If I told you that owning a sex toy could be beneficial to your health, you’d probably think it was a marketing ploy, right? But, the truth is: Using a sex toy offers several health benefits for your physical, emotional, and mental health.
“Sex toys are so beneficial!,” says Justyn Hintze, sexologist and director of Women Who Tech. “They can be great for lots of types of sex play—both for exploring your own body and learning what feels good and what doesn’t and for play with a partner,” Hintze adds. “Sex toys are great for strengthening the pelvic floor, for stimulating nerve endings on vulvas, vaginas, penises, perineums, nipples, and so on. Sex toys can also be a great tool to heal from trauma.”
Benefits of owning (and using!) a sex toy
If you need another reason to buy a sex toy, we’ve got five. Read on to learn more about the benefits of using a sex toy.
Using a sex toy could improve your sex life.
Sex toys don’t get half the credit they deserve. These tiny, yet mighty pleasure-giving devices have the power to transform foreplay into an unforgettable experience, give earth-shattering orgasms, and piece crumbling romances back together. Sex toys give us the confidence to explore our bodies, discover new kinks, and act on our fantasies.
According to a 2020 survey conducted by Ella Paradis, 98% of Americans believe that sexual pleasure is a part of overall sexual health—more than half of the respondents said that they buy sex toys for themselves and their partners, as well. If that isn’t good news, we’re not sure what is!
“Introducing sex toys in a relationship can introduce a whole new world of communication, exploration, intimacy, and orgasms!” says Emerson, a sex and kink educator, and expert, and sexual wellness expert at Honey Play Box. “Bringing in toys into the bedroom starts a conversation. Talking about sex toys is a great way to start talking about likes, dislikes, interests, fantasies, and limits,” adds Emerson. “This exploration with a partner can lead to increased closeness and intimacy.”
Orgasms lead to glowing skin.
In sitcoms, after someone’s just had sex their friend usually says something along the lines of, “Oh, you’re glowing!” And while it may sound a bit strange, having an orgasm really can give you a flushed glow. This is because, when you orgasm your blood vessels open up, which increases your body’s collagen production. Collagen is what keeps our skin looking plump and youthful. So, the next time you feel compelled to spend a fortune on skincare products, consider investing it in a high-end vibe instead.
Using a sex toy could lower your risk for heart attack.
Climaxing regularly can benefit your heart’s health. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, sexual quality and sexual frequency lowered the risk for hypertension and rapid heart rate in individuals aged 65 and older. In addition to staving off a heart attack, having an orgasm could prevent your risk of heart disease, as well. Research conducted in Israel found that women who orgasm at least twice per week are 30% less likely to have heart disease.
Orgasms help you sleep.
Here’s one you’ve probably never heard: An orgasm a day keeps the sandman at bay. Having an orgasm is a quick (and pretty amazing) way to get to Snoozeville. When you orgasm, your body releases a bunch of hormones that, when combined, promote good sleep. Take oxytocin (also known as the “love hormone”), for example. Oxytocin is like kryptonite to stress; when this hormone is released into your bloodstream, your blood pressure and cortisol levels lower, and your pain threshold increases.
“We can add a little oomph to our typical masturbation routine by using a toy, experiencing new sensations like vibrations, pulses, thrusts, suction, and massaging,” says Julieta Chiara, Velvet Co. sexpert. “With the rush of happy hormones from pleasure or orgasm, we see a drastic uplevel in one’s mood while taming stress and anxiety,” adds Chiara. “It’s very common for folks to use a toy before bed so they can drift off to sleep peacefully.”
Using a sex toy could help with urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence (UI) affects both men and women of all ages. Even so, it’s still too taboo to talk about in public. In fact according to a survey conducted in 2018, nearly half of women over 50 experience UI or urine leakage, and yet two-thirds have yet to speak to their doctors about the issue.
The good news? Orgasms have the power to make your pelvic floor stronger. This is because when you orgasm, the vagina contracts (which gives your body a mini pelvic floor workout). And, a stronger pelvic floor equals strong, intense orgasms! Of course, if you’re having UI issues, speak to your doctor first.