Our Electro Sex Toy Guide for the TENS Unit

Good sex is often described as electric, but usually, that’s all about the chemistry between the people involved. Most folks wouldn’t ever contemplate involving actual electricity in their erotic play because let’s face it, those static electric shocks you get aren’t fun. So how do you make electrostimulation sexy not scary? Victoria Blisse shares her top tips.

 

Guide to electrostimulation – Shock your socks off with a TENS unit!

First things first, safety* is sexy.  *Never use electro sex toys if you have a pacemaker or heart problems, electrical medical implant or if you’re pregnant. Don’t use on broken skin, but nicely warmed up red skin is fantastic for BDSM play.

Electrosex toys are made to be as safe as possible, but you need to have some basic safety knowledge before using them. The general rule for any newbie is to keep all electric stimulation below the waist. This is to protect the heart and the brain, both of which are sensitive to electric currents. Until you know your stuff, keep your play below the waist.
 

 

The best way to learn would be to get instruction from a seasoned eStim practitioner. If not, be sure to read the instructions that come with your unit thoroughly and do some research before starting play.
 

What is a TENS unit?

The most often used machine for electro sex is a TENS unit. Their original medical use was for the relief nerve or muscle pain, lots of women use it to ease labour pains, but they can also be used for pleasure purposes.

It’s not all about pain; a TENS unit has a variety of settings which can provide everything for a gentle, vibrating hum to zapping, brain-numbing pain. It’s up to you which settings you pick. You can buy specific erotic TENS unit machines, but medical units can be used as well, with a variety of electro sex toys and attachments available.  *Check all connections, pads and wires before play. If they show any signs of wear, do not use them.
 

Time for some electric love!

How to use a TENS unit for pleasure and or pain

Always attach your electrodes (usually in the shape of a sticky pad) on your body first before turning on the current. Keep these below the waist if you’re new to the world of electric. The electric current will flow between the pads. TIP: the wider apart they are, the more gentle, the smaller the area between the more intense the sensation.

The size of the TENS unit pads will make a difference too. The bigger they are, the wider the area covered but, the smaller they are, the more focused and intense the sensations will be. If you’re looking for erotic stimulation, bigger pads are probably better, for pain go small.
 

 

There are a few different settings you can use for sexual stimulation.  Place the TENS unit pads either side of the clit or vulva or near the tip and the bottom of a penis to direct the current to nerves that are bound to make you tingle. You can also place them at the top and bottom of the scrotum or either side of the anus, depending on what you want. Have fun experimenting! 

TIP: You may need to spritz with saline (water and salt) if you’re using connections that don’t have conductive gel on them as dry skin is not a good conductor. If you have conductive gel, that won’t generally be needed. If electrodes are being inserted, be sure to use lube (as with any insertable) but also for conductivity purposes too.

*TENS units are designed to start at the lowest setting and move up. This is a safety feature as a massive wave of electric could damage nerves and muscles, you need to warm them up first.

There are many settings on these units which produce all sorts of sensations. Tingling, pricking, pulling, twisting are some way to describe the throbbing that can accompany eStim. Muscles contract, nerves tingle and you can understand why electric play can be orgasmic and also evil, wicked pain.

 

TENS Unit + BDSM = Kinky fun!

Using TENS for BDSM play is great if you are looking for something that doesn’t mark. You may get a little redness where the electrodes connect to the skin, but this should fade relatively quickly. It can also be used on the already warmed up skin to intensify the shocking pain.

Erotic electrostimulation can be achieved by keeping to lower, more pulsing settings. If you don’t want any pain, you can also use your TENS machine purely to create pleasure. 
 

TIP: Be sure to turn your TENS machine off before disconnecting the pads. You are working muscles and nerves in your play so be sure to rest afterwards, maybe stretch muscles before standing and moving around. TENS units are fun for solo and partner play. Be sure to communicate as you would in any scene and if in doubt don’t do it!
 

 

Clean up is simple and easy, electrodes with conductive gel can just be thrown away (or preserved by re-attaching to the plastic disc they come on. Once the gel is worn away do not use) any insertables can be cleaned with antiseptic wipes and or spray and used again.

Victoria Blisse was an erotic author and sex-positive Reverend. She helped shape fetish.com and FET from the very beginning and we're eternally grateful for her passion and creativity. Sadly, she passed away in January 2024. We hope that whenever her articles are read, she'll be honored.
 

Like what you've read? Come on in and find your fetish family!

    
 

 

All images: Shutterstock.com

🖤 OUR TENS Unit & Electro Sex FAQ

What is a TENS unit, and why is it used in BDSM?

A TENS unit (short for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) was originally a medical device used to relieve muscle pain. But kinksters being the creative perverts they are, it quickly made its way into the bedroom. A TENS machine in BDSM play delivers low-voltage electric pulses to the skin and muscles, creating anything from a gentle buzz to a sadistically satisfying zap. You can use a TENS unit for BDSM pleasure, pain, control — or all three.

Is electro sex actually safe?

Electro sex toys, including TENS units, are safe if you use them properly. Always keep stimulation below the waist unless you’ve had thorough training. Never use a TENS machine for BDSM if you have a pacemaker, heart condition, or are pregnant. And no, do not slap electrodes across the chest or temples. Stick to fleshy, muscle-rich areas and follow the golden rule: start low, go slow.

Where can I put the pads for electro sex?

Below the waist, kinkster. For electro sex, good spots include:

• Either side of the vulva or clit
• The frenulum or shaft of the penis
• Scrotum or perineum
• Inner thighs or butt cheeks

For extra control and intensity, explore BDSM TENS unit accessories like electro butt plugs or insertable wands (always with lube, always with consent).

How does electrostimulation feel?

Depending on your settings and pad placement, TENS BDSM play can feel like:

• A low, rumbling vibration
• Sharp tingles or pricks
  Rhythmic muscle contractions
• Delicious anticipation between pulses

The sensations range from orgasmic to downright evil — which is exactly why electro sex toys are such a kinky thrill.

Can I use a medical TENS unit for BDSM?

Yes, you can! While there are erotic versions of TENS machines for BDSM, many people start with standard medical TENS units. The key is making sure your attachments are safe for play and that you’re using conductive gel or water-based lube. Bonus: medical units are discreet AF.

Can I use a TENS unit on someone else?

Absolutely — that’s where the power play comes in. Dom(me)s can use a BDSM TENS unit to deliver teasing, torment, or punishment. Think: slow-building pulses as training, or a shock for disobedience. But like all kink — it’s only hot if it's consensual, negotiated, and safe.

Do I need to shave before using electro sex toys?

You don’t have to, but hair can get in the way of good contact. If you’re placing electrodes near the pubic area, trimming or shaving can improve the connection (and avoid some unpleasant peeling later). Smooth skin = better conductivity = better shocks.

What are the best electro sex toys to use with a TENS unit?

If you’re ready to level up, pair your TENS machine with:

• Electro dildos or plugs
• Conductive cock rings
• Insertable wands

 These electro sex toys take the pulse deeper — literally. Just make sure your toy is TENS-compatible and always test your setup before inserting anything.

Can I use a TENS unit for solo play?

Yes — and it’s amazing. One of the sexiest things about TENS BDSM play is hands-free pleasure. Strap in, crank the dials, and ride the pulse. You can even edge yourself with a timer, build toward orgasm with rhythmic patterns, or just enjoy the muscle-clenching tension. Think of it as your own private dungeon in a box.

Where can I meet others into electro sex and TENS BDSM?

You’re already in the right place. Fetish.com is buzzing with people into TENS unit BDSM, electro sex toys, and every delicious variation in between. Join the community to chat, swap tips, and maybe even find a partner who knows exactly where to stick the next electrode.

 

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