Whatever your thoughts about sex toys, it seems they actually have some pretty good mental health benefits – that perhaps you already know about but haven’t noted (or maybe you have; and we’re just late to the game).
Sex toys can be helpful in both the bedroom with a partner and by yourself, and it’s important to note that there is absolutely no shame in using them; and that they are absolutely not an indicator of a dead relationship.
It is totally normal to use sex toys in the bedroom, as part of a healthy, active sex life – just like it’s normal to use them for solo-pleasure.
And if sex toys are something you use, or would consider, we’ll get straight into this article and tell you how they can benefit your mental health.
Of course, in this article, we are talking about consensually using sex toys as an aid to sex or masturbation.
They Aid In Sexual Satisfaction
For many, sex toys can give a better orgasm; both during sex and solo masturbation. A good orgasm can relax you and decrease stress – in fact, lots of people actually masturbate to relieve stress. This is because having an orgasm releases dopamine in your brain. Interestingly, your body also releases endorphins, which can be a natural painkiller for period cramps.
They Can Help With Self-Love
Using and experimenting with sex toys allows you to explore your body on a more intimate level, beyond non-sex toy masturbation. Getting to know your body and what you like can be empowering, helping you improve your body image in the process.
They Can Help You Sleep
According to a Bustle article with Dr. Donaghue, a licensed sex and relationship expert, sex and masturbation can help reduce insomnia and restlessness. They said: ‘Since the activity releases oxytocin and endorphins, masturbation can help people feel calm and experience less stress.
‘Both men and women report better sleep after incorporating masturbation into their nighttime routine, and using a sex toy can help you achieve your bedtime orgasm more quickly and effectively.’
They Can Help Bring You And Your Partner Closer In The Bedroom
Being open and honest about what you like, and experimenting with a consenting partner (that you trust), can aid communication and bring you closer. Being open about your body’s needs may also make you feel more confident, and self-assured. Of course, it’s all about being safe and comfortable – and with such a large variety of sex toys readily available, there are options for all.
They Can Make You Feel Happy
According to a sex therapist named Dr. Nagma V. Clark, feeling sexually empowered and ‘more in control’ of your sexual pleasure can induce a ‘renewed sense of excitement in their sexual connections’. Apparently, this enhances feelings of happiness, emotional wellbeing and satisfaction with sex.
They Help To Normalise Sexual Pleasure
There is still a lot of shame around masturbation and self-pleasure, but sex toys and the openness around them can help normalise it. In a Jack and Jill article, one expert said: ‘Exploring the ways in which you can access stimulation, arousal, orgasm, and comfort through a wider repertoire than just manual stimulation has benefits for both mind and body.
‘People often wrongly associate sex toys with an inability to have a healthy sex life, when the opposite can actually be true. Having a healthy relationship with your sexuality does not require a partner and the expression and experience of sexual desire is an important part of being human.’
Sex toys or no sex toys, the most important part of sex is that it is with someone you trust, and consensual. While sex toys might not be for everyone, there shouldn’t be stigma around them as there are lots of benefits to using them.
*This article is sponsored by Wet For Her. They have a huge range of sex toys for people with vaginas – which are safe, adaptible and varied for all.
