Sportsheets’ Sex In The Shower was featured in the latest issue of Esquire magazine as a solution for foolproof and bruise-proof — bath-time sex.

The company said its collection of handles, waterproof toys and other suction-cup sexcessories allows couples to enjoy each other in slippery situations.

Sportsheets President Tom Stewart responded to questions from an Esquire reader who asked about tips, tricks and advice for having sex in the shower without risk of injury.

Stewart suggested using Sex In the Shower handles that suction to any surface, as well as the shower step and foam knee pads to give the body a well-deserved cushion.

“These suction-cup handles, you can put them anywhere,” Stewart said. “It gives you something to hang on to. And the shower step that we’ve got is a lot more versatile than the corner of your bathtub. We’ve got foam kneepads that will absolutely save your life.”

Sportsheets and its Sex & Mischief fantasy accessory collection are up for multiple 2012 XBIZ Awards, including BDSM Pleasure Products Company of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year and Excellence in Product Packaging.

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A British study has found that in the next 10 years, sex toy sales will keep pace with smartphones to the tune of 400 million globally.

According to the Women, Sex and Shopping report from the Hewson Group, thanks to more mainstream acceptance of sex — due mostly to celebrities who publicly discuss their sex lives — the “pleasure goods” industry is poised to explode.

The findings also found that more than 40 percent of British women view online porn and said that women have a strong desire to buy products designed to enhance their sex lives.

The study as reported in the Daily Mail, was based on a survey of 700 women, plus a second group of customers at five female-owned sex shops.

Sex toys could be sold alongside lingerie, while designer brands and even jewelry chains might jump on the sex novelties bandwagon and manufacture their own products, the report suggested.

“We think that by 2020-2025 sex toy purchasing will run at over 400 million units per annum. In context, that’s about the same as smartphone units shipped per year,” the researchers said.

Right now, nearly 4 million sex toys are said to be sold in the U.K. every year.

Hewson expects the global market to grow from $9 billion a year to $65 billion by 2020.

“What we can be certain of is that around 35-40 percent of women aged 18-65 in the U.K. use a sex toy and that 40 percent or more of the under 30s regularly use online pornography.”

The report noted that the new data reflects a trend that began in the ‘70’s and that the industry has been held back in the past due to an association with the sleazy, male-dominated porn industry.

But a “revolution” has occurred, driven by women who are more powerful at home and in the workplace with higher incomes who could spend more than $300 a year on these items.

“Neither of these possibilities effectively existed 30 years ago and the extent of sex toy use should really elevate the subject from ‘dirty little secret’ status to a recognition that toys are important in the lives of millions of women,” the study said.

The report stated that more than 60 percent of women find the idea of buying a sex toy to be ”exciting.” “Women are motivated by far more basic instincts than are commonly ascribed to them. The erotic, the naughty, the forbidden and even perhaps the slightly sordid all have their appeal.”

Women are controlling their own sexuality in a way not seen in history, according to the report, and it maintained that, “Sex toys and the pleasure goods market will become an expression of this emancipation.”

It also said that older views of women’s use of porn that only associated sex with love and relationships has been dismissed, and what women want from porn isn’t so different from men.

Celebrity endorsements of sex toys by stars such as Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria and Halle Berry have acted as “validators for brands and women alike,” according to the report.

The study pointed to the success of upscale lingerie chains like Agent Provocateur and smaller outlets such as Coco-de-Mer and Sh! Women’s Erotic Emporium as examples.

“It would appear logical that by 2015 what is acceptable and, perhaps, expected in mainstream retail is the linkage between lingerie, perfume, fashion and erotica. Any department store with a lingerie floor should probably be looking at how they include a concession area that is both discreet and alluring,” the study noted.

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Good Vibrations says, “It’s National Masturbation Month! Give yourself a hand! Or a vibrator, or something else stimulating, and don’t forget the lube!”

Good Vibrations founded National Masturbation Month in 1995 in the wake of the controversy surrounding the firing of former Clinton administration Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, who evoked conservative wrath when she opined that discussion of masturbation might have a place in sex education curricula.

Realizing that one simple, sensible mention of solo pleasuring was enough to lose this prominent woman, the country’s first African-American surgeon general, her job convinced Good Vibrations staff that this most basic and accessible form of sex needed a serious image boost.

According to Good Vibrations, National Masturbation Month is still a necessary reminder that self-satisfaction is a healthy, accessible form of pleasure engaged in by almost everyone, of every gender and relationship status, at some time of (or throughout) their lives.

“Too many people still feel uncomfortable about masturbation and guilty about doing it,” says Good Vibrations staff sexologist Carol Queen, Ph.D., one of the originators of the National Masturbation Month concept. “If only so much of U.S. culture were not so burdened with ideas that masturbation is shameful, a sin or a poor second choice to partner sex.”

Though any toy can be used during sex with a partner, depending on what kind of activities are being enjoyed, certain toys are especially suited or frequently-chosen for solo sex: the Hitachi Magic Wand, favorite of masturbation expert Dr. Betty Dodson the Rabbit Habit and other twice-as-nice styles, the Pure Wand, and the G-Twist, to name a few very popular items.

Men can enjoy a range of sleeves and pumps designed especially for their self-pleasuring enjoyment, like the Cobra Libre stimulator for men and Tenga Eggs.

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A new report suggests that using lubricants during unprotected anal sex may raise the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.

Researchers at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine conducted two new studies, focusing on the fact that HIV infection risk rises if other infections are already present in the rectal lining of the receptive partner, the researchers said.

The first two-year study, based on approximately 900 people, observed that men and women who use lubricants in general are three times more likely to have some form of a rectal sexually transmitted infection.

Most participants, 76 percent,  said they used a water-based lubricant, while 28 percent used silicon-based products, 17 percent used oil-based lubricants and six percent used a numbing lubricant.

The second study was conducted by reproductive specialist Charlene Dezzutti at the University of Pittsburg. Her team, including collaborators from International Rectal Microbicides Advocates, studied the effects of six most popular lubricants on rectal cells and tissues.

They found that some of the lubricants had a toxic effect on cells and rectal tissue. Researchers found high concentrations of dissolved salts and sugars that draw water out of cells, weakening and even killing the cells. Some of the lubricants even stripped away the layer of cells that serve as a protective barrier.

PRE and Wet Platinum were found to be the safest lubricants in terms of toxicity, while Astroglide and KY Jelly appeared to be the most problematic. ID Glide and Elbow Grease had intermediate effects, the team found. None of the lubricants was found to have measurable anti-HIV activity.

Lubricant safety advocates say conclusions can’t be made based on these small studies.

“Further research is absolutely necessary to understand the potential role of sexual lubricants in HIV transmission,” said Marc-Andre LeBlanc of IRMA. “We should be able to provide consumer guidance regarding lubes that are found to be safer than others.”

“We must ensure that existing lubes don’t facilitate HIV transmission,” IRMA chair Jim Pickett said. “People have a right to this kind of information, and it’s very past due.”

According to IRMA, statistics suggest that as many as 90 percent of gay men practice anal sex and 35 percent of women have participated in anal sex at least once. The majority of sexes are thought to use lubricants more often than condoms.

Researchers at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine conducted two new studies, focusing on the fact that HIV infection risk rises if other infections are already present in the rectal lining of the receptive partner, the researchers said.

The first two-year study, based on approximately 900 people, observed that men and women who use lubricants in general are three times more likely to have some form of a rectal sexually transmitted infection.
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Most participants, 76 percent,  said they used a water-based lubricant, while 28 percent used silicon-based products, 17 percent used oil-based lubricants and six percent used a numbing lubricant.

The second study was conducted by reproductive specialist Charlene Dezzutti at the University of Pittsburg. Her team, including collaborators from International Rectal Microbicides Advocates, studied the effects of six most popular lubricants on rectal cells and tissues.

They found that some of the lubricants had a toxic effect on cells and rectal tissue. Researchers found high concentrations of dissolved salts and sugars that draw water out of cells, weakening and even killing the cells. Some of the lubricants even stripped away the layer of cells that serve as a protective barrier.

PRE and Wet Platinum were found to be the safest lubricants in terms of toxicity, while Astroglide and KY Jelly appeared to be the most problematic. ID Glide and Elbow Grease had intermediate effects, the team found. None of the lubricants was found to have measurable anti-HIV activity.

Lubricant safety advocates say conclusions can’t be made based on these small studies.

“Further research is absolutely necessary to understand the potential role of sexual lubricants in HIV transmission,” said Marc-Andre LeBlanc of IRMA. “We should be able to provide consumer guidance regarding lubes that are found to be safer than others.”

“We must ensure that existing lubes don’t facilitate HIV transmission,” IRMA chair Jim Pickett said. “People have a right to this kind of information, and it’s very past due.”

According to IRMA, statistics suggest that as many as 90 percent of gay men practice anal sex and 35 percent of women have participated in anal sex at least once. The majority of sexes are thought to use lubricants more often than condoms.

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LELO, a leading designer brand of intimate lifestyle products, is working with Manhattan obstetrician/gynecologist Andrew Scheinfeld to offer LELO sensual health products to patients.

Reportedly, he is the first doctor in the U.S. to present women with a private, professional environment to review and purchase sexual health products.

“I encourage all gynecologists to consider bringing these beneficial products out of the closet to a place where more women can find comfortable access with needed support and reassurance,” Scheinfeld said.

He said that as a medical student in Brussels during the ‘70s, Scheinfeld noticed the difference between American and European women’s attitudes towards sexuality. Because of America’s prudish standards, American women know very little about their bodies and their sensual health potential.

“Throughout my 25 year career as an obstetrician/gynecologist, I have heard women of all ages and backgrounds complain about decreased sexual desire or arousal, and a lack of intensity or inability to experience orgasm,” he said. “Hormonal therapies are often ineffective and have undesired side effects. And most women cannot afford psychotherapy or avoid it due to its persisting stigma.”

Scheinfeld said that the lack of knowledge about sexual health products also has affected teenagers that engage in multiple, high-risk sexual behavior.

“An early appreciation of the benefits and easy access to women’s sexual health products could help our teenagers avoid behavior that could seriously compromise their futures,” he said.

Scheinfeld’s story about his path to becoming the first OB/GYN in the U.S. to offer sex toys out of his practice is outlined in an article in Details magazine, which can be read here.

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SAN FRANCISCO — Stockroom is presenting best-selling author and human sexuality educator Midori in two separate events — an open class and a weekend intensive session in San Francisco.

Midori is the author of “Wild Side Sex: The Book of Kink” from Daedalus Publishing, and “The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage.” Her seminars and workshops tend to sell out, the company said.

“People are having sex in ways their parents never dream of and they look to me as a guide to sensual adventure,” Midori said.

On March 18, Midori will present a class titled “Beyond Twisted: Kink Outside the Box,” at Stockroom’s Stormy Leather retail store at 1158 Howard St., in San Francisco. Doors open at 7 p.m. and class starts at 7:30 p.m. The class is part of the Stockroom University Educational Series.

In the class Midori will explore the standard definitions of kink roles and expand the idea of what kink is all about, mapping out a more fluid definition of kink.

“This is a class for those who don’t quite fit into standard boxes and it’s for anyone who’s curious about their own possibly untapped potential,” Midori said.

Tickets for Beyond Twisted are $20 in advance, and can either be purchased in person at the Stormy Leather store or at Stockroom.com.

San Francisco locals can take advantage of a promo Stormy is offering customers of the Howard Street location, where customers can purchase an advance ticket for $15.

Admission will be $25 at the door, if space is still available.

Stockroom also is slated to sponsor Midori in a weekend-long program of instruction and fun, the Forte Femme Sensual Dominance Intensive. Enrollment is limited to 10 women only, and the workshop will run from 7 p.m. on March 19 through Sunday, March 21 6 p.m.

“I’ve been teaching sexuality and erotic arts for over 15 years, but this ‘intensive’ is truly one of the most personal for me,” Midori said. “We appeal to women who want to be even more confident and fully own their sexuality while sharing joy with their partners.

Topics will cover pleasures from mild to wild, she said, and the course is meant to leave participants feeling empowered.

The weekend course will be held at the Hyatt Regency at San Francisco Airport. It includes a field trip to the Stormy Leather store where the women will get shopping guidance and advice from Midori and enjoy special discounts on quality BDSM gear.

For additional information and enrollment, click here.

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The site allows customers to ask Airs anything about sex, Pipedream’s products, how to use them and product selection. The site is easy to use, with no special access passwords needed, and questions are answered anonymously.

Airs is a Certified Sex Educator (PPLM), a charter member of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, and a member of American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists.

She has a one-hour documentary on HBO titled “Real Sex Presents: Porn 101 — XXXtra Credit” and is also currently sales manager at Pipedream Products.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Kim and let me tell ya – any question you have, no matter how unusual you think it is or uncomfortable you feel asking, she has a warm, funny, knowledgeable response.

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Last week a study published by King’s College London questioned the existence of the G-spot. Like the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus and Bigfoot — researchers determined that the cluster of 32 nerve endings that makes up this erogenous zone is mythical, all in women’s heads.

The study surveyed 1,800 British women — both identical and non-identical twins, ages 22 to 83 — in hopes to find a possible genetic explanation for the G-spot. Because identical twins share the same genes, researchers hoped they would express similar feelings about the sensitivity of their G-spot. Instead they found that 56 percent of the women surveyed reported sensitivity, but not among the identical twins.

Following the study’s publication, many sexologists spoke out in defense of the G-spot. ABC News spoke with Beverly Whipple, who co-authored 1982’s “The G spot: and Other Discoveries About Human Sexuality.” She said the study was flawed because it did not consider digital stimulation or sexual positions.

Woman on top and rear entry creates more friction on the anterior wall of the vag, which is where the G-spot is located.

Personally, I may or may not have found my G-spot — but I’m certainly not going to knock it by denying its existence! Whipple did give the upside to the pessimistic study and it applies to people like me. She said the new study would take the pressure off women that felt inadequate for not knowing where their G-spot is. Phew!

I’ve actually never really fretted over my G-spot (I’m pretty sure if I’m not happy — it’s not happy). I focus my energy on hot spots that have been tried and tested.

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Deck the halls with Human Furniture and Living Art Centerpieces!

Stockroom University is holding a holiday-themed bondage objectification class tomorrow at the Stockroom Retail Boutique in L.A. from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Bondage artist and professional dominatrix Nikki Nefarious will host the workshop that will teach attendees “how to create comfortable and functional human furniture and centerpieces for your holiday party that all will enjoy.”

Tickets are $25 online and $30 at the door.

Stockroom is located at 2809 ½ Sunset Blvd., in Los Angeles.

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Bambi strolls in from a longer-than-usual lunch.

Co-worker: Oooh, where’d you go for lunch?

Bambi: (grinning) Umm..well..err…

Co-worker: (grins back) ‘nough said.

Nooners will send you back to work a completely different person. While side effects may include disheveled appearance and hunger — who cares?

Endorphins course through you and you breeze through the remainder of the day confident and elated. And no, the occasional nooner does not make you a slacker. Party pooper Prolactin, a sex hormone, rises in you immediately after an orgasm, and this is when all the stuff you have to accomplish that day flood your mind. Focused much? This might be the most productive moment of the day!

When it comes to the nooner, time is of the essence. Ideally you are a seasoned team and you know how to make this lunch break far more satisfying than any meal — and in record time. My nooner date and I save time by almost completely cutting out any type of conversation beyond “Yes, right there!” “How do you want it?” and “oohs” and “ahhs.”

Convenience also plays a very important role in the success of a nooner. The meeting place should be easily accessed — you don’t want to spend more time sitting in traffic than on your man’s face.

Lastly, if it’s just you and your too-conveniently-located home … save your lunch money, take a solo nooner break, grab a snack on the way out.

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