Men's Wellness
Guides to toys and lubricants, body-positive sexual health answers, company news and stories from the Femme Journal, all searchable in one place.
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Questions these guides answer
Are strokers safe to use?
Yes, for most people, when used with plenty of lube, cleaned after every use and replaced when they wear out. Choose a reputable brand, check the material and avoid sharing porous toys between partners unless you use a barrier. If you experience pain, numbness, broken skin or ongoing irritation, stop using the toy and talk to a clinician.
Can I use silicone lube with a stroker?
Only if the manufacturer says it's okay. Silicone lube can degrade silicone toys and some TPE blends, making them tacky or damaged over time. Water-based lube is the safe, compatible default for nearly every stroker. If you love silicone lube's staying power, save it for hand play or toys made of glass, metal or hard plastic.
How often should I replace my stroker?
There's no fixed timeline, because it depends on material, how often you use it and how well you clean and dry it. Replace it when you see tears, stubborn odor, discoloration or stickiness that won't go away. Porous TPE toys generally need replacing sooner than nonporous ones, so treat them as a consumable rather than a lifetime purchase.
Can I boil or put my stroker in the dishwasher?
No. Most strokers are made of TPE or similar soft materials that can warp, melt or break down with high heat. Stick to warm water and a dedicated toy cleaner or mild, fragrance-free soap, then let it dry completely. Boiling is only suitable for certain nonporous toys, and only when the manufacturer specifically says so.
Why does my stroker feel sticky?
Soft TPE and realistic skin-like materials naturally get a little tacky as oils in the material rise to the surface, especially after washing. Make sure it's fully dry, then use a toy-renewing powder if the manufacturer recommends one. If it stays sticky, smells or looks damaged despite care, it's time for a replacement.
Is a stroker the same as a penis sleeve?
Not always. A stroker is used for masturbation, either by hand or with a motor. A penis sleeve can also mean an extender worn over the penis during partnered sex to add girth or length. Check the product description to see which you're getting, since the two serve very different purposes.