In recent years, sex toys in the United States have gradually moved from a highly taboo topic to a mainstream one. More and more people have discovered that sex toys can enhance physical and mental health and bring benefits beyond mere sexual pleasure. From boosting passion and intimacy to enhancing sexual satisfaction and libido, sex toys are becoming an important part of many people's private lives. In this blog, we will review the latest data from a study led by Dr. Lemmer at the Kinsey Institute, and discuss how many Americans are using sex toys and their impact on people's sex lives.
How many Americans use sex toys?
The Kinsey Institute and the sexual health brand We-Vibe collaborated in 2024 to conduct a survey to explore the attitudes and usage experiences of American adults towards sex toys. The survey covered 1,500 American adults aged 18 to 88, representing the national population. Nearly half (44%) of the female respondents and over a quarter (27%) of the male respondents said they had used sex toys during masturbation. Additionally, in partnered sexual activities, both men and women indicated that they used sex toys on average 13-14% of the time (in other words, people said they used sex toys in about one out of every seven sexual encounters). On average, American adults own two sex toys.
The Benefits of Using Sex Toys
What are the benefits of using sex toys during solo or partnered sexual activities? Sex toys have been proven to have numerous advantages. The findings of the Kinsey Institute x We-Vibe study indicate that using sex toys (whether with a partner or alone) is associated with higher levels of sexual satisfaction. Part of the reason for this correlation includes: Sex toys may help us better understand our bodies, making orgasms easier and/or more intense, and improving sexual communication.
Furthermore, some sexual toys may even have therapeutic effects. For instance, in a review of articles published in medical journals, researchers found that vibrators are often associated with enhancing sexual experiences, increasing libido, sexual satisfaction, and female sexual function (Dubinskaya et al., 2022). Another review discovered that certain sexual toys (such as contraction belts, vibrators, vacuum devices, etc.) may have clinical efficacy for male sexual dysfunction (Miranda et al., 2019).
Sex toys are a new form of sexual novelty.
Researchers have long emphasized the importance of sexual novelty in maintaining and promoting sexual desire. Engaging in self-expansion (i.e., novel) activities, even if these activities are not directly related to sex, can enhance sexual desire, improve intimacy, and increase the likelihood of sexual behavior (Muise et al., 2019). During periods of increased stress, the novelty of toys may be particularly beneficial. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately one-fifth of adults reported trying new sexual behaviors, and sex toys were one of the most common additions to their sexual activity list (Lehmiller et al., 2022). Those who have tried new activities such as toys report a threefold increase in the possibility of improving their sexual life compared to those who have not.
The main obstacles to incorporating sex toys
Although partners may still have doubts or hesitations about the topic of sex toys, the most common obstacles can usually be resolved through communication and joint exploration. According to a survey by the Kinsey Institute x We-Vibe, the biggest obstacles to using sex toys together with a partner include: bringing up the topic of using sex toys, worrying about the partner's reaction, and not knowing how to use sex toys together. Fortunately, the following strategies can help alleviate this discomfort:
Understanding how toys promote shared pleasure
Choosing toys together
Before a partner starts playing, observe how the other partner uses the toy
Maintain open communication
Overall, it is clear that many Americans are embracing sex toys and reaping a range of benefits from them. Whether you opt for the newer innovative products (such as those with connected apps or artificial intelligence) or simply stick to the tried-and-true classic ones, toys can offer rich experiences and ways to enhance pleasure.