Person enjoying intimacy with a smart sex toy, highlighting the rise of sex tech for pleasure and wellness.

The “Boom” of devices for sexuality: trend or real solution?

Written by: Andrés Suro

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Time to read 5 min

In recent years, we are witnessing an exponential growth in the popularity and diversity of toys and devices for intimate pleasure. There are already artificial intelligence vibrators or rings with remote control tech, and the market is evolving quickly. But the question here is: is this a passing trend or a real revolution in sexual wellness?

Technology surrounds us and is already part of all aspects of our lives, so why should sexuality be the exception? If there's one thing advances in sexual products are good for, it's that they allow us to get to know ourselves and our bodies better . And as you may already know, this brings with it more pleasure and, in some cases, an overall improvement in relationships. In short, toys seem to be here to stay . In fact, according to an Indiana University study (Herbenick et al., 2017), incorporating sex toys has become normalized, with 53% of women and 45% of men reporting having used them at least once in their lifetime.

The real benefits of sex devices: beyond pleasure

If there is one thing we can say about modern sex toys, it is that they are not designed exclusively to give pleasure, but that there is already a  wide range of products for training climax control  and general well-being . Several studies have shown that their use is linked to a better relationship with one's own body, improved sexual satisfaction rates and even a reduction in stress. In fact, some of these products are a 3x1.

No doubt, one of the greatest benefits lies in the fact that they greatly facilitate self-exploration . Previously, we shared with you that discovering what we like and how our body responds is one of the keys to enjoy a full sexuality. And that is exactly what sexual devices allow us to achieve, which become the best tools for sex therapy , helping in cases of anorgasmia , premature ejaculation , erectile dysfunction or problems of low sexual desire . According to a study by McCabe et al. (2010), sex toys are one of the most effective tools to combat some sexual dysfunctions, since they favor couple communication and improve individual sexual response. We could say that they are the perfect bridge between enjoyment and connection .

Couple holding hands with a sex toy, symbolizing intimacy, connection, and the rise of smart sexual wellness devices.

Sexual devices for couples: do they improve intimacy or promote distance?

You've probably heard (or said) that sex toys for women make their pleasure diminish in the long run. Well, here we come to disprove this common myth. Not only that, the reality is that these devices help in many cases to enrich intimacy and encourage joint exploration, getting both parties involved in getting to know each other and enjoying themselves in different ways.

Recent research shows that couples who incorporate intimate toys into their encounters experience greater satisfaction and communicate much better in bed (Hald et al., 2024). Quite a miracle in the cases of couples who tend to have the most trouble understanding each other. Again, the key is dialogue and trust. Devices are only the allies of your connection and pleasure , never their substitutes.

Marketing or need? The social impact of intimate products

By now, no one is surprised that the pleasure industry has found a more than profitable niche in the growing interest in sexual tech. In the last decade, the global sex toy market has grown significantly, with estimates to reach $52.7 billion by 2028 (Grand View Research, 2021). The problem? The opportunism of many companies in wanting to sell at all costs without really bringing anything new to the table. But we'll talk about that in the next section.

While some marketing campaigns play on curiosity and morbidity, they have also contributed to the destigmatization of pleasure and self-exploration, so we could say that this trend has done more good than harm . In addition, the increase in supply has allowed for high quality devices, with ergonomic designs and safe materials for the body, so that satisfaction, safety and comfort now go hand in hand.

Couple embracing intimately with a sex toy nearby, representing the integration of smart pleasure devices in modern relationships.

The importance of making informed choices when selecting quality sexual devices

Previously we mentioned that, with trends, there are also a lot of opportunities. The expansion of the market has allowed the emergence of products of questionable origin and unsafe materials. What measures can we take to avoid being fooled? There are several factors that you can take into account:

  • Choosing devices made of medical silicone, hypoallergenic ABS and other certified materials is key . A study by the University of California (Davis et al., 2020) warns about the risks of low-quality products, such as irritation or infection.

  • Hygiene is always important in order to avoid infections. Waterproof devices are best to choose, as they can be easily washed with water and neutral soap. Avoid toys with cracks, porosities or hard-to-clean parts where bacteria can accumulate.

  • Check that the toy has safety certifications, such as medical silicone certification, CE (in Europe) or FDA (in the U.S.). Also, if it is a rechargeable toy, make sure the battery and charging system are safe to avoid overheating or short circuits.

Last but not least, sex education is also crucial. For it's not just about buying a toy, but understanding how to integrate it into your sex life in a way that is safe, comfortable and pleasurable . If it's your first time or you feel a little confused, seek professional advice or read reviews. This way, you can make sure that you can enjoy your toys without risk.

Conclusion: Trend or revolution?

The rise of sex toys is definitely not just a trend, rather a statement of intent of how society has evolved in its perception of pleasure and sexual health . And beyond marketing, these devices have proven to be more than valid tools for self-knowledge, improvement in life as a couple and even the treatment of certain sexual dysfunctions.

As a company committed to sexual well-being, our goal is to promote a full sexuality free of taboos. Because technology in sexuality should not be seen as a threat, but as an ally in the search for happiness and satisfaction . What are you waiting for to take your pleasure to the next level with the best solutions for your intimate life?

Couple using the Myhixel Control, a smart device designed to enhance male sexual wellness and climax control.

Sources

  • Hald, G. M., Pavan, S., & Øverup, C. S. (2024). Do Sex Toys Make Me Satisfied? The Use of Sex Toys in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, and the UK. Journal of sex research, 1–15. Advance online publication.  https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2024.2304575

  • Davis, C., & Lin, Y. (2020). "Health concerns associated with low-quality sexual devices." University of California Health Review, 12(3), 221-235.

  • Grand View Research. (2021). "Sex toys market size, share & trends analysis report 2021-2028." Retrieved from www.grandviewresearch.com

  • Herbenick, D., Reece, M., Schick, V., Sanders, S. A., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2017). Prevalence and characteristics of vibrator use by women in the United States. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 14(4), 531-540.

  • McCabe, M., Althof, S. E., Assalian, P., Chevret-Measson, M., Leiblum, S. R., Simonelli, C., & Wylie, K. (2010). Psychological and interpersonal dimensions of sexual function and dysfunction. The journal of sexual medicine7(1 Pt 2), 327–336.  https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01618.x  

Andrés Suro

Author: Andrés Suro  (Sexual Coach at MYHIXEL)


Psychologist specialized in the social area and expert in sexology applied to education.

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