Little evidence of negative sexual health outcomes among women using sex toys

BACKGROUND: Millions of American women use sex toys; however, little is known about the sexual health characteristics of these women, including lifetime toy use, STI/HIV diagnoses, and rates of sexual compulsivity.

METHODS: Data collected from 2731 women who attended in-home sex toy parties during the winter of 2006 were analyzed to explore relationships between toy use and STI/HIV diagnoses, accessing gynecological care, and rates of sexual compulsivity.

RESULTS: The majority (89.3%, N = 2053) reported ever having used a sex toy. No significant relationship was found between toy use and STI/HIV diagnoses. Toy users were equally likely to have received gynecological care in the previous year. Sexual compulsivity scores were comparable to rates found among heterosexual college women (M = 1.32, SD = .38). No significant relationship was found between sexual compulsivity score and STI/HIV diagnoses. A significant relationship was found between sexual compulsivity score and toy use (p = .007).

CONCLUSIONS: For this sample, using sex toys was unrelated to negative sexual health outcomes such as an STI/HIV diagnosis, lack of gynecological care, or increased levels of sexual compulsivity. Higher levels of compulsivity were unrelated to higher incidence of STIs/HIV. Given the lack of negative outcomes, the relationship between compulsivity and toy use indicates that sexual compulsivity may manifest differently among heterosexual women. Another possibility is that for women higher in sexual compulsivity, use of sex toys may offer a means of sexual activity and satisfaction that confers little risk of negative outcomes such as STI or HIV infection.