Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) are global mental health concerns with negative relations to sexual function. Recent studies show that many people have turned to technology to fulfill their intimate needs and alleviate the psychological distress of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the greater use of sexual devices, like vibrators and masturbators. Such sex toys are commonly used and recommended in therapy. They have the potential to relieve stress and enhance sexual functioning (e.g., arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pleasure). Yet, there is a lack of experimental research on the therapeutic use and effects of sex toys. Moreover, no study has experimentally examined their effects on mental health. Thus, this project aims to experimentally assess the effects of a sexual self-stimulation protocol with(out) sex toys in the general adult population. It is hypothesized that a 6-week sexual self-stimulation protocol will improve sexual functioning and reduce DAS in participants when compared pre- and post-intervention, with the experimental group of sex toy users (EXP) exhibiting higher sexual function and mental health post-intervention than the control groups of non-users (CTL1) and individuals who do not follow any protocol (CTL2). A sample of 60 adults (30 vulva-vagina owners, 30 penis owners) will be randomly assigned to three conditions. EXP will self-stimulate to orgasm with a vibrator or masturbator at least three times a week. CTL1 will follow this protocol but without devices. CTL2 will not follow any protocol. The sexual function and mental health of participants will be assessed at baseline and every 2 weeks with follow-ups at 3 and 6 months using genital thermography and online health questionnaires. This research project will help determine whether sex toys can enhance sexual function and mental health. It will also contribute to the development of evidence-based, standardized treatment protocols that employ such devices in clinical interventions.