10 Things to Consider

A quick reference for choosing an adaptive aid for intimacy.

There is no right or wrong way to work through this list. Use whatever is useful, skip what is not, and reach out to our team or your treating clinician any time you would like a hand.

Materials and feel

  • Softer materials suit gentle exploration or sensitivity. Firmer materials give more targeted pressure
  • Check for known sensitivities to silicone, latex, lubricants or fragrances
  • Body-safe, medical-grade silicone is a good default if you are unsure

Sensation style

  • Vibration is not the only option. Pressure, pulsation and texture are worth exploring too
  • Deep, rumbly vibration feels different to sharp, buzzy vibration
  • Think about whether a range of intensities or patterns matters to you

Hand function and grip

  • Larger handles, textured grips and raised buttons make a product easier to operate
  • Simple, single-touch controls reduce the need for fine motor precision
  • Lubricant can make handles slippery, which is worth factoring in

Hands-free and remote options

  • Useful where fatigue, reduced grip or limited reach are a factor
  • Options include remote control, app control, wearable design or suction mounting
  • Can also support a partner to be involved hands-on

Internal, external or both

  • Think about where stimulation is wanted before choosing shape and size
  • New to internal use? Start smaller and use lubrication
  • Anything used anally needs a flared base for safety

Positioning and support

  • Positioning aids can reduce strain during transfers or extended use
  • Consider bed height, available space, and how a partner may need to assist
  • A session with your OT or physio can make new equipment far less daunting

Solo, partner, or both

  • Some products are designed to fit comfortably between two bodies
  • Shared or remote control can help a partner stay involved
  • Intimacy does not have to be penetration-focused. Comfort and connection matter most

Function without erection

  • Plenty of products do not rely on erectile function for arousal, sensation or ejaculation
  • Worth raising with your clinician if erectile changes are part of your situation
  • A common and valid need, not a niche one

Safety and body awareness

  • Always follow the manufacturer's guidance on frequency and duration of use
  • Overuse of high-intensity products can cause irritation, swelling or nerve strain
  • Stop and seek advice if you notice pain, numbness, or symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia

Practicalities and support

  • Consider whether charging and storage need to be discreet
  • Check the warranty and how faults are handled before you buy
  • Our team is here if anything does not work as expected. You are not on your own with this

If you would like to talk any of this through before you choose, get in touch. If cost is the barrier rather than the choice, our funding assistance page explains how we quote and invoice funding bodies directly.

Get in Touch

Looking for more information or support? Send us an enquiry using the contact form below, or call us on 0493 133 667.