Idea that men are intimidated by sex toys is a myth – it’s WOMEN who are …
November 13, 2011 by admin
Filed under Choosing Lingerie
By
Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 5:08 PM on 4th November 2011
They never get tired and are always conveniently to hand. So it is little surprise that many women are convinced their partners are threatened by sex toys.
But the belief is a myth, according to new research, which has found that the idea is mostly held by women, not their boyfriends or husbands.
A study of over 3,000 people in the U.S. by Indiana University revealed that 70 per cent of men actually have no problem with women using vibrators.
The sex toy myth: A study has found that 70 per cent of men have no problem with their girlfriends using vibrators – women just think they are threatened
Participants, who were aged 18-60, either agreed or strongly agreed with statements put to them by researchers, such as, ‘[vibrators] make it easier for a woman to have an orgasm’, and ‘[vibrators are] a healthy part of many women’s sex lives.’
In contrast, nearly four in ten women said they believed use of sex toys would upset their boyfriend or husband.
Men and women were given the same questions and nearly half of the total respondents were strongly in favour of the positive statements.
In fact less than ten per cent felt the
same way about negative statements, such as, ‘[using vibrators] makes
women too dependent on them for pleasure’, with the remaining percentage issuing indifferent responses.
Debra Herbenick, lead researcher and associate director at Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion says her findings demonstrate how important it is for couples to share sexual interests with their partners.
She told LiveScience: ‘This builds on a lot of previous research that has shown that feeling like you can be intimate with your partner – that you can share things with them about your sexual desires and interests – is very important to a couple’s sexual life and a woman’s sexual satisfaction.
‘It’s not just the vibrator use but being able to share
those parts of your sexuality with your partner that matters.’
Sex toys are now a $500million industry in the U.S. according to Scientific American.
Indeed, a 2009 study by Ms Herbenick, found that half of all Americans use vibrators, and 45 per cent of men admitted to owning one to please their girlfriend or wife.
It is perhaps thanks to the fact that sex toys have a larger presence in mainstream media than ever.
The ‘Rabbit’ vibrator became a retail phenomenon when it featured on Sex And The City, a series widely credited with helping women become more sexually confident.
Desperate Housewives’ Gabrielle Solis, played by Eva Longoria, also used one in an early episode.
And last year Rihanna reportedly spent $1,500 in a Paris sex shop
Further evidence of their mainstream status is evident in the upcoming release of the film Hysteria, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, which is based on early medical usage of vibrators to treat women.
Print this article
Read later
Email to a friend
Share this article:
Here’s what readers have had to say so far. Why not
debate this issue live on our message boards.
The comments below have not been moderated.
-
Newest -
Oldest -
Best rated -
Worst rated
@the Lady….., who resides in Britain: “when men can ‘step upto the mark’ relise sex lasts longer than the 3 minutes (less most times) they’ve just put into it – then women MIGHT not have a need for sex toys!”….perhaps they want to get away from you as quickly as possible? Do you have issues with your personal hygiene perhaps? Just trying to help here, as no woman should miss out on good sex. Maybe I’ve just been a lucky woman!
Report abuse
I don’t understand the women on here saying that men are intimidated by a sex toy that can replace them. By that token, women should be intimidated by a microwave oven and a washing machine.
Report abuse
“3 mins is just fine for me, but then I’m a man and why would I be ashamed of the fact that I am able to achieve my own orgasm? Female sexual dysfunction is becoming a big problem in society but you ladies need to sort your own problems out for yourselves!”
- Goughie, London, 5/11/2011 18:15Actually 3 minutes is fine for us ladies too – but only with a piece of plastic.
Report abuse
- Owen, Newcastle, 05/11/2011 20:38 Your response to ‘The Truth’s point only served to reinforce it….
.
Report abuse
Most women cannot achieve an orgasm within just a couple of minutes which is how long sex with men lasts due to MALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION. In conclusion, men and their sheer selfishness are the problem. I’d rather pleasure myself than have a quick fumble with a man who will not be able to satisfy me, thanks. – The Truth, London, UK” ============ Sexual dysfunction? In nature, the premature ejaculator was the one who was most successful. Taking too long meant that the male and female were left in a vulnerable position much longer than neede be, and they were attacked more often before completion. Having said that, you talk as if ALL men suffer from premature ejaculation which is so untrue. I know a woman who used to complain of “aching ovaries” as her husband used to be at it for “hours on end”.
Report abuse
@- Minnie the Minx, UK, 05/11/2011 20:50 —— and perhaps you should stick to fumbling.
Report abuse
The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
We are no longer accepting comments on this article.
