Everything that happens to your body if you use sex toys
Whether it's strictly for solo use or simply a tool to be brought out in partner sex, it's clear that many people out there own at least one sex toy.
In fact, the global sex toy industry is worth more than a mammoth $15 billion a year, with research suggesting that almost half the British population admit to owning at least one of these, ahem, spicy products.
Now, there are a whole bunch of health and well-being benefits when it comes to sexual stimulation in general and masturbation in particular that go way beyond just the pleasure principle.
Samantha Evans, a former nurse turned co-founder and managing director of sex toy company Jo Divine, told Patient there are actually an increasing number of customers who are looking for sex toys to help with specific health conditions.
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"Sex toys can be helpful in the treatment of menopausal symptoms such as vaginal atrophy; vulval/vaginal pain and tightness (due to vaginismus, vulvodynia, lichen sclerosus, gynaecological cancer treatments and surgical interventions; neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis; lack of arousal, and low libido," she shared.
"Using a slim vibrator can help to stretch the tissues of the vagina to enable penetration without pain and the vibrations increase blood flow to the walls of the vagina, promoting healing, stimulating nerves and improving lubrication," she noted.
Samantha went on to explain: "Using sex toys to enhance sexual pleasure and orgasm can help you to sleep, boost immunity, relieve pain, reduce stress and boost your brain power.
"And age is not a barrier. One lady told us she enjoyed her first orgasm at 70 using a sex toy. They have few side effects, unlike medication, and can help many women enjoy clitoral orgasms and G-spot orgasms, something they may not have achieved before. Sex toys can also help people continue to enjoy sexual intimacy and pleasure when penetrative sex is not possible."
A 2024 study published in the National Library of Medicine titled The Role of Vibrators in Women’s Pelvic Health: An Alluring Tool to Improve Physical, Sexual, and Mental Health, researchers were keen on exploring the link between vibrators and improving sexual, genitourinary, and mental health in addition to quality of life.
The study looked at women aged 18 to 80, recruited from a urogynaecology clinic, who were assessed at baseline and after three months using validated questionnaires and pelvic examinations.
Out of 79 women enrolled, 53 completed the study (mean age: 54.7 years). Most were white, post-menopausal, and not receiving hormone therapy.
The researchers found that sexual function significantly improved, pelvic organ prolapse symptoms and pain scores significantly decreased, urge urinary incontinence rates decreased but were not statistically significant, lichen sclerosus lesions and vaginal atrophy showed significant improvement and depression rates significantly declined.
From this, they were able to conclude that regular vibrator use was associated with improved sexual health, reduce pelvic and genitourinary symptoms, and positively impact mental health and quality of life in women.
Meanwhile, Dr Stephanie de Giorgio, a GP with a special interest in women's health, has also interestingly recommended the use of sex toys for certain health issues.
"One unexpected benefit of sex toy use, seen in a study of menopausal women, was an improvement in sleep and overnight menopausal sweating", she told Patient. "There is also some evidence that the use of slim internal vibrators with plenty of good-quality vaginal lubricant can help to increase blood flow to the vaginal area, improving the symptoms of some vaginal conditions."
The expert added: "Some research suggests that women prefer to use slim vaginal vibrators rather than the more clinical dilators that are often prescribed. This can complement other treatments that may be recommended, such as local anaesthetic gels, medication and psychological therapies."
And the benefits don't just stop at your physical or mental health, as they can also be great for your relationship, as they help open up a dialogue about sex and what each partner enjoys as individuals and together.
"It may be something that they haven't tried before due to embarrassment or fear of purchasing items, but expert advice is available," Dr Giorgio said. "And they may find that their sex lives benefit from this new openness."
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Explained, Health, Women's Health, Life, Mental Health
Rhiannon Ingle