Expert issues warning over 'electrosex' trend that men are losing their minds over

If you've ever accidentally turned yourself on after being mildly electrocuted then I believe you are in the right place.

Electrosex, also known as erotic electrostimulation or e-stim, is making its way to the mainstream following its popularity in BDSM communities.

For men, penile electrostimulation involves applying low-voltage electrical currents to the nerves and muscles of the penis.

Unlike before, e-stim can be achieved far more readily with easily available made-for-play devices like conductive silicone cock rings, clamps or pads that are placed on the skin to transmit mild electrical waves.

The current supposedly makes nerve endings more alert, often allowing for intense, hands-free climaxes.

"There are also adhesive pads to attach to your testicles, or insertable toys for both anal and vaginal use," sexologist Becky Crepsley-Fox explained to Metro.

How to practise e-stim

Don't make it too much of a shock (Getty Stock Images)

If you're 'asking for a friend', Becky says 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," she added.

"For people with penises, increased engorgement can create a sensation of greater firmness.

"The testicles are particularly responsive – the skin is thin, nerve endings are densely packed, and many people find even low-level current there produces an intense sensation."

What happens if you do it wrong?

You can now get e-stim toys online (Getty Stock Images)

As you can imagine, electrocuting yourself comes with some risks.

"Placing pads too high on the body can cause cardiac disruption," Becky added.

"Anyone with a heart condition or epilepsy shouldn’t try e-stim."

Other risks include muscle spasms, nerve damage, skin burns, and irritation. Some users also report temporary numbness or tingling in their genitals after use, particularly when using high power settings.

Some people find that regular e-stim use makes normal masturbation feel less satisfying. This happens because the body can become used to the intense sensations of electrical stimulation.

Safety comes first

E-stim was largely limited to the BDSM community (Getty Stock Images)

"Always start with your chosen device on the lowest setting and increase gradually, and only ever use purpose-built sex-tech devices – never improvised or DIY equipment," Becky advised.

"Check your device before use and never use it near water, as well as keeping pads strictly below the waist and away from the heart."

She also recommends to do it with a partner for the first time in case anything goes wrong.

You most certainly will be shocked to learn how much you might enjoy it.

Other wild bedroom trends

Electrosex isn't the only bedroom trend that has caught the internet by surprise. Take a look at these...

Toothing

No, toothing isn't about your pearly whites. As reported by Reuters via ABC, it's 'a form of anonymous sex with strangers, usually on some form of transport or enclosed area such as a conference or training seminar'.

Shallowing

Shallowing involves light stimulation around the entrance of the vagina, rather than full penetration. It can be enjoyed solo and even has some health benefits, too.

Sploshing

Also known as the 'wet and messy' fetish, sploshing falls under the umbrella of sitophilia: the sexual arousal from food. It involves getting messy in the bedroom, though the trend isn't without its warnings.

Castlecore

Have you ever dreamed of prancing around medieval castles and fighting dragons? Well, the castlecore trend might just be for you - and you're not alone. In 2024, Lovehoney found an increase in customers experimenting with corsets and dildos inspired by fantasy creatures.