opinion

Swelling Market

When we speak of sexual enhancements, many people automatically think about pills. Indeed, popping pills seems to have become an essential part of the sexual experience. Originally designed for men suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED), herbal substitutes have proliferated at an amazing pace.

But pills are not the only products used for the enhancement of sexual pleasure. There are many other potions, lotions and gels that can stimulate and please.

But pills are not the only products used for the enhancement of sexual pleasure. There are many other potions, lotions and gels ...

Personal lubricants: A great way to enhance the sexual experience. Many people had their first experience with these at the doctor’s office. It was thick, gooey and cold! The field has advanced quite a bit since then. Now there are lubes with many different consistencies, sensory actions and flavors. There are different types of lubricants as well.

Silicone lubricants are known for their long-lasting action, even underwater. They can be difficult to wash off, but probably won’t stain most fabrics.

Water-based lubricants can be fun. You can get them thick, thin or anywhere in-between. They can also heat, cool or tingle! Water-based lubricants are great for flavoring. And while you can find lubes with exotic tastes like black currant or kiwi-goji berry, most people love strawberry and cherry the best. There is a great variety out there with something for everyone. Of course, the downside of water-based lubes is that they can dry out and you may need to reapply or add water to get it going again.

Oil-based lubes or cream lubricants are still popular as well, perhaps not as popular as water-based or silicone, but are still available. Of course the downside is that oil weakens latex, so please do not use these lubes with condoms!

There are two more classes of sexual enhancement products to discuss: anatomy-specific and overthe-counter (OTC) drugs.

The main OTC drug is the male genital desensitizer. The active ingredient is either Benzocaine in a cream, ointment or gel base or Lidocaine in a spray. These are applied to the head of the penis, desensitizing it to prevent premature ejaculation. So by lengthening the time spent during intercourse, the greater the enhancement of pleasure. In case you’re wondering how short is too short, the answer is that if it bothers you or your partner, then you should give them a try.

Anatomy-specific products are just that, designed for a specific part of the body. These include clitoral stimulation products, nipple products, vaginal tighteners, even deodorants. Their purpose is to make you more excitable and ready to play. In fact, that is the goal of all sexual enhancement products. To help you and your partner enjoy sexual encounters even more.

While we would be happy to sell you all of the products listed above and more, the best sexual enhancement we have found is an attentive giving partner who values your pleasure as much as theirs. And that is priceless.

For the last year, Tim Crawford has been the scientific director of Doc Johnson. He received his degree from the University of Northern Iowa and is in his 28th year of being a formulating chemist. Crawford has developed products and led the research teams servicing some of the biggest names in the global cosmetic and OTC market.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

Why It's Time for Pleasure Brands to Stop Ignoring B2C Marketing

For many B2B adult brands, marketing to consumers feels like a waste of time. I’ve heard it so many times: “We sell to retailers, not consumers. Why should we invest in B2C marketing?”

Hail Groo ·
opinion

The Midlife Movement Is Exploding; Is the Pleasure Industry Ready?

In marketing, there tends to be an emphasis on the younger generation — the trendsetters. The assumption is that appealing to the younger market has a halo effect on older consumers, who look to younger folks for what is on trend.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

Gender Play Gets Creative With Fantasy Toys

Sex toy manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the value of fantasy products, expanding their lines to include ever more diverse designs. What was once considered a niche market has proven to have broad appeal, demonstrating that people are eager to explore desires that extend beyond conventional human experiences.

Rin Musick ·
opinion

How Sex Toy Retailers Can Better Support Marginalized Communities

As someone who has been in the industry since 2003, I’ve seen countless trends, products and marketing strategies come and go. Yet one thing has remained consistent: a significant gap in how sex toy retailers serve marginalized communities.

Kimberly Scott Faubel ·
opinion

Tips for Boosting Ecommerce Success During Masturbation May

Masturbation May is not just a month for self-exploration. It’s also a prime opportunity for ecommerce brands in the adult retail space to tap into a highly engaged audience actively searching for resources and products to celebrate their sexual wellness.

Matthew Spindler ·
trends

Adult Retailers Share Theft Prevention Strategies

Shoplifting has always posed a persistent challenge for retailers, and its effects reach far beyond simple loss of inventory. Theft can disrupt operations and saddle retailers with the cost of increased insurance premiums and heightened security measures. Robust security protocols can also negatively impact customers’ shopping experience.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
profile

WIA Profile: Stefanie Neumann

It takes an ever-smiling face and a constantly creative mind to keep a retail outfit up and running. Luckily for TAF Distribution, regional manager Stefanie Neumann has endless good vibes and smart decisions to boost business and staff relations at the company’s retail chain.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Dr. Tush's Brings Anal Care to the Forefront

Few personal health products have inspired descriptions quite so bold as “If Neosporin and Aquaphor had a baby, and that baby became a crime-fighting superhero for your skin.” Then again, even fewer can live up to their own hype.

Colleen Godin ·
opinion

Tips for Promoting Inclusivity, Accessibility in Adult Retail

Walking into an adult store or browsing a retail website should feel like an invitation — an open, shame-free space to explore pleasure and identity. But for many of us, that’s not the reality. As a queer, nonbinary and physically disabled person, I’ve spent years navigating physical and digital spaces that weren’t built with people like me in mind.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

Tips for Reinvigorating Marketing Strategy by Tapping Into Online Feedback

For the past 50 years or so, the pleasure industry has worked tirelessly to increase public acceptance of sex toys. We’ve done an incredible job, and that progress has only accelerated since I first started out working the sales floor at Babeland nearly 20 years ago.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
Show More