Sex survey: 39% of people who had never used sex toys before the pandemic now do
The coronavirus pandemic may have halted the dating game for singles, but a new study reveals that they managed to find different sources of sexual pleasure.
A survey by Lovehoney in partnership with the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, found 65% of Americans had found new ways to get turned on, with 40% of respondents saying they were masturbating more often than they did before the pandemic, and 39% of people who had never used sex toys before the pandemic doing so now.
The research also found that 47% of Americans experienced sexual problems during the pandemic including low libido or difficulty orgasming.
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People seem more keen than ever before to experiment in the bedroom, with 47% saying that their interest in trying new sexual activities has increased since the pandemic, and over half claiming they had become more experimental in the bedroom.
An adventurous 73% of those were looking to bring a new idea into the bedroom whether that be phone sex, a new position or a new toy.
It is no surprise that during lockdown people turned to self-pleasure. But according to midwife and hypnobirthing expert Anthonissa Moger, there are lots of surprising benefits to self-love.
She told Cosmopolitan: "Masturbation increases blood flow through your body and releases endorphins and oxytocin (our feel-good hormones.) This is such a valuable tool because it improves our mood. Next time you're feeling a bit low, remember that you have the power to pick yourself right up again."
She also said self-pleasure can help us sleep better, promote body confidence, relieve stress and anxiety and help boost our sex lives.
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"If you're in a relationship, your sex life will naturally have highs and lows over the years," added Moger. "If you are having a low, masturbating can be a great way to get the excitement and energy going again. If you are single, it really helps you release your sexual energy and keep your mind and body in balance.
"We are all so busy, that we often don't take time out to just have fun. Pleasuring yourself is choosing to do exactly that. And don't we all need a little more light hearted fun in our lives?"
