Long and expansive, cross-country research on sex toys and wellbeing is scarce.
Fortunately, a study published in The Journal of Sex Research took on this knowledge gap by exploring sex toy use across six European nations. It uncovered a wealth of information, including demographic trends, popular devices, and insights on how sex toy use influences sex, relationship, and life satisfaction.
The final installment of a three-part series, this article compares the similarities and differences among sex toy users in different countries.
Studying sex toy use
A survey examined sex toy use and ownership among 11,944 respondents in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, and the UK. It was funded by Danish sex toy retailer Sinful ApS, and the anonymous data was analyzed by researchers at the University of Copenhagen.
Specifically, researchers investigated the prevalence of sex toys, what factors predict their use, and whether using them is linked to greater sexual, life, and relationship satisfaction. They also compared countries in three main areas: general sex toy ownership, ownership of specific types of sex toys, and whether sex toys were used alone or with a partner.
Country-specific sex toy trends
Although researchers found little cross-country variation, certain national trends emerged.
In all six countries, more than half of respondents said they either owned or had previously owned a sex toy.
The UK had the highest rate of vibrator ownership at approximately 80%. Yet, UK respondents used sex toys alone less often than all other countries except Denmark.
As for quantity, respondents in Denmark owned the most sex toys, while those in France owned the least.
But something both French and UK respondents had in common: they owned the fewest dildos.
Satisfaction levels
As previously covered, the study found using sex toys was associated with higher levels of sexual, relationship, and life satisfaction. Still, there were some standout country findings.
Respondents in France reported the highest levels of sexual satisfaction, despite owning the least sex toys. They also reported higher life satisfaction compared to people from Finland, Norway, and the UK.
In contrast, respondents in the UK and Denmark reported the highest levels of relationship satisfaction.
Welcome to the age of sex toys
Vibrators, dildos, and other sextech devices frequent the bedrooms of many Europeans.
The study revealed their widespread acceptance across Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, and the UK.
The authors speculate the common use of sex toys in these countries is likely due to several factors. General wealth, liberal sexual attitudes, and an increased emphasis on sex and sexual satisfaction all contribute. Additionally, increased affordability and easier, anonymous access to a larger variety of sex toys play significant roles.
While researchers observed few regional differences, distinct national trends in sex toy ownership, use, and satisfaction rates surfaced.
With sex toys now the norm, it’s time for research on their use to follow suit.
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