Happy early World AIDS Day! Remember to get yourself tested once every six months if you have multiple partners and once a year if you’re monogamous. The sixth floor of University Health Services will be offering free walk-in HIV tests all day long Dec. 1.

Y’all had some rad follow-up questions about sex toys, so let’s get to the good stuff!

Do tongue rings really make for better oral?

Depends on who you ask, but my informal anecdotal evidence suggests that tongue rings are more visually stimulating than anything else. Sure, it might add a little somethin’ extra, but if you want to give better head there are plenty of other tools and techniques you could use without sticking a metal rod through your tongue.

Throw in some hand/finger action, some sucking, some head swirling, some tongue flicking, etc. If you have a tongue ring and want to use it to its full potential, consider buying a tongue-tickler sleeve or a vibrating tongue ring. Proceed cautiously, please, because some people find those irritating.

Can you talk about the Fleshlight?

Fo sho, yo! The Fleshlight is a male masturbatory aid, more informally known as a jerk-off toy. These are textured tubes of soft material that are enclosed within a hard plastic container – that resembles a flashlight – for easy grabbing and discreetness. The sleeves can be removed from the canister for cleaning and come in mouth, pussy, butthole or plain-shaped openings.

You can jerk it up and down or wedge it in between couch cushions and hump away. Everyone seems to be familiar with the Fleshlight, but there’s actually way more variety to “pocket pussies.” Here are some fun Google searches for you: Tenga, Sue Johanson’s Head Honcho and Fun Factory’s Cobra Libre.

Is it true that heterosexual men use anal toys? 

The anus is filled with pleasurable nerve endings, and the prostate – or male g-spot – is located up there. When rubbed just the right way, prostate orgasms can induce the most earth-shattering, full-body shivering cum sessions known to man.

Some men – gay and straight alike – also enjoy inserting anal beads before or during sex then slowly pulling them out one by one during climax. As the pelvic floor muscles contract, they squeeze around each bead, prolonging and intensifying the orgasm.

Now why should that joy be reserved just for gay guys? Good Vibrations, a well-known San Francisco-based sexuality boutique, polled its patrons who purchased harnesses and found that two-thirds of them were straight women who intended to use them on their straight male partners — it’s called pegging.

I want a fancy, unique toy. Any suggestions?

Consider experimenting with a different material like glass, wood or metal instead of the traditional silicone, jelly or plastic. Dildos made of these specialty materials tend to have a heavier, more solid-feeling weight to them and are beautifully hand-crafted. I’d totally use them as decorative sculptures if my roomies would let me!

How do you clean sex toys? 

If the toy doesn’t have any electronic parts and is made out of pure silicone, pyrex glass or metal, they can be boiled on the stove or put in the top rack of a dishwasher. Otherwise, there’s no real way to sterilize sex toys, only sanitize. Wash plastic toys, vibrating toys or toys made of porous materials with warm – not hot – water and non-irritating, anti-bacterial soap. There are also specialty toy cleaners out there, but they tend to be expensive. A solution of 10 parts water to one part bleach followed by a rinse in clean water also works well. Using a condom over toys also makes for easy cleanup.

I want a cheap toy that packs a lot of punch. What should I get?

Try a mini bullet, also known as a peanut vibrator. These little rascals range from about $5-10 and are the length of a pinkie – perfect for storing in a pocket or clutch purse. They’re pretty strong but go through batteries fast. Luckily, the small, watch-sized batteries are pretty cheap: about a dollar a piece at sexuality boutiques. Peanut/bullet vibes can also be inserted into cock rings with a strap or dildos with a hole in the base.

I’m confused – am I supposed to stick a vibrator in me?

Most – eight of 10 – female-bodied people don’t; they just use vibrators for the vulva and the clit. Egg, bullet and peanut vibrators should definitely be used for external purposes only. But longer shaft vibrators can be slid inside if you’re into that.

What would you recommend for someone who struggles to be pleasured manually and is maybe interested in a vibrator but is turned off by the look of sex toys?

Never fret! There are plenty of non-phallic looking vibrators. ‘Cause, ya know, not everyone is turned on by giant, dong- shaped toys. Caterpillar, dolphin, flower, lipstick, cone and ball-shaped vibrators are available. Big Teaze’s “Rub My Duckie” vibe is my personal fave. This rubber duckie makes bath time lots of fun! A plus, the duck bill is perfect for clitoral stimulation because it envelops the clit.

Keep the questions coming! Stay sexy and safe, everyone!

Sam and Amie love answering your questions, so hit them up at [email protected].