As a sex educator and advocate for sexual health, I feel that it’s crucial to emphasise the significance of pleasure in the human experience. A person’s relationship to pleasure can be based on many overlapping factors, from cultural background, biology, gender, and orientation to disability or experience with trauma. The pursuit of pleasure is complex at times. Sex toys can be fun and supportive characters in your story but they also have the potential to act as important tools facilitating holistic and embodied connection to self and others.
Pleasure is a fundamental human right. Most people’s bodies are wired to experience enjoyment on a spectrum and there is no reason to ever judge the levels at which one experiences pleasure. Context and the circumstances of a person’s life contribute greatly to how pleasure is perceived. It can’t be discounted how much a sense of the erotic is nurtured in the mind. Sex toys offer a unique pathway to explore and enhance physical pleasure, allowing for discovery of new avenues for gratification.
The main benefit of sex toys is their ability to facilitate exploration and experimentation whether solo or with a partner. These devices provide a safe way to discover different sexual responses which can lead to increased self-awareness and confidence, fostering a deeper connection with one's own body and desires.
Sex toys can be invaluable vehicles for enhancing intimacy and communication within relationships. Incorporating these devices into partnered play can spark new levels of excitement, fostering a sense of closeness and connection between individuals. Discussing shared desires through the process of purchasing and eventually using sex toys is often beneficial, allowing couples to introduce levity, strengthen interpersonal trust and deepen emotional bonds.
Moreover, sex toys can help people overcome barriers to pleasure. Performance anxiety, chronic illness or physical limitations can pose frustrating challenges. Sex toys can offer an alternative way to experience pleasure that alleviates the pressure of more traditional notions of intercourse which often are focused on penetration. For individuals experiencing difficulties with pain, arousal or orgasm, certain toys can provide targeted and specific stimulation as one navigates these challenges. Additionally, for those undergoing medical treatments or transitioning through hormonal changes, sex toys can offer a means of maintaining sexual pleasure within a changing personal landscape.
Holding expansive ideas around how sex can be validates diverse experiences and preferences. Introducing sex toys into your pursuit of pleasure fosters increased creativity regardless of gender, orientation, libido or level of experience. Toys can be vehicles which allow more people to have access to fulfilling sexual experiences regardless of their circumstances. Despite the myriad of benefits, sex toys are still considered taboo by many people. Collectively challenging the misconceptions around pleasure products and recognising that pleasure is a natural and healthy part of life makes the world a more welcoming and enjoyable place. Sex toys are sometimes considered to be objects of indulgence but they can also help foster sexual well-being. They offer a pathway to pleasure, exploration, and intimacy while empowering individuals to embrace and celebrate their bodies in all their glory.
P.S. Whilst the article above has been focused specifically on toys, many sex toys feel their best when used with the right lubricant based on the material of the toy as well as your own personal needs and preferences. High Tide offers a wide range of lubricants and other personal care products and we’d love to answer any questions you have.
Written with intention by Athalie Paynting