The Aneros Helix, one of the many models of Aneros prostate stimulation toys, is meant for insertion into the anal canal and is aimed primarily at male users. It is not particularly good for thrusting and vaginal use is likely limited due to the shape and handles. This really is a specialized toy.

There are instructions included with the Helix, but some general instructions for use are as follows:

1. Get out the Helix; cleaning first is recommended. Apply adequate lubrication to toy and to anal area; silicone is excellent for hard toys like this one. It is a good idea to use lubricated fingers to prime your anus first; this toy is made of hard plastic which does not relent to the squeezing of resistant sphincters. Generally, warm-up is important if you wish to enjoy this toy. The instructions included with the toy suggests several positions you may use; lying on your side with the upper leg against your chest is one of these.

2. Insert the Helix with the head aligned so it will point towards your navel. For reference, this is the side with the circular disc facing up, opposite the side with the curled handle. To insert this toy, gently place it against your anus and allow yourself to relax; the sphincters will give way with little manual encouragement; don't force it!

3. When inserted, the Helix should automatically move into position against the prostate. This may feel unusual if you are not used to prostate stimulation. Reposition if it is uncomfortable. The circular disc should be pressing against your perineum; this may also require adjustment if it is uncomfortable, as it is a little sharp feeling.

4. Here is where the learning curve begins. The instructions included with the toy discuss the use of muscular contractions to cause stimulation. Essentially, Kegels. Do them at a rate and rhythm that is comfortable and pleasurable for you. If there is any pain, be sure to stop.

5. Results seem to vary by user... You can masturbate while it is inserted, or aim for a hands-free prostate orgasm if you aspire to the same. Relaxing during the whole procedure makes it easier and more enjoyable. It has been said that it is good to use inserted in the penetrative partner during intercourse, so feel free to try that out.

6. Removal is as simple as relaxing, bearing down and holding onto the curled handle. Do not attempt to yank it out; easy does it.

7. Clean the toy again and store it as you generally do.

The Aneros Helix, like many of the Aneros products, is made of a hard plastic material, white in colour. Plastic is not an ideal material like stainless steel, silicone or tempered glass, as it has a bit more porosity. As hard plastic, it is phthalate-free, so that much is good. No smell or taste was detected when I opened it or thereafter.

The Helix is hard, to say the least. It is completely made of this hard plastic material, and a very, very fine seam may be noticed on some models, particularly around the perineum tab and handle. Be sure to inspect the toy closely before use, as a pronounced seam can cause injury to delicate rectal tissue.

The texture of the Helix is both smooth and matte; it isn't glaringly shiny like some plastics and it has a better ability to hold onto lube. It has little drag when lubed and inserted. It is completely rigid, bending only at the exterior parts (the perineum-tab and handle) as they are thinner plastic.

Because of the hardness of the material, it is not something I would recommend strongly to a complete anal beginner, despite it's smallish size. However, if one is willing to warm up with fingers and take it slowly, it can be used by a novice. In fact, it is likely the first anal toy for a number of men.

Aneros claims that the Helix is designed with rectal anatomy in mind, so that it can work with the body's muscular contractions to deliver stimulation to the prostate. Looking at the (non-realistic) shape of the insertable part, this intention does shine through as the angles and curves of the toy do seem like they would rub and press against the correct areas during contractions. As for the size... It's pretty appropriate for most users, but I kind of wanted more. Even though it did stimulate my prostate to a degree, it didn't give me the fullness or pressure I wanted... But that's an individual difference.

In terms of the outer aspects, the perineum tab is perhaps a bit too sharp; I'd prefer a ball shape similar to what is seen on other Aneros models as it would have wider, blunt pressure. I found that it was a bit uncomfortable, to be honest. As for the looped handle, I loved how unintentionally whimsical it looked. It also served its practical purpose, along with a bit of a tickling sensation as the toy moved in and out with anal contractions. A bonus, I guess.

In terms of discretion... This toy doesn't look like a penis, to be sure. Its use may not be readily apparent to all viewers. Some might think it is strange modern art. Regardless, I would still store it away from prying eyes to avoid making up answers to awkward questions. It is pretty small, however, so storage and travel shouldn't pose any issues for the owner.

Okay, now to what everyone is likely curious about - how well this toy performs.
I will include my own experience a little later. Let's first look at it more objectively.

I found that it was pretty ergonomically designed and fairly easy to insert. Internally speaking, it was comfortable (for plastic, at least), and it glides in and out of you as you contract your sphincter muscles. There was clearly a lot of thought placed into the design. Again, the perineum tab was a bit uncomfortable. The handle made retrieval easy and prevented loss of the toy into the rectum. I also found that it was easy enough to clean and did not retain any colours or odours.

On the flip side, the material was quite hard, which allowed it to place adequate pressure on the right spots, but it felt like a small but harsh presence. The technique for using this toy is simple enough, but to use it to the degree that the product's testimonials claim takes a lot of time and practice. Be prepared for this if you buy it. Furthermore, extended wear may be uncomfortable when it comes to sitting down as the perineum tab and handle can poke uncomfortably in sensitive areas.

Being made of hard plastic, this toy has a low porosity - not as good as the gold-standard, silicone, but better than many other materials. Since it is without deep ridges, nubbly bits, large-scale texture or ribbing, it doesn't hold onto the inevitable fecal matter as some other toys do. This makes cleaning fairly simple.

To clean this toy, plain soap (or antibacterial soap) and water will suffice. You can rub it down with plain rubbing alcohol, allow it to stand for a moment and rinse, and even boil it briefly. As I said before, it doesn't absorb much in the way of odours and colours, which is a plus.

Storage is fairly simple; store it like you would any other sex toy, whether that is in a pouch, a toy case, a container, a bag... Keep it away from heat sources and sharps and you should be good. It's not terribly big, so it can be stored with minimal space requirements.

The Aneros Helix comes in a clear plastic shell which opens up to reveal both the toy itself and an extensive set of instructions, more than you would find with many sex toys from other reputable companies. The packaging is not discreet at all, but would make a good display in a shop. If giving as a gift, I recommend leaving it in the packaging, as it includes the instructions. It isn't the best for storage, however.

I expected quite a lot from this toy because of the rave reviews and the numerous testimonials on the product webpage. While it did not meet my expectations, it still delivered to a degree by providing subtle and unique sensations. Take what you read about this toy with a grain of salt; your experience with the toy may vary from what you hear from others. In spite of the price, it is worth trying out if you are very curious and have adequate funds, but if I knew what I know now, I wouldn't have bought one.

Judging by the many testimonials and reviews on the product's webpage and its own claims to prostate pleasure and health, many people who buy the Aneros Helix do so expecting Earth-shattering orgasms and spiritual experiences...

...And perhaps that is what they get from it. I, on the other hand, did not. Whether it was a lack of patience, incorrect technique, different internal anatomy or just bad luck, the most I got from this toy were unique sensations and a little more awareness of my own prostate and anatomy. My attempts at using the Aneros Helix were all about the same; relaxation, insertion, contraction and breathing and waiting and waiting... And interesting feelings. But nothing groundbreaking. I did find that it intensified a usual orgasm, but no more than one of my butt plugs or dildos, and it was less comfortable than other toys I've used.

Again, though, this was my experience and yours will likely vary. While I do not use the Helix anymore, I can imagine that there are many people who incorporate it into their play often and with great enjoyment. Whether you buy this toy or not depends on a number of factors, including expectations and patience.