Dr. Ava's TriGasm box reads "better than an orgasm." Talk about an over-promise! There's nothing better than an orgasm! Okay, maybe buying a new corset, receiving foot worship or getting chocolate. But that really depends on my mood. Ya kinda can't go wrong with an orgasm, that's what I say! So I popped the batteries into this baby with a bit of trepidation. Or at least some serious skepticism.

The TriGasm was designed by "sexpert to the stars" Dr. Ava Cadell (pictured above). The product has received rave reviews from Maxim, Woman's Own and Playgirl that are printed right on the package. Those are three disparate publications, each with its own orgasmic agenda. And upon inspection, it's obvious that much thought and dedicated research has gone into the creation of this multi-orgasmic toy.

The gizmo has something for everyone: a curved end for reaching your G-Spot, a "rabbit-like" appendage for stimulating your clitoris and an easily detachable anal plug attachment for "earth shattering orgasms thru the back door [sic]." Mm-hmmm. And they all vibrate! Settings for the "shaft and plug" include vibrate I and II, pulsate, two vibes, escavibe, step up, gradual spurt (?!?) and climbing shooter. "Clit-stim" speeds are various stages of vibrate, from a gentle hum to what sounds like "lift-off." There are two separate control buttons for the clit stim and shaft and plug functions. Perhaps training with NASA might better enable me to achieve my battery-powered orgasm!

Anyway, the first time I test-drove this purple powerhouse was with my partner and it was all a bit awkward. When my partner is present, I don't need no stinkin' batteries. His tongue is plenty. But in the interest of science - and complete divulgence of my sex life - I spread my legs and he went spelunking, armed with the TriGasm. I'm a "do my clit" kinda gal, so after a bit of unsuccessful poking and prodding for my non-orgasmic G-Spot, I suggested he focus on using the "clit-stim" thingamajig instead. It is extremely pointed and although not exactly sharp, it is very, well, site specific.

There are two little lobster claw-like prongs that, when properly positioned, did do a fine job of vibrating my clit. However, the need to remain still enough to keep those lobster claws in just the right spot proved a bit distracting as well as slightly over stimulating. Eventually we wound up tossing the TriGasm aside in favor of the low-tech tongue. Orgasm was sadly a bit difficult to achieve after so much of the aforementioned over stimulation. In short, my partner TriGasm experience was a complete disappointment.

But did THAT dissuade me? Hell no! If nothing else, I am eager to WORK at my orgasms in order to bring you all the most practical info. So I decided to "tri, tri again" with my TriGasm. After a few arousing hours of Ellen and The View, I retreated to my bedroom for a second attempt at that earth-shattering orgasm.

The toy is made of that sticky stuff they're using for sex toys these days and it felt very nice on my privates. Squishy, pliable and quick to warm up, it's also soft and supple, as opposed to stiff and unforgiving. Just the sensation of feeling it vibrate inside me was pleasant. In order to get the clit-stim in precisely the right position, however, it was necessary for me to move the shaft gizmo AWAY from the neighborhood of my G-Spot, so simultaneous clit and G-Spot stimulation was out of the question for me. I did experiment with the lobster claws, but found that they were just not right; the sensation of the two tiny prongs on either side of my clit was certainly stimulating, but I enjoy direct contact, and they were simply too pointy for that.

I finally decided that the way to go - er, come - would be to keep the shaft inside regardless of its position and let the "rabbit-like appendage" do its thing. I angled into what I figured would feel the best and let the lowest vibration setting go to work. I did eventually achieve a very long, deep and intense orgasm. But that orgasm required SO much effort that I'm not sure it was worth all the trouble. While quite pleasurable, what orgasm isn't? I prefer the feeling of my fingers - hell, anyone's fingers - or tongue! - on my clit to the one-step-removed sensation of a sex toy. However, I can recommend this gizmo to those of you who crave the battery-enhanced experience.

I regret to admit that all attempts at anal penetration were met with, shall we say, resistance? Hey, I tried. I guess I'm now officially out as an asshole virgin. I can only imagine that it would feel like you have to take a really lively shit. For extensive anal toy evaluation, see PuckerUp.com. But I do I think using the shaft/clit set-up on yourself ,stretching the coiled phone cord-like wire all the way to your partner's asshole and plugging in the vibrating anal plug could make for an interesting synchronized experience. My partner was just as resistant to anal experimentation as yours truly. Go ahead! Call us a couple of prudes! Then plug yourself in and send us the results!

As for my post-play evaluation, the faux-wood and leaf grooved motif on the base of the shaft made it, um, slightly more difficult to clean afterward than was necessary. I don't find purple petroleum-based wood all that exciting, so a smooth - or how 'bout veined? - texture might've been more functional. I'm always a bit leery of washing non-waterproof appliances anyway. I worry about accidentally splashing water into all the inner workings. It isn't the most sturdy little sex toy I've ever shtupped with, but it stood up to plenty of "abuse."

Dr. Ava's TriGasm is manufactured by Doc Johnson and can be purchased through a staggering array of sex toy distributors, including Eros Toys.