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Apparently, there are more choices out there than a wand and a rabbit! Queer women and vagina having folks have likely sampled a bevy of sex toys. From strap-ons with various-sized dildos to vibrators and suction toys, there is so much to try. We also know that some women are pampering their pusses with vagacials, but did you know that there was a device that can both give you amazing Os and roll back the sands of time for your vagina? Queer comedian Margaret Cho educated the masses on the benefits of red light therapy dildos when she was a guest on the _Here to Make Friends_ podcast last week. “I have a red light dildo and like the light goes on inside and it’s like I’m telling my pussy a scary story,” Cho joked, telling the hosts about how it increases blood flow and helps “enhance” things as you age. But what is a red light therapy dildo? To find out what it is, what the benefits are, and whether LGBTQ+ folks need to give them a try, we talked to sex experts to give us all the deets on these sex toys-meet-medical devices. ### What is a red light therapy sex toy? We normally think of red light therapy in the context of anti-aging treatments or scar reduction, but these futuristic sex toys use low levels of red light therapy — also known as photobiomodulation — to stimulate the cells in your body using specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. “Red light therapy sex toys combine the benefits of red light therapy with pleasure-focused design. It’s basically red light therapy for vaginas,” Clinical Sexologist and Sex Therapist _Brionna Ottē_ tells PRIDE. The most popular of these devices — and the one Cho uses herself — is the _VFit Device_, made by Halle Berry’s company Joylux, which will run you about $400. But don’t worry, penises haven’t been left out of the fun, according to _David R. Khalili_, a licensed marriage and family therapist and board-certified sexologist, the _Optimus “Red Lady”_ combines “red light therapy with male strokers, targeting penile health while providing stimulation.” “Think of them as the wellness-meets-pleasure intersection—they're trying to be both your self-care routine and your good time, all in one rechargeable package,” he says of these kinds of sex toys. ### What are the benefits of red light therapy sex toys? The last time sex toys were combined with Western medicine, we ended up with doctors using vibrators on female patients to cure “hysteria,” but according to our experts, red light therapy sex toys actually have proven benefits. Plus, you’re using them in the privacy of your own home and not in a Victorian-era doctor’s office. According to Ottē, red light therapy sex toys can increase vaginal wall thickness, improve libido, increase vaginal lubrication, boost sensation, reduce inflammation-related discomfort, and repair damaged tissue. Khalili says they can also promote stronger pelvic floor muscles, increase blood flow, which can “improve arousal and sexual response,” and support postpartum recovery, while penile devices can potentially improve “erectile function by boosting cellular energy production and nitric oxide release.” ### Are there side effects? “The FDA has not approved any devices specifically for treating sexual health symptoms, and cites risks including burns, scarring, and pain if device power is too high,” Khalili cautions. “People with photosensitivity conditions, those taking certain medications that increase light sensitivity, or those with active infections should avoid use.” He also recommends using eye protection and says that while red light therapy is generally considered safe you should keep an eye out for “redness, swelling, and blistering” and ask your doctor before trying one out if you have a history eye or skin cancer. ### Are there specific benefits for LGBTQ+ individuals? While Khalili says that most red light therapy research has been done on cisgender, heterosexual participants and not on the “fabulous queers out there,” the devices could help “those experiencing vaginal atrophy from hormone therapy (both gender-affirming testosterone therapy and estrogen-suppressing treatments)” because it may help with tissue repair and blood flow without the need for additional hormones. Red light therapy sex toys may also prove helpful for trans and nonbinary people who have undergone vaginoplasty or other gender-affirming surgeries. “After a major surgery, reconnecting with the body can be physically and emotionally difficult. If someone is dealing with scarring, inflammation, numbness, or lubrication issues, a product like this could offer gentle support,” Ottē explains. “It may also be a way to rediscover pleasure and reconnect with a sense of embodiment. For people navigating post-op healing, this might help bridge the gap between recovery and pleasure.” ### How effective are these toys, really? “Here's where I have to give you the real talk: while red light therapy is well-documented for athletic recovery and anti-aging skincare, there are insufficient data to confirm benefits for sexual health specifically,” Khalili admits, but says that researchers think that more research is needed, but so far results look promising. “The effectiveness probably lies somewhere between ‘revolutionary breakthrough’ and ‘expensive placebo,’ with the truth being that consistent use over time is key, and red light devices are not overnight miracles,” he says. Ottē agrees, but says that although “red light therapy sex toys are still so new and research on red light therapy for genital health is limited,” in theory, “they should be effective.” ### How do they affect pleasure or sensation? Khalili explains that by improving blood flow to intimate areas, these toys “can enhance natural arousal response” and increase lubrication and sensitivity to touch which can make sex more pleasurable, but says that “it's important to note that many of these devices also include vibration and other traditional pleasure features, so distinguishing between the effects of red light versus good old-fashioned vibration is challenging.” Ottē says these toys can increase sexual wellness for everyone, but can be especially helpful for those undoing hormonal changes or recovering from surgery. “These toys may increase natural lubrication and make touch feel more comfortable. They're also designed to support sensation, which could help reduce that dull, numb feeling some people experience, especially after hormonal changes, trauma, or surgery,” she reveals. ### Who should be using a red light therapy sex toy? The experts wouldn’t recommend them to everyone across the board, but Ottē says that “if someone has done their research, feels aligned with the claims, and has the budget for it, then go for it! It’s important to keep in mind that even if they do what they claim to, they aren’t magical overnight solutions. These toys are going to require consistency and patience. But for someone curious, patient, and committed, this could be a lovely addition to their intimate wellness practice.” Khalili also cautions that if you have “photosensitivity, active cancer, seizure disorders, or taking medications that increase light sensitivity,” then you should probably steer clear. “These devices represent an interesting intersection of wellness and pleasure, but they're definitely in the ‘worth trying if you have the budget and realistic expectations’ category rather than the ‘revolutionary game-changer’ category,” he says. “The science is promising but preliminary, and your money might be better spent on a really good vibrator plus a consultation with a pelvic floor physical therapist.” ### Sources cited: _Brionna Ottē_ , a clinical sexologist and sex therapist. _David R. Khalili_ , a licensed marriage and family therapist and board-certified sexologist.

From vampire facials to salmon sperm facials, people are willing to slather their skin in just about anything if it helps to turn back the clock and make them look their best. But do your nether regions also need the 5-star treatment? While that may sound like an odd question, people across the country are turning to spas and dermatologists for “vagacials” — basically facials for your muff — to treat skin issues and make your vulva looks its best, either for yourself, to make a good first impression with a hot date, or to impress your significant other. So if you have the requisite parts and are looking to get busy in a sapphic way, should you be giving your vulva a spa day? To find out more about what to expect when you get a vagacial to how long you have to wait to have sex after a treatment, our sister brand PRIDE spoke to _Kiara DeWitt_, a registered nurse and founder and CEO of _Injectco_, one of Texas’ top medical aesthetic clinics; _Dr. David Johnson_, a dermatologist and co-founder of _RedlikteX.com_; and New York-based dermatologist Dr. Victoria Kazlouskaya, who founded _Dermatology Circle PLLC_. ### What is a vagacial? Vagacials — a portmanteau of vagina and facial — is a misleading name because it’s a spa facial, but for the outside of your vulva, not your vagina. But, you know, a vulvacial just isn’t as catchy. A vagacial is a skincare treatment for the pubic area that typically includes a gentle cleanse, exfoliation, ingrown hair extraction, application of serums, and a mask, followed by a light moisturizer or a cooling gel. It may also address pigmentation and texture issues. “Think of it as a reset button for sensitive skin after waxing, shaving or just living life,” DeWitt tells PRIDE. “You can get one any time of year, but most people book in the summer or right before big events.” ### What should you expect when you get a vagacial? Depending on where you go, the whole process might be more clinical than frilly or might be more about pampering your biking area. But either way, you can expect the provider to wear gloves and use single-use tools to keep everything hygienic and prevent infections. If they don’t, run, don’t walk, in the opposite direction. “The genital area is delicate, and many skincare products can be irritating,” Dr. Kazlouskaya says. “Also, this is an intimate service—so the person performing it should be discreet, sensitive, and respectful.” When you arrive for your appointment, you’ll be asked to undress from the waist down and be given a sheet to drape over your lap. The esthetician or dermatologist will have you lie down like you would to get waxed, and then they will steam the skin to help remove ingrown hairs, use a gentle scrub or lactic acid for exfoliation, before hydrating the skin with serums or moisturizers. The whole thing should only take between 30 and 50 minutes. Dr. Johnson explains that at RedlineX, they also offer red light therapy for the area to “calm down redness and to get the skin to heal in less time.” ### Are they getting more popular? From Gwyneth Paltrow steaming her vagina to Khloé Kardashian’s eight-part “lady bits” skincare regimen, vagacials are all the rage and the experts say they’re just getting more popular every year. Social media has helped to normalize treatments like these and make them increasingly trendy. “Right now, these treatments are popping up on more spa menus each year,” DeWitt says. “I have noticed that even five years ago, hardly anyone offered this outside major cities. Now, you see them advertised at medspas and beauty bars all over the country! Social media, word of mouth, and TikTok do the marketing without anyone having to whisper about it.” ### What should you expect to pay for a vagacial? Like many skin care and beauty treatments, vagacials can be a little pricey if you are on a tight budget. They tend to run anywhere from $50 to $200, not including a tip or add-ons like red light therapy or custom masks. The cost can also go down if you buy a package and some spas or clinics combine the treatment with hair removal. “Packages for three or more can drop the price by 15 percent or so. Some clinics roll it into ‘maintenance’ bundles, pairing with waxing or sugaring,” DeWitt says. ### Why should you get a vagacial? Some people get vagacials for purely aesthetic reasons like dealing with dark spots or bumps on their bikini area, or the desire to be smooth as a dolphin, but there are other benefits too. Not only can it help address conditions like folliculitis, but it can also just make you feel better about getting undressed in front of other people. “Sometimes it is just about comfort or boosting confidence before intimacy. To be fair, it is skincare with a side of peace of mind,” DeWitt explains. ### Should lesbians get vagacials? Ok, so now you know what a vagacial is, what to expect at an appointment, and what kind of damage it’ll do to your bank account. But if you’re a lesbian or queer person with a vagina, should you get one? “Sure, if it feels good, if it is wanted, and if it fits your routine,” DeWitt says. “No orientation or gender label required. Healthy skin is for everyone, and anyone can want smooth, comfortable skin. Sometimes it is just nice to take care of yourself in a new way.” ### How quickly can you get busy after a vagacial? Luckily, there is very little downtime needed after getting a vagacial. You can have sex right away, but some providers suggest waiting a few hours, or up to 24 hours, before getting biblical because your skin may be slightly tender right after treatment, and you may want to avoid irritation or redness. “If you want to play it safe, give yourself 24 hours if your skin runs sensitive. Any redness usually clears within the first hour. You can go right back to normal life after, but if you feel discomfort, loose cotton underwear and no scented products help,” DeWitt cautions. ### Are there side effects? If you go to a reputable spa or provider, the risk is fairly low and likely will only include temporary redness, slight swelling, or an ingrown hair, but the potential side effects increase if you see someone who isn’t qualified. “You could end up having infections, further ingrown hairs, or yeast infections,” Dr. Johnson explains. “Do be sure to see a qualified practitioner. I’ve had to see these issues in my office when patients try to do it themselves in the home or see places that are unlicensed.” Dr. Kazlouskaya also notes that you may experience an allergic reaction or overexfoliate sensitive skin. “The skin in the genital area is more sensitive than other parts of the body, so irritation or allergic reactions can occur,” she explains. “Over-exfoliation may lead to dryness or discomfort. If products come into contact with the vaginal mucosa, they could cause itching or burning. And if hygiene isn’t maintained properly during the procedure, there’s a risk of folliculitis or even yeast infections.” ### Experts cited: _Kiara DeWitt_ , a registered nurse and founder and CEO of _Injectco_, one of Texas’ top medical aesthetic clinics. _Dr. David Johnson_ , a dermatologist and co-founder of _RedlikteX.com_. New York-based dermatologist Dr. Victoria Kazlouskaya, founder of _Dermatology Circle PLLC_.