Sexual toys are tools that people can use during masturbation or partner play to enhance pleasure. They come in many shapes, sizes, materials, and functions, from vibrators and dildos to cock rings and anal plugs. Some people find them exciting because they allow for new sensations, some people enjoy experimenting with new forms of stimulation, while others appreciate the anonymity and privacy offered by using them.
What is less discussed is how these tools can contribute to overcoming sexual inhibitions or anxieties.
The most obvious way that sexual toys help overcome inhibitions is through exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves gradually increasing your tolerance to something uncomfortable or feared until it becomes more comfortable and less frightening. This technique has been used successfully to treat phobias such as public speaking, heights, and even spiders. It works by repeatedly exposing someone to their fear in a safe environment, allowing them to learn that it does not harm them. The same principle applies to sexual inhibitions and anxieties; by repeatedly engaging with them under controlled circumstances, you can learn that they don't need to be feared or avoided.
If you have performance anxiety around penetrative sex due to body image issues, using a dildo during masturbation can expose you to different sized penises without the pressure of a real person. You can slowly increase the size and shape of the dildo until you feel comfortable with larger objects. If you have painful intercourse due to vaginismus, using a dilator device beforehand can desensitize your muscles and prepare them for insertion. By repeating this process regularly, you will eventually build up confidence in your ability to relax and open up to pleasure.
Another benefit of using sexual toys is that they can provide distraction from self-consciousness. If you struggle with feeling judged or watched during partner play, using a blindfold or noise-canceling headphones can create a more private atmosphere where you are free to explore without outside influences. Using a remote-controlled vibrator or an app-connected interactive toy can also make you feel like a character in a video game rather than a vulnerable human being, which can reduce stress and allow you to enjoy yourself more fully.
Sexual toys can help you discover new parts of your own body that you may never have known about. With the right type of stimulation (such as a prostate massager), you may be able to experience orgasms that previously eluded you. This can boost confidence and give you a sense of control over your own pleasure, making it easier to communicate your needs and desires to partners.
Introducing new sensations through anal play can lead to exploration of other forms of kink or BDSM, expanding your sexual repertoire beyond traditional heteronormative roles.
Sexual toys offer numerous benefits for those who wish to overcome their inhibitions or anxieties around sex. Whether it's exposure therapy, distraction techniques, or discovery of untapped erogenous zones, there is likely a tool out there that can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your body and desires.
How do sexual toys contribute to overcoming sexual inhibitions or anxieties?
Sexual toys can play a role in helping individuals overcome their sexual inhibitions or anxieties by providing them with a safe and comfortable environment for exploring their sexuality. The use of sexual toys allows people to experiment and discover what they like and dislike without any fear of judgment or embarrassment.