Clinical use and implications of sexual devices and sexually explicit media

• Published in: Nature reviews. Urology 2021-06, Vol.18 (6), p.359-377
• Main Authors: Dewitte, Marieke, Reisman, Yacov
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 692/699/2768/515; 692/700/784; Care and treatment; Clinical medicine; Development and progression; Health aspects; Humans; Mass Media; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Play and Playthings; Review Article; Sex paraphernalia; Sexual Behavior; Sexual disorders; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - therapy; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - therapy; Taboos; Urology
• ISSN: 1759-4812; 1759-4820
• DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00456-2

Given that sexual pleasure is a core component of sexual health, devices that are designed to enhance and diversify sexual pleasure are particularly useful in clinical practice. Despite their growing popularity and widespread use in various biopsychosocial circumstances, many taboos still seem to exist, as indicated by the paucity of scientific literature on the prevalence, application and effectiveness of sexual devices for therapeutic use. However, sex toys and sexual devices are commonly used and have a variety of indications to expand individual and partnered sexuality and to treat sexual difficulties. Different devices are associated with specific advantages and potential risks, opportunities, barriers and ethical challenges when used in a clinical context. Increased knowledge about the aim and functional possibilities of sexual devices might help health-care professionals overcome potential embarrassment, preconceptions and other barriers, learn which patients might benefit from which products, consider their use in treatment programmes, educate about correct use and safety issues, and facilitate open communication about sexual pleasure with their patients. Devices designed to enhance and diversify sexual pleasure are useful in clinical practice; however, many taboos still seem to exist and the scientific literature on the prevalence, application and effectiveness of sexual devices for therapeutic use is sparse. In this Review, Dewitte and Reisman discuss the clinical use of sex toys and sexual devices, as well as sexually explicit media, across a variety of indications to expand individual and partnered sexuality and to treat sexual difficulties. Key points Sexual devices are primarily designed to improve sexual well-being, pleasure, recreation, freedom and diversity. Despite the increasing accessibility and popularity of sexual devices in society, for some health-care professionals in clinical practice they remain a taboo subject. Health-care professionals should be encouraged to keep an open mind around the use of sexual devices and to assist their clients in obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for their correct and safe use. Sexual devices are commonly used and have a variety of indications to expand individual and partnered sexuality and to assist in the treatment of sexual difficulties.