Can using a sex toy really improve your sexual health?

Read about the author Samantha Evans

Studies conducted at Indiana University in the USA in 2009 found that 53% of women and 45% of men aged between 18-65 years had used a vibrator, and that vibrator use is associated with improved sexual function and being more proactive about sexual health.

The study received responses from 2,056 women and 1,047 men aged between 18-60 and found that vibrator use was linked with positive sexual function such as desire and the ease of orgasm. The use of a vibrator is rarely associated with side effects, unlike some drugs prescribed to treat sexual dysfunction.

The study about male vibrator use, not previously documented, is interesting because it shows that vibrator use amongst men is common too.

Women

• The study found that more than half the women surveyed had used a vibrator and 25% had used a sex toy within the last month.

• Women who used a vibrator were more likely to have had a gynaecological examination during the last 12 months and to have performed a self-examination of their genital area in the last month.

• Women who used a vibrator reported increased levels in sexual function, such as desire, arousal, lubrication and orgasm, leading to a positive sexual experience.

• Nearly three quarters of women (71.5%) reported no side effects to their vibrator use and those who did report side effects said they were rare and short-lived when they did occur.

Men

• Almost half the male respondents reported using a vibrator, with very little difference between vibrator use between heterosexual men and gay or bisexual men.

• Heterosexual men (91%) more commonly reported vibrator use during foreplay or sexual intercourse with a female partner.

• Of the men who had used a vibrator, 10% had used a sex toy in the last month, 14.2% in the last 12 months and 20.5% more than a year ago.

• The men who used vibrators reported that they were more likely to participate in sexual health promoting behaviours such as testicular examination and male sexual health clinics.

• These men also scored themselves higher on satisfaction levels of erectile dysfunction, intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function and sexual desire.

The use of sex toys can improve your sexual health and well-being by making you aware of any problems which may occur and help you find ways to alleviate the problem or encourage you to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

So invest in a high-quality sex toy and start the journey to improving your sexual health, well-being and sexual satisfaction.