Sex toy use beneficial for sexual, life, and relationship satisfaction?

Even though sex toys remain a taboo topic across different countries, sex toy use is widespread amongst
several populations, with prevalence rates ranging from 15% to 76%. Studies examining the prevalence of
sex toy usage often do not focus on the outcomes associated with such use, in terms of sexual satisfaction,
life satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction.
The current study aims to comprehensively examine the association between sex toy use and sexual
satisfaction, life satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction in a large multinational sample (N = 11,944)
drawn from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, and the United Kingdom.
In regard to sexual satisfaction, life satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction, differences were observed
across countries. Individuals from France reported higher sexual satisfaction than all other countries, and
higher life satisfaction as compared to people from Finland, Norway and the UK, but not Denmark and
Sweden. For relationship satisfaction, individuals from the UK reported higher satisfaction as compared
to those from Sweden, Norway, Finland and France, but did not differ from those from Denmark.
Controlling for gender, age, educational level, sexual orientation, and relationship status, and country,
owning (any) toys and owning more toys was associated with greater sexual satisfaction, life satisfaction,
and relationship satisfaction. Higher frequency of sex toy use alone was associated with greater sexual
satisfaction and life satisfaction, but not relationship satisfaction. Among those in relationships, higher
frequency of sex toy use with the romantic partner was associated with greater sexual satisfaction, life
satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. Of note, these associations did not differ by country.
The current study provides a more comprehensive overview of the outcomes of sex toy usage, suggesting
the value of sex toy use as a tool for health promotion in the general population to encourage overall life
and sexual satisfaction and well-being.