For your foray into these kinds of sex toys, Sloane recommends what she calls an «egg-on-a-stick» toy

Butt Plugs

When it comes to all the types of sex toys out there, butt plugs are great for experimenting with anal play. «They can teach your body to accept anal penetration and train your sphincter to relax around different-sized toys,» explains Sloane. But, lest you think butt plugs are only a stepping stone to full-blown anal, she says, «they’re awesome for stimulating the ring of nerves around the anus.»

What’s the difference between using a butt plug and using a dildo in the butt? «I tell people that dildos are more dynamic and meant to be taken in and out, while butt plugs typically go in and stay in to give a sustained, feeling of fullness,» explains Sloane. Plus, butt plugs have a flared base, which means they can be used safely without being attached to something like a harness. (See more about why butt plugs need a flared base here.)

G-Spot Toys

Thanks to their slight curve or expertly positioned bump, G-spot toys make it easy to apply firm pressure to the G-Spot (which, yes, does exist). «They’re great starter toys because they can be used internally and externally, for G-spot or A-spot play, and are typically pretty inexpensive.» She recommends the Blush azon), or the Doc Johnson Frisky (Buy It, $14, amazon).

A-Spot Toys

Speaking of the A-Spot — an erogenous zone a little further back than the G-spot and technically known as the anterior fornix erogenous zone — there are gadgets and gizmos specifically meant for A-spot stimulation. Typically these types of sex toys look like long, narrow variations of the G-spot toys, says Sloane. For a vibrating A-spot toy, try the Fun Factory Lady Bi-violet (Buy It, $160, amazon). And for a non-vibrating option try the Njoy 7.5-inch Pure G-spot Metal Wand (Buy It, $120, amazon), which Sloane says is A+ for A-spot play.

Rabbit Vibrators

A rabbit toy is a combo of two types of sex toys: an external vibrator and a G-spot toy. «It has an external part that usually looks like rabbit ears that provides vibration to the clitoris, while a second attachment goes inside the vagina for G-spot stimulation,» explains Sloane. She says this kind of sex toy is best for people who find duel sensations pleasurable or those who want to experiment with blended orgasms.

Shopping tip: «Make sure the toy you purchase allows you to control the vibrator patterns of both legs separately because usually the G-spot and clitoris need different intensities,» she says. The Lelo INA Wave (Buy It, $143, lelo) and the Calexotics Jack Rabbit (Buy It, $75, amazon) are both good options.

Prostate Toys

Built for people with prostates (of the male sex, for the most part), the function of these types of sex toys is to provide direct sensation to the prostate — some vibrate, some do not. «They’re a slender, curved toy that’s similar to G-spot toys,» says Sloane. «They provide direct sensation to the prostate, and are a great option for people who want to explore prostate play but don’t want to use their hands.» Lelo is one of the best-known brands for this corner of the market.

Anal Beads

Unlike butt plugs, which typically go in and stay in, anal beads — a different type of sex toy — provide the sensation of the anal sphincter opening and closing. «As you insert the beads, the sphincter opens up and then closes, giving you a teasing bloop-bloop sensation,» says Sloane. Maybe you’ve heard that pulling them out as you orgasm can create a more intense orgasm, she confirms that’s true — for some folks. «Other people like them because they have more mass to them, so can create a sense of anal fullness.» You can buy vibrating beads, such as these VeDo Beads (Buy It, $39, ellaparadis) or ones that don’t, as is the case with these 50 Shades of Grey beads by LoveHoney (Buy It, $27, ellaparadis)