I tried a dual-action vibrator for the first time, here’s how it went

Trust me, two is better than one.

You wouldn’t know it from browsing any women-centric media publication in 2022, but there was a time (not all that long ago) where talking openly about female masturbation was incredibly taboo. I came of age in the mid-2000s, and in my formative years I believed I had a filthy secret: I really enjoyed masturbating.

Before I even knew it was called masturbation, I was aware that if I touched myself in a particular way, my body would reward me with a warm, tingly feeling all over. I was amazed to learn I could achieve this all-encompassing sensation whenever I liked. But I instinctively knew not to talk openly about my self-pleasure discovery for many years – I was innately aware it was something shameful that could see you heckled off the playground at lunchtime.

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As I grew up, I became increasingly sex-positive and, moreover, frustrated at the absence of conversations around female pleasure. In my later teenage years and early adulthood, I forged friendships with like-minded women who also prioritised pleasure and wanted to trade their disappointing and mindblowing sex stories and share vibrator recommendations. And now, like a much more sexually adventurous version of Carrie Bradshaw, I have the privilege of writing about sex toys now and then for work.

I have accrued quite the collection over the years but had never tried Swedish brand Lelo’s sex toys until I trialled the very impressive Sila clitoral vibrator last year. I knew the basics about the brand: it creates high-end, upmarket sex toys that look memorably sleek. But after trying the Sila, which you can read about here, I became the brand’s biggest advocate (an unsubstantiated claim, but I’ve told countless friends and friends of friends about its products). 

So when I was asked to try another of Lelo’s creations, the dual vibrator Enigma, I said a resounding yes. The Enigma, like the Sila, has a clit sucking function that features Lelo’s patented SenSonic technology which sends pulsations across the entire vulva. It’s made of extra-soft body silicone, something particularly important for sex toys like this one, which is both internal and external. When it first arrived in the mail, I was very taken with this toy’s appearance. It’s elegantly curved and feels velvety-smooth in your hands.

From a personal standpoint, I’ve tried suction vibrators and penetrative vibrators before, but never a product that combined these two functions. This dual-action element means the Enigma can help you achieve a blended orgasm – otherwise known as a clitoral and vaginal orgasm that happens at the same time. The first few times I used the Enigma, I just used the suction function, and I still like that you don’t always have to use the penetrative element if you’re not in the mood. 

The eight pleasure modes are amazing to play around with and encourage you to pace yourself and mix things up (something most people that masturbate can struggle with). The first time I tried the penetrative arm in combination with the clit sucking function it took me a few goes to find the right position for both functions to be as effective as possible. But once I did, the combination of pulsations from the suction and G-spot stimulation from the internal arm made for an incredible orgasm.

There’s no other way to put it, and I’m sure I’m not the first person who’s used the Enigma to have had this thought, but it really does feel like you’re receiving oral and penetrative sex simultaneously. And if you’re a straight cis-gendered woman, you’ll be all too familiar with the fact that reaching orgasm from penetration alone is somewhat rare.

This contributes to the orgasm gap, an issue both Fashion Journal and Lelo have raised awareness about before. Products like the Enigma can help close this gap, by encouraging women to explore their bodies and desires in a shame-free, pleasure-oriented way. Plus, from a purely aesthetic standpoint, it’s an impressive addition to your sex toy collection.

Discover more about the Lelo Enigma here.