Erotic electrostimulation abbreviated erotic e-stim [ 1 ] and also known as electrosex is a sexual practice involving the application of electrical stimulation to the nerves of the body, with particular emphasis on the genitals , using a power source such as a TENS , EMS , violet wands , or made-for-play units for purposes of sexual stimulation.
Electrostimulation has been associated with BDSM activities, and erotic electrostimulation is an evolution of that practice. Electrostimulation, in general, can cause tissue damage or even death if misused. A few cases of accidental death as a result of autoerotic electrostimulation have been reported in the forensic science literature; the cases reported involved mains -powered, self-made devices , with current passing through the chest intentionally usually via nipple stimulation or unintentionally for instance, touching an energized part with a hand.
The use of electricity for entertainment purposes dates back at least as early as the s. In the s, insertable electrode attachments for small magnetos could be purchased. Later in the s, various electric belts some complete with "suspensory sack" were advertised as cures for impotence.
Modern [ clarification needed ] electrostimulation first became recognized during the s with the introduction of a device called the Relax-A-Cizor , [ citation needed ] which was originally designed to stimulate the muscles of a relaxing subject using electric currents as a means of "passive exercise ".
Such power sources [ dubious — discuss ] are still in medical use today and are known as EMS electrical muscle stimulation units. Some people soon found alternative uses for the Relax-A-Cizors by placing the contacts on sexual parts of the body. By the s, medical TENS transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation units were also being used for electrostimulation. In the s the first devices manufactured specifically for erotic electrostimulation became available, in particular the Titillator and the Pleasure Box, later known as the PES Power Box.
