How Do Strap-Ons Work: Everything You Need to Know

Reversing romantic roles adds an interesting spicy element to relationship dynamics. It can be done in the dating realm and it can also be done in the bedroom.
Strap-on sex toys give couples perfect opportunities to try something new, something that would be biologically impossible. Choosing and using the right strap-on, however, isn’t easy with all of the available options.
If you’re new to this exciting world and you’re curious about using strap-ons, the following guide is the perfect choice. It will answer all of your most pressing questions and also deliver a couple of practical tips that will help you make the most of your brand new sex toy.

What Is a Strap-On?

A strap-on sex toy usually consists of two pieces – a harness and a penetration probe/dildo.

One person is meant to wear the strap-on, penetrating their other partner during sex. Anyone can use a strap-on – there are products designed to fit the anatomy of both men and women. You’ll also find specialized products that enable distinctive experiences like double penetration.

Strap-ons allow women to penetrate their partners. This activity is called pegging and it can be incredibly erotic. Pegging builds trust while also allowing two people to discover new kinds of pleasure. Penetration can be very pleasurable for a male because it stimulates the prostate. The female partner is going to feel very empowered, becoming the active side during sex and being in control of the dynamics.


Strap-ons can also be very hot to use for some girl-on-girl action. They are amazing for all kinds of penetrative sex. Since the range of probes is extensive (smooth, textured, soft, firm, vibrating) every couple will easily find a strap-on that’s ideally suited to the type of sex they intend to explore.

Strap-on sex toys
Strap-on adult toy

Various Strap-On Kinds

While we’ve given you the basic description of strap-ons for women, there are lots of different strap-on sex toys to explore.
You’ll need to acquaint yourself with the options before buying a classic strap-on. Some of the alternatives may be a better match.
A classic pegging strap-on features a slim, slightly curved probe. It is designed to allow for precise prostate stimulation that will lead to very powerful orgasms.

There are also vibrating strap-ons (amazing for the couples that need additional stimulation), hollow strap-ons (these are meant to go over the penis, producing some enhancement or allowing couples to overcome issues like erectile dysfunction) and even ejaculating strap-ons. Some of these create a very realistic experience that’s meant to resemble a specific type of sex.

You’ll also find some variety in terms of the harness design.

Strappy harnesses are most common because they’re easiest to adjust and they’ll fit various body types. The placement and number of straps will vary – some are created to be minimalist and very sexy while others are sturdier and better capable of supporting the probe.

Underwear-style harnesses are also a thing. imagine regular underwear that has a front pocket and an O-ring. That design supports the probe while the underwear-style harness gives you a ton of comfort (and sex appeal, of course).

Finally, you’ll come across the strapless strap-ones. These contraptions don’t have a harness at all. Instead, the strap-on has a retention bulb that goes inside the wearer’s vagina and a penetration probe used for partnered sex. Strapless strap-ons can feel very liberating but you’ll need a strong pelvic floor to make the most of these toys. They’re usually not recommended for people who are just getting started with strap-on sex.

Getting Used to Your Brand New Strap-On

Now that you’ve bought your first strap-on, you’ll need to learn how to use it. Worry not, the strap-on is an intuitive sex toy you’ll master relatively fast. For the purpose, you may want to do a couple of thing before trying partnered sex.
Do put the strap-on on when it arrives. See how the straps are adjusted. Get a good feel for it – the weight of the probe, its placement and size.

Try the strap-on in front of the mirror. You’ll get a better idea about what it looks like and what it does when you move your body. You can even practice some thrusting to get a good sense of how the probe is going to perform whenever you decide to penetrate your partner.

The next step would be to bring the strap-on to the bedroom. Don’t worry about actual penetrative sex – you don’t have to get there the first time around if you don’t feel ready for it. The strap-on can become a part of your foreplay routine. Both of you can use it on each other. Manual use is a good start – you’ll both understand what the probe feels and what speed/depth of penetration are best. Playing with the toy will give you confidence and you’ll both eventually feel ready to test it out during penetrative sex.

Making Strap-On Sex Feel Amazing Right from the Start

The two things that will make strap-on sex amazing are patience and lube.

Take it slow and explore the new sexual horizons. Respect your partner’s boundaries and don’t push for things they aren’t ready to do yet. In time, they will open up to new possibilities, especially if those first strap-on experiences have been mutually-satisfying.

Lots of lube is the second key to making strap-on sex wonderful. The kind of lube should correspond to the material that the probe is made of. Medical-grade silicone dildos are only compatible with water-based lubes. Silicone-lubes tend to be more long-lived but they’re not compatible with several sex toy materials, including silicone and thermoplastics. Invest in a good water-based lube just to be on the safe side.

During those first sexy experiments you should let the recipient be in charge of the experience. If they are on top, they will determine the speed and depth of penetration that feel best. Such positions will also be easier for the wearer, especially if they don’t have experience with strap-on sex yet.

A few other good positions for strap-on newbies include doggy style and even the good, old missionary. Depending on height, having sex standing up can also be an interesting idea worth exploring.

Maintain good communication throughout the session and know what works for both of you. If you’re open to the experience and you’re receptive of your partner’s feedback, you’ll make strap-on sex a valuable and bonding part of your erotic routine.

Can Straight Hetero Couples Have Fun with Strap-Ons?

The use of strap-ons is a growing trend among heterosexual couples. Straightness isn’t going to be affected by anal penetration. In fact, it can unlock a vast sexual potential for pleasure that would be impossible to discover in another way.

The male prostate can be stimulated through anal penetration. That stimulation is very pleasurable. It also contributes to a distinctive kind of orgasm. The prostate orgasm has been described as a full-body experience, much more powerful than a regular ejaculation. That’s the reason why the prostate is often called the P-spot.

With so many kinds of probes and strap-ons, all couples will easily find the shape and design that seems correct and non-threatening. It’s very easy to start out small and eventually look for more pronounced probes in the event of both people enjoying the pegging experiment.

A final thing we’d like to mention is taking good care of strap-ons. All sex toys need to be cleaned immediately after use and stored correctly. Adhere to manufacturer recommendations when it comes to cleaning, storage and maintenance. Being meticulous will maximize your safety and also prolong the lifespan of the sex toy.