Views on Sex Toys
There are many beliefs regarding sex toys, but a recent study found that people generally have more positive beliefs than negative. For the most part, people believe that vibrators contribute to positive sexual functioning and positive sexual relationship dynamics.
Many of the negative beliefs — for instance, vibrators being intimidating for male partners, only lonely women use vibrators, and that vibrators make women dependent on them — are actually myths.
Herbenick and colleagues, who conducted the study from Indiana University, found that while many heterosexual women believe their male partner will be intimidated knowing they use a vibrator the majority of men do not have a problem with it.
There is no evidence that women become addicted to sex toys. Instead, the use of sex toys is associated with enhanced sexual functioning and few sexual problems for all genders.
Despite research supporting the claim that most people have positive beliefs regarding sex toys, advertisers are still hesitant to promote pleasurable sex as a result of sex toys.
Author and researcher Hallie Lieberman has studied the history of vibrator advertisements, and notes that while vibrators have been sold since the early 20th century, many companies did not advertise them as sex toys, instead referring to them as massagers or cure-alls. While vibrators did not (and will never) cure diseases, they can enhance sex.
While we have come a long way since the early 1900s, companies selling sex toys still have difficulty getting their products advertised. Dame, a sexual wellness company, recently had their provisionally approved ad rejected by the MTA (New York City Transit) because they refuse to work with “sexually oriented businesses,” despite numerous advertisements for erectile dysfunction medication.
“Conservative pundits lament the sexualization of the American media in the 21st century,” states Lieberman. “But when it comes to sex toy advertisements, it seems we’re still Victorian.”
Using Sex Toys
Despite the problems with advertising, many people still use and enjoy sex toys.
Herbenick and colleagues also found that 33 per cent of men and 50 per cent of women had used a vibrator or dildo and that 18 per cent of men and 16 per cent of women had used an anal sex toy.
A study on sex toy use, hygiene, and health by U of G researcher Jessica Wood and colleagues found that 52 per cent of participants had used a sex toy and 25 per cent of those participants used sex toys weekly.
While there are many positives to using sex toys, such as sexual pleasure and sexual satisfaction, there is still a chance of transmitting sexual infections if toys are shared or used during partnered activity. In the study conducted by Wood it was found that 22 per cent of participants had shared their sex toys.
Cleaning sex toys and using a barrier (such as a condom) will decrease the risk of contracting STIs. While 96 per cent of Wood’s participants cleaned their toys, only 10 per cent used a barrier. Note that some toys are easier to clean than others. Toys that are porous are not able to be disinfected while toys that are non-porous tend to be easy to clean.
Even with proper cleaning of sex toys, researchers at Indiana University found that the STI human papilloma virus (HPV) can still spread but that silicone had a lower risk of having traces of HPV after cleaning than thermoplastic. HPV is one of the most commonly transmitted STIs — it is contracted “during vaginal, oral, or anal sex, or during intimate skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected,” according to the Government of Canada website, can lead to cancer or genital warts, and can be prevented through a series of vaccines (see page 16 for more on HPV).
Wood and colleagues found that those who shared their sex toys were more likely to have negative vulvovaginal health outcomes, such as infections. Following proper sex toy hygiene protocols can help limit these outcomes. Read packaging carefully to understand proper cleaning instructions based on the material of what you have purchased.
Choosing a Sex Toy
When choosing a sex toy, there are many aspects to consider. Sex toys are personal items, so get what works for you. Figuring out what works for you is a bit of trial and error, but most adult stores have knowledgeable employees who can help with suggestions.
How you want your sex toy to look will impact what you get as well. Some sex toys are more realistic looking (for example, resembling genitalia), while others come in a variety of vibrant colours and patterns. While the colour of the sex toy will not impact the sensations, different textures — like ridging that emulates veins — on the toy may impact sensation depending on the individual.
The material of the sex toy makes a difference in the feel and longevity of the toy. The material of the sex toy can also impact what type of lube you should use. You should not use a silicone-based lube with silicone toys. When in doubt, go with a water-based lube, which is suitable for all materials.
Additionally, be aware of whether or not the toy contains phthalates. Numerous health concerns may be connected to phthalates. Many sex toys will note on the package if they are phthalate-free, something that should be a priority when you are shopping.
Price is also an important consideration when it comes to sex toys. Come As You Are, a sex shop based in Toronto, notes that while a cheaper sex toy may not last as long as an expensive one, if you are buying your first or trying something new, starting at a lower price may be beneficial. This is because a cheaper option gives you a chance to try out a new sex toy and make sure you like it before you invest in something longer lasting.
What you want your sex toy to do and how you want to use it will determine what type of sex toy you want. For example, some toys are more conducive to partnered sexual activity, such as We-Vibe’s couples’ vibrators or Tango Pleasure Mate, while others are excellent for individual play, such as Satisfyer vibrators and fleshlights.
Wood’s study found that there are eight main categories of sex toys:
- Vibrators (which come in a variety of shapes and vibrate)
- Dildos (which are sex toys shaped like an erect penis)
- BDSM toys (such as handcuffs and rope)
- Anal toys (such as butt plugs and anal beads)
- Food (such as carrots and cucumbers)
- Household items (such as showerheads and electronic toothbrushes)
- Ben-Wa balls (which are marble-sized, weighted balls inserted into the vagina)
- Other (such as cock rings and lubricant)
Based on this list it is clear that many sex toys emulate genitalia. While some may think sex toys are an embarrassing purchase to make, health issues and hospital visits arising from homemade or household items are far more embarrassing and potentially life-threatening. It is not safe to put just anything inside your body. Sex toys are a much safer option than household items no matter where you read about them. For example, a recent article in Marie Claire suggested putting parsley into a vagina; the article has since been taken down. Doctors have said not to do this as it is extremely unsafe. Dr. Shazia Malik told The Independent that “there is no evidence of any benefit to a woman [putting parsley into her vagina], and clear risk of significant harm as deaths have been reported.”
Feature photo by Alora Griffiths/The Ontarion