20 Surprising Facts about Sex Toys, According to Sexologists

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Posted October 2025 | By The Hot Spot Team

G'day, toy-curious trailblazers! Ever grabbed a vibrator and thought, "What's the wild story behind this buzz?" At The Hot Spot, we're dishing 20 mind-blowing facts straight from sexologists like Dr. Jess O’Reilly, Carol Queen, Dr. Laura Berman, Nikki Goldstein, and Hallie Lieberman—debunking myths, uncovering history, and spotlighting benefits that'll make your next solo or shared session sizzle. From ancient origins to orgasm hacks, these nuggets tie into our 2025 trends (45% vibrator love) and survey shocks (65% solo play). Ready to get cheeky and enlightened? Let's unravel the fun facts that prove sex toys are more than just a good time—they're a game-changer!

For a hands-on intro, check our rabbit vibrators or how to use a vibrator guide.

Meet the Sexologists

Dr. Jess O’Reilly – A renowned sexologist, relationship expert, and host of the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast. With a PhD in human sexuality, she’s a global speaker and author of The Ultimate Guide to Seduction & Foreplay, empowering millions to embrace pleasure confidently.

Carol Queen – A pioneering sexologist, author, and co-founder of the Center for Sex & Culture. With a PhD in sexology, she’s a leading voice in sexual liberation, known for The Sex & Pleasure Book and decades of advocacy for body-safe, inclusive pleasure.

Dr. Laura Berman – A world-famous sex therapist, educator, and bestselling author of Loving Sex. With a PhD in clinical sexology, she’s appeared on Oprah and hosts The Language of Love, helping couples and individuals unlock deeper intimacy.

Nikki Goldstein – An Australian sexologist, relationship expert, and media personality. With a doctorate in human sexuality, she’s a regular on TV and radio, author of Single But Dating, and a fierce advocate for open, shame-free sexual wellness.

Hallie Lieberman – A sex historian and author of Buzz: The Stimulating History of the Sex Toy. With a PhD in gender studies, she’s a journalist and speaker who uncovers the playful, political, and powerful past of pleasure products.

1. Vibrators Weren’t Born for the Bedroom

Believe it or not, the first electric vibrator hit in the 1880s—not as a sex toy, but a medical gadget invented by British doc Joseph Mortimer Granville to treat "hysteria" in women (and spinal issues in men). Carol Queen notes it was marketed as a "cure-all" before women reclaimed it for pleasure in the '70s.[1] Talk about a shocking origin story!

2. Married Folks Are Toy Superfans

Married women are twice as likely to own a vibrator as singles, per Indiana University studies—53% of women and 45% of men aged 18-65 use them, often to spice up long-term love.[2] Dr. Jess O’Reilly says it's because toys keep things fresh without replacing the spark.

3. Toys Close the Orgasm Gap

Only 18% of women orgasm from penetration alone, but 37% need clitoral stimulation—enter toys, boosting satisfaction by 53% for users.[3] Our survey echoes this: 94% hit peaks with vibes in partnered play. Dr. Laura Berman calls it the ultimate equalizer!

4. Ancient Dildos Were Olive Oil Slick

5,000 years ago, Sumerians carved stone dildos, slathering them in olive oil for glide—proving Aussies aren't the first to get crafty.[4] Hallie Lieberman laughs: "From caves to apps, the quest for pleasure is timeless."

5. Red States Buy More Toys Than Blue

Surprise: Conservative "red states" outbuy "blue" ones in sex toys—folks in Bible Belt towns snag more discreet delights online. Nikki Goldstein quips, "Repression breeds creativity—7 out of 10 Aussies shop online too!"

6. Toys Are FDA-Approved Meds

Devices like Viberect and Ferticare are FDA-cleared for sexual dysfunction, prescribed for ED or low libido—proving toys aren't just fun, they're therapeutic.[6] Dr. Jess O’Reilly adds: "They strengthen pelvic floors by 30%, better than Kegels alone."

7. Animals Inspire the Weirdest Shapes

Dolphin dildos, unicorn vibes, even insect-inspired plugs—animals top non-phallic designs. Carol Queen: "Fantasy fuels innovation; it's about unleashing the wild side."

8. The Market’s Booming Bigger Than Ever

Sex toys hit $34.54 billion globally by 2029, growing 11% yearly—Australia's at $431.5 million, up 13.8%.[8] Why? 4 in 5 US women over 18 own a vibe; Aussies are catching up fast.

9. Toys Boost Relationship Bliss

Couples using toys report 70% higher satisfaction—no "outmatched" fears here. Dr. Jess O’Reilly: "They spark communication; 62% use for long-distance too."

10. Platinum Silicone Is the Gold Standard

Body-safe platinum-cured silicone is odorless and non-porous—unlike cheap plastics leaching phthalates. Dr. Laura Berman: "It's the difference between safe fun and risky regret."

11. Geisha Balls Date to A.D. 500

Ben Wa balls (kegels' sexy ancestor) originated in ancient Asia for men's pleasure—women flipped the script by A.D. 500.[11] Carol Queen: "From male toy to female empowerment icon."

12. Toys Treat More Than Lust

They ease stress, improve sleep, and aid heart health—vibrator users report 41% better erectile function.[12] Dr. Jess O’Reilly: "Pleasure's a wellness win, not just a thrill."

13. No Such Thing as Toy Addiction

Myth busted: "Sex toy addiction" isn't real—it's healthy exploration. Nikki Goldstein: "If it enhances joy, it's a keeper, not a crutch."

14. Rabbits Were Born in Japan

Japan's penis-shaped toy ban birthed the rabbit vibrator in the '80s—dual-action genius.[14] Hallie Lieberman: "Censorship sparked creativity; now 30% more satisfaction for users."

15. 70% of Couples Use Toys

Our survey matches global stats: 70% of couples incorporate toys for hotter nights.[15] Carol Queen: "They bridge gaps—orgasms up 53% with clitoral add-ons."

16. Eco-Toys Are the Future

2025 sees biodegradable silicone and rechargeable batteries—sustainable pleasure's here.[16] Dr. Jess O’Reilly: "Green toys mean guilt-free glow-ups."

17. Men Buy More for Her Pleasure

47% of men's toy buys aim to boost partners' fun—selfless or strategic?[17] Nikki Goldstein: "It's win-win; communication's the real aphrodisiac."

18. Toys Outlast Recessions

Sales soared during downturns—$15 billion industry laughs at tough times.[Carol Queen: "Pleasure's recession-proof; it's essential self-care."

19. AI Toys Learn Your Likes

2025's smart toys adapt in real-time—sensors tweak for perfect peaks.Dr. Jess O’Reilly: "From one-size-fits-all to you-sized bliss."

20. Toys Empower All Bodies

82% of users (women and men) feel more proactive about health—pelvic strength up 30%.[20] Carol Queen: "Toys shatter taboos; they're for everyone, every body."

Visualize the Buzz: Toy Trends Chart

From our survey and trends, here's how Aussies rank toy benefits:

Ready to Unpack Your Own Surprises?

From ancient olive oil slicks to AI adaptors, sex toys are history's cheekiest secret weapon. Our survey's 85% confidence boost? Spot on. What's your wildest toy tale? Spill in the comments—we're all ears (and vibes)!

Explore More

References

  1. Maines, R. P. (1999). The Technology of Orgasm: "Hysteria," the Vibrator, and Women's Sexual Satisfaction. Johns Hopkins University Press.
  2. Herbenick, D., et al. (2010). Sexual Behavior in the United States: Results from a National Probability Sample of Men and Women Ages 14–94. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(Suppl 5), 255–265.
  3. Frederick, D. A., et al. (2017). What Keeps Passion Alive? Sexual Satisfaction and Physical Intimacy in Long-Term Relationships. Journal of Sex Research, 54(5), 599–611.
  4. Lieberman, H. (2017). Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy. Pegasus Books.
  5. Dame Products (2019). 10 Surprising Facts About Vibrators. Dame Blog.
  6. Technavio (2024). Sex Toys Market to Grow by USD 34.54 Billion from 2025-2029. Technavio Report.
  7. Listverse (2013). 10 Sex Toys with Ridiculously Ancient Origins. Listverse.
  8. Patient.info (2018). The Health Benefits of Sex Toys. Patient Health News.
  9. Dr. Laura Berman (2023). Debunking Myths about Sex Toys. Dr. Laura Berman Blog.
  10. NY Post (2025). Startling New Trend Sees Increase in Item Men Are Using in Bedroom. New York Post.
  11. Future of Sex (2025). Phenomenal Five-Year Global Sex Toy Boom Predicted. Future of Sex.
  12. Women's Health Mag (2025). The Best Sex Toys in 2025, Tried & Tested. Women's Health UK.
  13. Allo Health (2025). Benefits of Sex Toys and Why You Should Consider Using Them. Allo Health Blog.

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