, and gently bite your nipples or areola, or have your partner graze the tips with feather ticklers to get more stimulation. And if you’re feeling adventurous, some of the nipple clamps on this list can also be worn on other sensitive spots, like the neck, clitoris, and penis.
The most popular nipple clamps include a vibrating feature that’s great for added pleasure. You can also purchase a separate vibrator to attach to your nipple clamps or other erogenous zones for even more sensation. But be careful: If you’re not used to the sensation of nipple play, a vibrating nipple clamp can feel overstimulating and potentially dangerous. If you do decide to use a vibrating nipple pincher, make sure to take it off at the very moment your partner is on the brink of an orgasm or in the middle of one. That way, the oxytocin will rush back into the nipples and intensify the experience.