Our guide to taking sexual intimacy to the next level
8 products that will take you straight to pleasure station
Some parents would rather you say Bloody Mary in front of a mirror three times than ask them about sex. Puberty for us was an awkward experience of trial and error. Advertisements made boys believe that women bled blue like we were a cricket team (here’s a better way to talk to them about periods). Girls didn’t know their clitoris from their vagina – some still struggle with this – and the ones questioning their gender identity and/or sexuality had to do it quietly through internal monologues.
The ’80s and ’90s were an undeniably weird time to be growing up. We were a generation of kids exposed to Raveena Tandon gyrating under a waterfall in Tip Tip Barsa Pani, while our parents and elders would never have sung along to “Baby Got Back” on the radio. Yet our own budding sexuality was barely acknowledged. Then came the internet, giving us access to a world of information and no means to process it all. So is it any wonder that we approach sex with the same trepidation as a tarantula’s lair?
“We still receive messages saying we’re going against ‘Indian culture’, that we’re ruining modesty,” said Anushka and Sahil Gupta, co-founders of MyMuse, though they insist the messages overall are largely positive.
“Especially our educational posts, because Indians are starved for information and conversation when it comes to sex-ed,” they added.
Sex educators, gynaecologists, therapists and sex-positive content creators are using their platforms to debunk myths and share realistic advice on tackling sex, intimacy, and reproductive wellness. This allows more sexual wellness brands to come up, from MsChief to Leezu’s, catering to a curious Indian audience looking to embrace and explore their sexuality.
As Forbes puts it, the market of sexual wellness is dominated by condoms, projected to become a $180 million market, according to market research firm Research and Markets. Inc42 adds that it’s largely through online sales — which is no surprise given that even now we go into stealth mode to buy sanitary pads at the kinari ki dukaan.
Pleasure — either self-pleasure or with a partner — is still at a nascent stage, even in the online space, thanks to the confusion surrounding the legality of it all for consumers. Though the Times of India reports that “section 292 of the Indian Penal Code can be invoked to restrict the sale, exhibition, advertising, import, or export of sex toys on the ground of obscenity”, most brands ensure the packaging is discreet and the toys are sourced through legitimate channels. The Indian Constitution grants citizens the right to privacy, so using pleasure products within your own bedroom doesn’t break any laws.
With that out of the way, if you’re ready for some exploration then we’ve made our picks from the offerings of some of the best sexual wellness brands in the Indian market. Whether you’re someone who has just started to have sex (read this if you’re unsure of where to start) or looking to take your intimacy to the next level, you’ll find a handy product from this list.
Our favourites from sexual wellness brands in India
Classic lube by MsChief
When we attended the launch of MsChief, the latest sexual wellness brand from TTK Healthcare, we spotted one of the most ingenious products we’ve seen in the Indian market – a discreet, stylish condom-carrying case that’s the size of a makeup compact. Slip it into your handbag and always be ready with contraception if the occasion calls for it.
If you’re not up for a spontaneous encounter, then definitely pick up some of their lube. It’s a water-based lubricant, which is generally preferred by experts because they’re easy to wash off once you’re done, making it less likely to cause an adverse reaction to the residue.
This one, in particular, is not only free of parabens, glycerine and artificial colour, infused with skin-loving extracts like aloe vera and vitamin E, but most excitingly, it’s sugar-free too. You may be wondering why lubricants need to be diabetic-friendly, but if you’re planning on going downtown for some oral sex, then it makes a huge difference. Lubes that contain sugar (glucose) can trigger yeast infections the same way that glycerine does.
Breeze suction massager by MyMuse
A compact massager made of body-safe silicone, this little device packs a punch as a spot stimulator for the clitoris and nipples. That said, you can use it on any part of the body that you find arousing.
There are ten different patterns in this device, and we’d recommend going in easy if you’re trying it for the first time. It can be used alone or with a partner during intercourse. Remember to wash with soap and water after every use.
Ultra-Thin Condoms by Salad
You might be thinking, what’s so different about these condoms, compared to what you get at the chemist?
Salad’s vegan condoms are made using natural rubber latex which they say is sourced from sustainable rubber forests in the country. Other than being ultra-thin (yet an effective barrier method), our favourite thing about the company is that 15% of their profits go towards sex-ed in Indian schools and colleges – yes, please!
Female Condoms by Domina
Adding to the contraceptive options available for women in the market is Domina with their female condoms. Also known as internal condoms, picture a female condom functioning as the inverse of a male condom. They’re inserted into the vagina and are bigger than male condoms in size.
The female condoms by Domina, a brand created by Vikas Bagaria of Pee Safe, are made using natural latex, However, they do contain a lavender scent so if you have any allergies or easily irritated skin, you may want to consult your healthcare provider before trying these out.
₹149 for a pack of 2 (currently on sale)
Latex-free condoms by SKYN
Eschewing condoms is almost always a bad idea. In some situations though, such as when someone has a latex allergy, it might be tempting to skip the condom. Or you could try SKYN.
SKYN avoids latex and makes condoms using polyisoprene, a scientifically formulated synthetic rubber which they say comes the closest to the feeling of not wearing a condom at all.
₹509 for a pack of 20
Extend delay spray by BoldCare
Premature ejaculation affects up to 40% of men at some point in their lifetime. It is normal, and involves both biological and psychological factors like abnormal hormone levels, past sexual trauma, inflammation and infections, as well as stress and relationship problems.
Yet premature ejaculation can be inconvenient, and at times, embarrassing for some. In this case, a delay spray can enable you to enjoy intercourse for a longer time. What delay sprays do, simply put, is slightly desensitise the area to prolong sex acts.
Lidocaine is one of the main ingredients in delay sprays. When used in the right amount, lidocaine is safe and has been heavily researched and tested as a mild topical anaesthetic. Use the spray (from a safe distance) on the erogenous zones on and around the penis.
Spiral condoms by Bleu
Don’t get frightened by the name. The spiral here refers to the tip of the condom which has a very unique shaped tip – although it isn’t a spiral. According to Bleu, you can delay climax through the shape rather than requiring application of external products.
This condom has got a flexible head, ribbed body, and shell-shaped neck. While the reviews have been mixed, it’s worth a try. They’re also vegan and with every purchase you make, you have the option to donate 5% of the sale value to the End AIDS India campaign.
₹380 for a pack of 8
S5 full set by The Sangya Project
The Sangya Project serves as not only a sexual wellness company, but a space that challenges our notions of sex and sexuality through sex education, giving a platform to diverse stories and experiences.
S5 is a strap-on sex toy comprising two parts: a non-vibrating dildo for penetration, and a harness-style holder for it which the person fastens around their hips.
It can be used for any kind of penetrative sex, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation.
You will love this
Sex is not something we should be afraid of, or afraid of talking about. Forget what uncle Ben said in Spiderman. We believe that with great knowledge comes greater intimacy, and simple enjoyment in our own skin.