10 Surprising (and Science-Backed) Facts About Sex Toys That Might Change How You Think About Pleasure

For decades, sex toys were whispered about in hushed tones or hidden in the back of adult stores. But today, they’re mainstream — used by millions of people (and recommended by therapists like me) as powerful tools for pleasure, connection, and even healing.

Now if you’re reading this, you might know me as a sex and relationship therapist — but what you might not know is that I actually used to work in adult retail, and I even did my PhD research on sex toys. So that means I have a long-standing personal and professional relationship with these pleasure devices. I’ve seen firsthand how they can help people reconnect with their bodies, deepen intimacy with partners, and even recover from sexual pain or trauma.

So whether you’re a seasoned toy user or just curious, these 10 surprising facts — all backed by real research — will give you a whole new appreciation for the science of pleasure.

And if you'd rather watch than read, feel free to check out my YouTube video on this topic!

1. Vibrators Were Originally a Medical Device (Yes, Really)

Believe it or not, the first vibrators were created in the late 1800s as a medical tool — not a sex toy. At the time, physicians diagnosed women with “hysteria,” a supposed disorder characterized by anxiety, irritability, and “wandering wombs.”

The treatment? Manual genital stimulation to induce “hysterical paroxysm” — what we now understand as orgasm. When doctors grew tired of performing this procedure by hand, British physician Joseph Mortimer Granville invented an electromechanical vibrator to make the process quicker and more efficient (Maines, 2001).

While the diagnosis of hysteria has (thankfully) been debunked, this bizarre medical history marks one of the earliest intersections between sexuality, technology, and medicine — and set the stage for the modern pleasure industry.

2. Vibrators Stimulate the Entire Clitoris — Even the Parts You Can’t See

Here’s something most people don’t realize: sex toys — and specifically vibrators — can help women (and folks with vulvas) achieve orgasm because they stimulate the entire clitoris, not just the small external nub you can see.

The visible part of the clitoris (the glans) is only the tip of a much larger structure that extends internally around the vaginal canal, including the bulbs and crura that form a wishbone shape beneath the surface. Vibrations from a quality toy reach these deeper parts, activating thousands of nerve endings that manual touch alone may not fully engage.

This is why vibrators can be so effective for people who have difficulty reaching orgasm through penetration alone — they’re designed to provide consistent, evenly distributed stimulation across the full clitoral network.

And while vibrators were once developed as medical devices for “hysteria” treatment in the 1800s (Maines, 2001), modern sex research has transformed them into tools for empowerment and body literacy — helping people understand their anatomy, enhance pleasure, and experience more satisfying sex.

3. Over Half of Adults Have Used a Sex Toy

If you’ve ever thought sex toys were “niche,” think again. According to a nationally representative study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 53% of women and 44% of men have used a vibrator at least once in their lifetime (Herbenick et al., 2009; Reece et al., 2009).

And contrary to stereotypes, most of these individuals are in relationships — 78% of women who use sex toys are partnered or married (Davis & Gerl, 2014).

So if you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one exploring your pleasure, you’re in good company. Millions of people — from newlyweds to retirees — are using toys to enhance connection, curiosity, and satisfaction.

4. Sex Toy Use Is Linked to Higher Sexual Satisfaction

One of the most consistent findings in sexual health research is this: people who use sex toys report higher levels of sexual satisfaction.

In studies by Davis et al. (1996) and Fahs & Swank (2013), women who incorporated vibrators into their sex lives described more frequent orgasms, deeper pleasure, and a stronger sense of body awareness.

It’s not that toys replace intimacy — they enhance it. By shifting the focus away from performance and toward pleasure, couples often rediscover what feels good, experiment with new sensations, and reignite passion that routine or stress may have dimmed.

5. Vibrators Can Improve Sexual Function and Health

Vibrators aren’t just for fun — they’re also clinically effective tools for addressing sexual dysfunctions and supporting physical recovery.

Research shows they can benefit individuals experiencing:

• Erectile dysfunction (Stein, Lin, & Wang, 2014)

• Ejaculatory difficulties (Previnaire et al., 2014; Sonksen & Ohl, 2002)

• Anorgasmia (difficulty reaching orgasm) (Graham, 2014)

• Pelvic pain and vulvodynia (Bakker et al., 2015; Zolnoun et al., 2008)

These effects are largely due to increased blood flow, nerve stimulation, and relaxation of pelvic floor muscles — all of which are essential for healthy sexual function.

So the next time someone tells you sex toys are “just for fun,” you can tell them they’re also therapeutic tools with medical evidence behind them.

6. People Who Use Toys Tend to Practice Better Sexual Health Habits

Pleasure and health are more connected than we often realize.

Studies show that vibrator users are more likely to engage in proactive sexual health behaviors like scheduling regular gynecological or testicular exams and performing genital self-checks (Reece et al., 2009; Fahs & Swank, 2013).

Why? Because exploring your body builds comfort, curiosity, and confidence — all essential ingredients for self-care. People who view their bodies as sources of pleasure are often more attuned to noticing when something feels off or needs medical attention.

7. Many Men Enjoy Vibrators — and Find Them Relieving

There’s a persistent myth that men feel threatened by vibrators. In reality, most men enjoy them — and many even feel relieved by their presence.

In a study published in Men and Masculinities, men reported that using a couple’s vibrator made them feel more connected to their partner, less pressured to “perform,” and more satisfied overall (Watson et al., 2016).

Many men said they appreciated how vibrators took some of the “goal pressure” off — creating a shared experience of pleasure instead of a performance.

In fact, nearly 40% of men first tried a vibrator to enhance their partner’s orgasm (Reece et al., 2010). Pleasure doesn’t have to be competitive — it can be collaborative.

8. Sex Toys Can Deepen Emotional and Sexual Intimacy

Adding toys to partnered sex isn’t a sign something’s missing — it’s a way to expand what’s already working.

Research shows that women who introduce vibrators into partnered sex report overwhelmingly positive reactions from their partners — with only about 10% describing any resistance (Davis et al., 1996). Many couples even report stronger emotional closeness and communication as a result.

In my therapy practice, I often encourage couples to view toys as tools for teamwork. They can help break patterns of avoidance, improve touch communication, and make intimacy playful again — especially for couples recovering from trauma, pain, or low desire.

9. Masturbation and Sex Toy Use Boost Confidence and Body Positivity

Let’s bust another myth: masturbation and toy use aren’t selfish or shameful — they’re acts of self-connection.

Research has found that women who masturbate regularly report better body image, higher self-esteem, and improved sexual satisfaction (Coleman, 2002; Shulman & Horne, 2003).

When you explore your body, you learn how to tune in — to what feels good, what feels safe, and what you want more of. That self-knowledge can make partnered sex not only more pleasurable but more authentic.

10. Sex Toys Are Symbols of Empowerment, Not Taboo

Finally, let’s talk about the bigger picture.

Across identities — heterosexual, bisexual, queer, and everything in between — sex toys represent autonomy and empowerment.

Feminist and queer scholars describe toy use as a way to reclaim agency and rewrite sexual scripts that center male pleasure or heteronormative expectations (Fahs & Swank, 2013; Bolso, 2007). For some women, using a toy is an act of independence; for others, it’s a way to enhance connection and redefine intimacy on their own terms.

Either way, sex toys symbolize a shift from “sex as obligation” to “sex as exploration.” And that’s something worth celebrating.

The Bottom Line: Pleasure Is Health

From medical device to cultural icon, the vibrator has had quite a journey — and it’s not over yet.

Sex toys are more than gadgets. They’re powerful tools for self-discovery, intimacy, and healing. Whether you’re exploring solo pleasure, deepening connection with a partner, or addressing a sexual health concern, these devices can play an important role in cultivating a healthy, fulfilling, and pleasurable life.

So if you’ve ever been curious, take this as your permission slip: explore. Ask questions. Find what feels good for you.

Because pleasure isn’t a luxury — it’s a part of wellness.

References (APA Style)

• Bakker, R. M., Vermeer, W. M., Creutzberg, C. L., et al. (2015). The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(3), 764–773.

• Bolso, A. (2007). Sexualities, 10(5), 559–581.

• Coleman, E. (2002). Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality, 14(2–3), 5–16.

• Davis, C. M., Blank, J., Lin, H. Y., & Bonillas, C. (1996). Journal of Sex Research, 33(4), 313–320.

• Davis, C. L., & Gerl, E. J. (2014). Case Studies in Strategic Communication, 3(3).

• Fahs, B., & Swank, E. (2013). Sexuality & Culture, 17(4), 666–685.

• Graham, C. A. (2014). Principles and Practice of Sex Therapy, 89–111.

• Herbenick, D., Reece, M., et al. (2009). Journal of Sexual Medicine, 6(7), 1857–1867.

• Maines, R. P. (2001). The Technology of Orgasm: “Hysteria,” the Vibrator, and Women’s Sexual Satisfaction. Johns Hopkins University Press.

• Reece, M., Herbenick, D., Dodge, B., et al. (2010). Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 36(5), 389–407.

• Rosenberger, J. G., Schick, V., Herbenick, D., et al. (2012). Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41(2), 449–458.

• Stabile, E. (2013). Berkeley Journal of Gender, Law & Justice, 28, 161–198.

• Stein, M. J., Lin, H., & Wang, R. (2014). Therapeutic Advances in Urology, 6(1), 15–24.

• Watson, E. D., Seguin, L. J., Milhausen, R. R., & Murray, S. H. (2016). Men and Masculinities, 19(4), 370–383.

• Zamboni, B. D., & Crawford, I. (2002). Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality, 14(2–3), 123–141.

• Zolnoun, D., Lamvu, G., & Steege, J. (2008). Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 23(4), 345–353.

About the author

Dr. Holly is a leading expert in sexual health based in Orange County, certified as both a clinical sexologist and AASECT sex therapist. With extensive experience in sex therapy, sexual wellness, and relationship counseling, Holly provides evidence-based insights to clients in Orange County, the state of California and beyond. Recognized for expertise in sexual trauma recovery, sexual dysfunction, and intimacy, Holly is dedicated to empowering individuals with practical advice and research-backed strategies. For more, follow Holly for expert advice on sexual health and relationships.

Visit www.thehollywoodsexologist.com to learn more and request a consultation.