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Erotic electrostimulation (also known as E-stim or electrosex), is a human sexual practice involving the application of low current electricity to the body using a special apparatus (such as a TENS unit or Violet wand) for purposes of sexual stimulation. Erotic electrostimulation has been particularly associated with BDSM activities, although its use is becoming more "mainstream." Different sorts of electrodes are used for erotic electrostimulation, such as specially designed vaginal plugs, vulval skin electrodes, anal plugs, cock rings, catheters, cock-and-ball torture (CBT) boards, etc. Electrodes usually require an electrically conductive gel to be applied before use. A large variety of devices are available.

Electrostimulation can cause tissue damage or even death if misused. Even at relatively low current and voltage, the greatest risk is electrocution resulting in heart failure, and is higher for those who use an artificial pacemaker or similar device. Among people who engage in electrostimulation, newcomers are encouraged to research the hazards, limitations, and techniques of this practice and the devices used.

Erotic electrostimulation first came into existence during the 1950s with the introduction of a device called the Relaxacisor, which was originally designed to stimulate the muscles of a person using electrical currents while relaxing (as a means of "passive exercise"). Such devices are still in medical use today and are known as EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation) units.

Some people soon found alternative uses for the Relaxacisors by placing the contacts on sexual parts of the body. By the 1970s, medical TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units were also being used for erotic electrostimulation, too. However, neither the EMS or medical TENS units were ideal for erotic purposes, and in the 1980s the first devices manufactured specifically for erotic electrostimulation became available.

Medical TENS units are designed to desensitize nerves (for pain management), and though they can be used for erotic electrostimulation purposes, most people don't find the sensation they produce especially erotic. Medical EMS (Electro Muscle Stimulation) units are designed to cause muscle contraction and are also far from optimal for erotic use.

An increasing number of "body toner" or "electro massage"-type devices are being marketed directly to consumers. Like medical devices, these types of devices were not designed as sexually-oriented equipment. They vary widely in quality and capabilities and most have a power output that is often too low for erotic use.

Some people may try to craft a "homemade" electrostimulation device, or adapt or modify commercial products that were never intended for electrostimulation of the human body. These are dangerous practices; such improvised devices not specifically designed for use on the human body can easily cause injury.

Erotic electrostimulation devices are specifically designed and manufactured for erotic use on the human body. The first analogue devices became popular during the early 1980s, and later during the 1990s digital devices also became available. Both types usually allow for adjustments of frequency and power output levels. The set ups usually consist of a 'box' and accessories connected by wiring. Many of the boxes are portable and can be powered by batteries. The accessories include conductive TENS pads, conductive straps, metal plugs for vaginal or anal insertion, urethral probes and bipolar nipple clamps, although there is some controversy about the safety of the latter within the e-stimming community. The price of erotic electrostimulation units generally varies according to the design and sophistication of the device.

There are three major manufacturers of erotic electrostimulation units in the United States and several others worldwide. Different manufacturers use different connector types, but adapters are available to allow electrodes made by other manufacturers to be safely and conveniently used with other erotic electrostimulation devices.

Medical gel electrodes are commonly used and have a 0.080 inch jack (and may require a "banana-to-pins" adapter to convert a standard 4 mm banana plug into a 0.080 inch TENS pin lead). A "banana-to-snap" adapter can be used to connect a standard 4 mm banana plug leadwire to devices having 4 mm snap studs. Adapters are also available to connect electrodes with 2.5 mm plugs into devices which have 3.5 mm connectors. This makes most erotic electrostimulation devices interchangeable.

Lubricants containing silicone are generally not used, since silicone is an insulator and hence reduces conductivity. Practitioners of electrostimulation select lubricants for compatibility with the material of the electrode accessories, as well as desirable conductive properties, which can maximize the strength and quality of the signal.

• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator)
• Violet wand