7 Big, Fat Misconceptions About Strap-Ons

Have you ever used a strap-on? If not - or you're afraid to try - it might be because there are oh-so-many misconceptions about these sex toys. The problem is that if you've misjudged this harness/dildo combo, you probably aren't going to head out and pick one up. If you're curious about strap-ons and want to learn more, this article's for you. Check out these seven major misconceptions about this very popular sex toy.

Strap-ons are only for lesbian couples.

This is the first and probably the largest misconception about strap-ons. Yes, strap-ons are used in girl-on-girl play, but they can also be used in boy-on-boy, boy-girl, solo and even three-way play. The wide range of options makes it easy for every kind of person and couple to find a strap-on that works best for them. That's what makes strap-ons so popular: They're versatile!

Strap-ons are only used for vaginal penetration.

With the growing trend of exploring anal play, couples are increasingly venturing into using strap-ons for anal pleasure. There are strap-ons with attachments made specifically for anal play and for other types of penetration as well, such as mouth gags. In fact, you can use a strap-on for just about any kind of penetrative play. Just make sure you use an attachment that's comfortable for your partner. (Get some insight in He Wants Me to Peg Him. Now What?)

Men who enjoy strap-ons may actually be gay.

This is such a false assumption! The anal area is very receptive to pleasure in both genders and some men do enjoy having this area stimulated, be it by manual and oral stimulation or through actual penetration. Many straight couples also engage in pegging (woman to man anal penetration). Curved dildo attachments can be used to stimulate the prostate and help to reach a new and different form of pleasure. But here's what you've got to be clear about: The anus is a body part that's receptive to sexual stimulation, just like the penis or the vagina. Enjoying that stimulation says nothing about a person's sexuality. It's who they enjoy that stimulation from that counts! (Read more about misconceptions about anal sex in Butt Play: Your Ifs, Ands and ... Buts.)

Men use strap ons because they are unable to perform.

No … and yes depending on the man. Strap-ons with hollow dildo attachments are great for men who have erectile dysfunction and/or premature ejaculation. That said, men who do not have these issues can also derive a great deal of pleasure from using a strap-on. It is both a tool and a toy. Cool, right?

Strap-ons must be used with a partner.

Heck no! Strap-on ready furniture comes with penetration attachments as part of the deal, or you can buy strap-ons that have a wide enough harness to attach yourself to your furniture of choice. Chair strap ons, end-of-the-bed strap-ons, and strap-ons with suction cup bottoms that can be applied to walls are all options when it comes to how you want to spend your solo time.

Strap ons with removable inner and outer dildo attachments can be rearranged for penetrating a partner or on the inside (bullets, dildos or plugs) for solo use. That makes a strap-on one very versatile sex toy.

There is only one kind of harness.

With the diversity of dildo attachments, it only makes sense that the harnesses that hold them come in all types as well. They come in sexy lace, practical cotton and super-sexy velvety materials. There are even padded harnesses for those who like the feel of a softer touch. Leather, latex and PVC strap-ons often appeal to fetish fans. Some harnesses even look like regular underwear for those who like to be discreet. Harnesses come in sizes to fit the most petite to the curviest figures and can be adjusted to determine how low or high the harness sits on the waist and pelvic area to compensate for height.

Strap-ons only have dildo attachments.

Maybe the first strap-ons only allowed phallus-shaped attachments, but now there are attachments for every need. G-spot and prostate attachments, as well as anal, clitoral, and scrotum stimulators can all be used with a strap-on harness. There are even harnesses that allow nipple attachments so that while you’re getting pleasured down below, you're upper-body buttons are still being pushed.

Time to Strap on Some Fun?

Sales of strap-ons are growing as people continue to discover the versatility and fun this type of toy provides. So before you blow off strap-ons as something for someone else, consider whether they might just fit into your fantasies. One thing's for sure: They can add a whole lot of sexy fun for just about anyone.