How to Use a Clit Sucker

In this guide: What is a clit sucker? | Benefits | Beginner tips | How to use it solo | How to use it with a partner | How to clean it | What to look for | Top toys to try

Have you heard the buzz — or rather, the pulse — around the clitoral suction toys? They’re all over TikTok and Reddit right now, but why? And how do they work?

Whether you’ve already got yours or you’re eyeing one up, welcome to the club! These toys have gained a devoted following for a reason. For some, it’s the only toy that reliably gets them to orgasm.

In this guide, you’ll find out exactly how to use a clit sucker, with plenty of beginner-friendly tips for solo players and couples alike. You’ll also learn what a clit sucker is, why it’s so special, and how to care for this orgasm-inducing little toy.

Only got time for a quickie?

Sometimes you just want to get straight down to it. You’ll find loads more detail in the full guide, but here’s the short version:

• A clit sucker envelops the clitoris with a suction-like sensation that varies from a gentle flutter to a powerful thud

• Anyone with a clit can use it (some come with interchangeable heads to help you find a better fit)

• Add water-based lube to the opening of your toy to help position it over your clit

• Start out on the lowest setting and give yourself time to get used to the sensation – if it’s too powerful, try it over panties next time

• You can use your toy on your own or with a partner – try it while in the Cowgirl or Doggy Style position

• See how it feels when used on other erogenous zones like the nipples or just under your partner’s frenulum (under the head of the penis)

• Make sure to clean your toy after every use and store it dry

A clit sucker (or clitoral suction toy) is a sex toy that envelops the clitoris and uses a tiny pulsing motor to stimulate you without direct contact. The sensation feels like sucking or pulsing, which some people prefer to vibrations.

If you’ve heard of the viral rose toy or the Womanizer, then you know a bit about clitoral suction already! Womanizer toys are typically made from silky soft, body-safe silicone and have replaceable suction heads so you can find the right fit. If you’re still new to clit suckers, you’ll see some of our recommendations below.

You might’ve heard that clitoral suction toys feel kind of like oral sex. We say they’re even better! The small internal motor delivers far more consistent stimulation than a tongue could manage, plus you’re in total control of the intensity. You can keep it to a light flutter or dial it up to a powerful thud, depending on your body.

Since the clitoris can be highly sensitive, some people find vibrators overstimulating. Your clitoris has over 10,000 nerve endings (the tip of your index finger only has about 1,000, to put that in perspective). It’s a very erogenous area, but finding the right way to please it can be tricky.

That’s especially common during perimenopause or gender transition, when the vaginal skin can become dry and thin (known as vaginal atrophy). “I’d been finding it more and more difficult reaching climax with a wand and bullet vibrators,” says ApolloSwallow on the Lovehoney Forum, sharing their experience of perimenopause. They decided to try a Womanizer: “It promised the air tech would offer a different feeling, and it delivered.”

For some people, clitoral suction is a quick and easy way to orgasm. But everyone is different! Others report a longer, slower build of pleasure that makes their orgasms incredibly powerful. It’s worth a try if you’re looking for a new sensation or have trouble orgasming during sex or masturbation.

If you’re used to vibrators, a clit sucker is going to look quite different. Here’s what we recommend for getting started:

1. Read the manual. We know — BO-RING. But spending a few minutes getting to know your toy is worth it. Otherwise, you’re gonna get stuck on the settings mid-flow, which can be very... frustrating.

2. Try out the settings. Find the “on” button and try out the different intensities on your finger or palm first, so you don’t get an unexpected jolt on your clit.

3. Wash before use with warm water and soap. If it’s your first time using the toy, it’s best to wash it to remove any residue or dust. Let it air-dry or use a lint-free cloth to dry.

4. Charge it fully. A full battery means the toy doesn’t shut off when you’re just…about…there.

5. Add lube. Add plenty of water-based lubricant for a frictionless glide.

Solo play with a clitoral suction toy can help you learn about pleasuring your sweet spot without the distraction of trying to coordinate with a partner. This way, you can focus on getting used to the sensations and what feels good.

Get in the right mindset

We all have certain mental “brakes” which slow down desire and tell us when it’s not the right moment to have sex. Sometimes, those brakes are a bit too powerful; you need to step on the accelerator to signal to your body that you’re about to have a good time (this is known as the dual control model of sexual response).

If you’ve ever felt any shame about touching yourself, you’re not alone (one study found around 40% of people felt guilty about masturbating). This can make it so difficult to release those brakes, relax, and give your body the pleasure it deserves.

It helps to be in a safe, comfortable, and private environment – and to remember masturbating can be good for you! So, read a steamy scene in that romantasy book on your nightstand, take a warm bath, or gently run your hands over your body to start getting aroused in a low pressure way.

Find the right placement

The external part of the clitoris is the small nub at the top of the vulva, just beneath where the labia come together. This small, sensitive nub is where you place the suction head.

“If you’re trying to find the clit while using a toy, use two fingers to spread the labia and hold them open, but not a wide-spread — just enough that the sides of your fingers can feel the clitoris between them,” says Javay Frye-Nekrasova, a certified sex educator with a masters in Human Sexuality.

Once you’ve found your clit, dap some water-based lube onto it and around the head of your toy. “I found [lube] can really help and allows for easier positioning,” says Stacy2 on the Lovehoney Forum. Gently press the lubed-up toy onto your vulva, so the clit is snuggled inside it.

Switch your suction head if needed

Some clitoral suction toys come with replaceable heads, because clit size varies. If you’ve got a bigger clit or you’re experiencing bottom growth due to taking testosterone, go for a head with a wider opening.

That said, the fit of your toy is as personal as the fit of your jeans. Only you’ll be able to tell when it feels just right for you! We’d recommend trying every suction head included with your toy, just to see how it changes the experience. A smaller head might feel more intense and targeted, while a larger head might diffuse the sensation over a broader surface area.

Lower the intensity

Resist the urge to go for the highest setting right away. Instead:

• Start on the lowest setting and gradually increase the intensity as you feel comfortable.

• Keep your underwear or thin pants on for your first try. This can take the edge off the intensity and gives you time to get used to the feeling.

• Try the hover technique of holding the toy slightly away from your body instead of pressing it against the clit.

Starting gently lets your body warm up and avoids overstimulation, which may make it harder to come. “I had never considered that a slower buildup would give me so much more pleasure,” says JoCat on the Forum.

Increase the intensity

Once you’ve gotten warmed up (or hot and bothered), you can start to experiment with higher settings. Gradually increase the intensity until you find the one that feels the best — IYKYK. Combine suction with fingering yourself, riding a suction-cup dildo, or even just gently grinding your hips against the sucker. Layering different types of stimulation can make your arousal and climax even more intense and satisfying.

Edge yourself to climax

As Javay says, you don’t always need direct clit stimulation: “The clit is both an external and internal organ so exploring sensations on different parts of the vulva can also stimulate the internal portions of the clitoris."

Switching up sensations can be an amazingly delicious edging technique — which can increase your pleasure by delaying the big O. Start with clitoral suction to increase blood flow and sensitivity to the clitoris, then switch it up by fingering or grinding against the toy. Or you could use another type of stimulation, like stroking your clit with your fingers first to get close and then use the suction toy to finish.

Try it in the shower or bath

Warm water can heighten sensitivity by increasing blood flow to your erogenous zones. Plus, feeling relaxed and knowing no one is going to burst in on you can help get you in the right mindset for pleasure. That’s why we love to recommend bath or shower play!

Look out for “IPX7” or “submersible” on your toy’s packaging, as this will tell you if you can take it into water. Avoid splashproof toys in this context, as they’re not designed for more than a wet cloth or brief rinse.

The tub or shower can also be a natural segue into partnered play. There's something quite intimate about your partner washing your back while you lie back and enjoy your toy. You’ll find more tips for partner play below!

Go again another day

If your first experience wasn't mind-blowing, don't write the toy off completely. Clitoral suction is an unusual sensation, and it can take a few sessions to figure out what exactly works for your body.

“I bought a rose [toy] about a month ago, and it was certainly trial and error at first,” says KNG on the Lovehoney Forum. “The first 2 times I used it, it was uncomfortable… My third try was so much better. I found my groove with it, but it still takes some adjusting to get it on the right spot.”

Try changing something small each time you play, like adding lube or changing the size of your stimulation head. You might even find it more erotic using your toy with a partner watching; you don’t know until you give it a go! On that note, read on for tips on using your toy with a lover.

Oral suction toys aren't just for solo pleasure. “Try using one while having PIV,” says Stacy2 on the Forum. “It’s game-changing.”

Bringing clitoral toys into penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex can be fun and sensual, especially for anyone (read: a lot of people!) who finds it hard to climax through penetration alone. Here’s how to do it.

Erogenous zones

Fun fact: you're not limited to your clit. A suction toy can be used on any sensitive area, like the nipples, the frenulum (the underside of the penis head), or the perineum (the sensitive skin between your anus and genitals). This means both partners can take advantage of the benefits.

“We've used it on his frenulum as well and he enjoys the pucker, combined with a bit of tongue,” says JoCat. You can apply some lube to the toy and press it gently against your partner’s frenulum while you cup their balls or make out with the head.

Cowgirl

Cowgirl is one of the best positions for incorporating a clit sucker. Being on top means you get to control the depth and rhythm of penetration and gives you or your partner easy access to hold the toy in place. And you still get the intimacy of being face-to-face.

Doggy Style

If faster, deeper stimulation is more your thing, Doggy Style gives you room to hold the toy against your clitoris while your partner controls the pace from behind.

“[My] favorite position at the moment is doggy so I can hold my sucker in place... it takes me right to that happy place and beyond,” says Mummypixie on the Forum. It can take the pressure off worrying about what exactly your facial expression is doing in the moment. So let go and ride it out.

Mutual masturbation

Not all sex has to be penetrative and using toys together while you and your partner are each enjoying your own pleasure can be surprisingly intimate. Take turns, watch each other, or simply enjoy the closeness of being together without pressure to perform.

Massage

Ask your partner to give you a neck, shoulder, or foot massage while you use the toy on yourself. Physical touch releases oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, that brings relaxation and connection. The combination of being touched by someone you trust while focusing on your own pleasure is, in our opinion, definitely underrated. Plus, there's a certain kinky appeal to knowing they're watching.

When you've caught your breath and decided this is the best toy in existence, clean said toy right away after using it.

Removable heads can be rinsed under the tap. For waterproof toys, wash with warm water and a mild soap. For non-waterproof models, use a sex toy cleaner spray and a clean, damp cloth or a Q-tip for smaller crevices. Let the toy air dry completely before storing it.

“When choosing a suction toy, consider the sensations you want most – is it intensity, is it coverage, is it a mix of sensations?” says Javay. You can also look out for:

• Materials: Look for toys made from body-safe silicone, because it’s durable and won't break down with a water-based lubricant. ABS plastic is a good alternative, as it’s just as easy to care for.

• Removable heads: Different-sized heads let you find the best fit. “It can be difficult to clean small openings, so choosing a toy that is better designed for cleaning with a removable head can make things so much easier for you in the long run,” says Javay.

• Power method: Some toys still use disposable batteries. They’re perfectly fine to use, but you might find a USB-powered toy more convenient and affordable in the long run – since you won’t have to replace the batteries.

• Waterproof rating: IPX7 or “submersible” means you can take it in the bath or shower for up to 30 minutes. IPX4-6, i.e. "splashproof" means it can handle a quick rinse but not full immersion.

• Handle design: You can get some small, cute and travel-friendly toys with short handles and a handy. However, a longer ergonomic handle might be more practical if you have difficulty reaching or gripping for long periods of time.

• Dual stimulation: If you generally really enjoy penetration, it’s worth finding a dual stimulation toy that has an internal arm or love egg for G-spot stimulation.

• Vibrations: Not all clit suckers vibrate, but the ones that do can be fun to try! “Some toys have a buzzier vibration, while some have a more rumbly vibration which is felt deeper in the body,” says Javay. The Womanizer Enhance uses innovative We-Vibe motors to offer a rumbly vibration to a broad surface area all around the clit.

• Reviews: When reading reviews, filter out the details that matter most for you, like noise level, suction strength, and ease of use.

Whatever your experience level, we've got a clit sucker designed for you. Here are three of the best clitoral suction toys, rated and reviewed by real Lovehoney customers and testers.