I once had a first date with a guy who thought it would be fun to head to an Adult Store after dinner. Always up for some naughtiness, I joined him in store. To my surprise, just as soon as we had entered the store, he was leaving it. Turns out my quirky, quippy and confident dinner-date was shy and awkward when it came to sex toys.

Coyness around sex toys is surprisingly common. Even though 59.5 percent of women, ages 23 to 44 have used a sex toy, it still seems to be taboo - not the kind of thing you can chat about over beers or brunch.

So we’re here to help you navigate the world of adult pleasure. Maybe you’re new to the world of sex toys or maybe you’re a seasoned professional, either way we’ve got the top tips for finding the right sex toy for your needs.

1. Check-in with what turns you on

Before committing to your new purchase, give some thought to what it is that really gets you going: maybe it’s clitoral or external stimulation? Or maybe you prefer penetrative stimulation?

Don’t forget to check-in with your fantasies as well. What is it that you haven’t done yet, but have always wanted to do? Maybe you’re after a blindfold, some bondage tape and a paddle –50 Shades of Grey-style. Embrace your urges and fantasies.

Once you know what kind of excitement you’re after, you can find a toy to match.

2. Know your product

As with any purchase, there is a huge range of products from which to choose. Walking into an Adult Store can be a daunting experience, with an overwhelming number of options – much like the milk aisle at the supermarket.

A great way to avoid being overwhelmed is by browsing online – Dr Google to the rescue. Forums such as Reddit or Quora are a great place to start. Like-minded people use these forums to share their experiences and to ask questions about the world of sex toys. These forums can help familiarize you with key brands and their leading products.

Aim for a toy made from “body safe�? and sterilisable materials. This will ensure your toy is healthy and can go the distance just as well as you can. For extra pleasure, consider buying lube too as many toys work better when lubricated.

3. Embrace the world of online shopping

You buy your shoes, music and groceries online so why not your sex toys? There are a number of benefits to buying sex toys online. You’ll have time and space to decide what you want and when you’re ready to make a purchase, you can do so quickly and discreetly from the privacy of your own home.

More importantly, online adult stores are open 24 hours a day - because who knows when the mood will hit.

4. A healthy sex toy makes for a happy sex toy user

Once you’ve chosen your pleasure device, find out how best to care for it – sex toys needs love too you know.

Each toy will come with its own cleaning instructions. As a general rule, it is best to wash your toy immediately after use. Most sex toys can be cleaned with a sex toy-specific cleaning solution or with hot water and liquid hand soap. Remember to check whether or not your toy is waterproof before submerging it in water. If it isn’t a wipe with a damp soapy cloth might be a better option.

Once clean, store your toy somewhere secure, but accessible for those pleasure-filled moments.