Throughout 2020 I’ve had the insightful opportunity to speak with patients about all things sexual, including trending sex toys. As the end of the year grows near, I am able to look back and see what new topics and trends are emerging for sex toys in 2021. I’ve handpicked three sex toy trends that you should know about—and there’s no time like the present to try them out!
#1 – COVID + Coitus
Coronavirus will remain a hot topic into 2021 with many people looking for more ways to stay safe and connect virtually.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it's possible to contract the COVID-19 virus from sexual activities that expose a person to fecal matter, however, there is currently no evidence that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted through semen or vaginal fluids. They recommend avoiding sexual contact with anybody who doesn't live in the same household.
All this has made consumers more germ-conscious than ever before. This means you should invest in cleaning products that are specifically made to be used with sex toys.
Toy materials can range from plastic to rubber to silicone and more. Each of these materials may be porous to different degrees and may be incompatible to traditional cleaning options. Anti-bacterial toy cleaners can be found in misting sprays, foam, and towelette options, making it easy to find a formula that works on the shapes and materials of all your pleasure products.
As an additional safety measure, there are UV sterilizing options that can help kill germs on sex toy surfaces. UV is a type of ultraviolet light which is helping hospitals cut transmission of super bugs like MRSA, according to a study by Duke University.
With regards to connecting virtually, my patient conversations have led me to believe sex toys that can offer long distance virtual sexual pleasure opportunities are becoming increasingly popular. Teledildonic products that can be controlled via app or computer will allow you to intimately connect when other circumstances are keeping you and your partner apart.
With ‘Zoom Sex’ foreseen to become more popular as well, considering sex toys controlled via app, such as We-Vibe’s range of app-controlled couple’s toys, can make long distance sex a reality.
Research by Queen’s University found long distance relationships can be satisfying as long as they include intimacy, communication, commitment, and sexual satisfaction. So, investing in app-controlled sex toys can bring sexual satisfaction to long distance relationships, and are also great for connecting when you’re one-on-one as well.
#2 Masturbation for Health Benefits
Recent public health research is reporting that people are having sex less. With few exceptions, sexual activity showed a marked decline—especially among young men aged 18-24.
More people are looking to provide themselves with personal pleasure and many are citing beneficial health reasons. Healthline defines masturbation as a healthy, natural, and safe way to practice self-care and improve health.
According to the Boston University School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School studies, men who ejaculate 21 times or more during a one month period were less likely to develop prostate cancer. Additional studies have shown that masturbating may protect men against prostate cancer.
Masturbation is believed to help remove tension and alleviate stress—so much so that a person’s heart can be reduced to a resting heart rate for up to 12 hours after an orgasm. Masturbation resulting in an orgasm releases endorphins, which are natural stress-relieving hormones.
With health being so important, consider masturbation pleasure products that may also improve sexual well-being. There are some sex toys that use science to develop technologies that can enhance performance. Masturbation may also help you be sexually ready when you do decide to engage in partnered sex experiences.
Consider Kegel exercisers, which can be used for a pelvic floor workout. Or Personal Trainer Pleasure Cup Masturbator that may help to achieve ejaculatory control.
There are sex toys that may offer unique sexual wellness health benefits. I suggest you spend time learning what sex toys can be beneficial for you.
#3 Vibrators for Sexual Wellbeing
I may have saved the best trend for last. According to a Technavio research report, globally female sex toys are becoming more popular than ever before. Their in-depth report cited changing perceptions towards sex toys and the fact that sex toys are becoming increasingly welcome in mainstream media.
Personally, I’ve seen an increase in popularity of vibrators being used for therapeutic purposes. Vibrator use has been associated with improved sexual function and being more proactive about personal sexual health.
With doctors I’ve spoken with, vibrators are being used to stretch the tissues of the vagina to help enable penetrative sex without pain. Vibration stimulation has been shown to increase blood flow to the walls of the vagina helping to promote healing, stimulate nerves, and in some cases improve natural lubrication. Vibrators used for clitoral stimulation have been shown to increase chances of experiencing orgasms.
According to The North American Menopause Society, sex toys can be helpful in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, such as decreased sexual sensation, low desire, or an inability to enjoy orgasm.
Dr. Lauren Streicher, the Medical Director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause, believes vibrators are a first line treatment for orgasm dysfunction and says that women's difficulty orgasming should be treated as a medical issue with vibrating massagers being offered as a solution.
I suggest checking out the wide array of vibrators available and adding vibration to your overall sexual wellness routine.
Why Wait?
Although these top three trends will be omnipresent in 2021, there is no reason you can’t get a jump on them now. Since these trends all have ‘health’ as a common theme, why not take charge of your wellness by investing in trending sex toys?
Make taking care of your sexual wellbeing a healthy habit that has the potential to be beneficial to other aspects of your life and relationships. Sex toys can help make pleasure a priority. Don’t wait to make a commitment to yourself to try these healthful 2021 trends.
Do your sex toys make your life better? Is there a healthy trend you would like to share with me? Please send me your questions and comments. I’m always here to help you!
