The benefits of sex toys for your pelvic health and wellness
Female pelvic health can impact several essential bodily functions, so looking after it is as essential as brushing your teeth. Pelvic health is linked to a host of female health conditions, such as sexual and reproductive health, bladder and bowel function, menopause, and mental well-being, so it is imperative to look after and keep in good shape.
Approximately 82% of American women have owned at least one sex toy [1] but few are aware of the benefits of regular use. Sex toys have become increasingly used not only for pleasure but for the benefit of pelvic health by improving muscle tone, sexual function, vaginal health and reducing pelvic pain. Here are some of our most recommended sex toys.
In this article, we will explore the different ways sex toys can help improve and maintain good pelvic floor health, alleviate vaginal dryness and support with menopause symptoms.
What is Pelvic Health?
Pelvic health can be defined as ‘the best possible functioning and management of the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs’ [2] many of these can be connected to pelvic floor disorders or vaginal health. Any issues regarding pelvic health can significantly impact women's quality of life, impacting not just sex life, but social life, pain management and mental wellbeing.
Pelvic floor disorders affect up to 24% of women in the US. The chances of having at least one pelvic floor disorder increase with age [3] and increase further with each time a woman gives birth, so it is important at any stage of life to look after your pelvic health.
The main challenges women face with pelvic health are:
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal atrophy
- Vaginismus
- Vulvodynia
- Dyspareunia (painful sex)
- Incontinence
- Prolapse
- Pelvic pain
How Sex Toys Support Vaginal and Pelvic Health
Increased blood flow to vaginal tissues
Regular use of sex toys and orgasm can help stimulate blood flow to the genital area. In turn improving circulation, nourishing vaginal tissues and encouraging cell regeneration. This then also helps with natural lubrication in the vulva and vagina, helping alleviate discomfort and vaginal dryness.
Alleviation of vaginal dryness
Dryness inside of the vagina comes with a host of issues and discomfort, but the use of a sex toy not only encourages your natural lubrication but also using a lubricant that is iso-osmotic will help hydrate the vaginal walls when they need it. This hydration can then last for up to three days post-application offering long-lasting relief from vaginal dryness.
Postpartum recovery
After pregnancy and birth the pelvic floor is weakened and the vagina can encounter trauma. It is advised you wait up to six weeks until having sex again, however, it’s most important to wait until you feel ready. It is normal to have a reduced libido after having a baby due to tiredness, overwhelm and recovery plus, thanks to the drop in estrogen levels post-birth you are more likely to encounter vaginal dryness, which if you are breastfeeding may continue while you do. Introducing a sex toy to encourage your libido and introducing lubricants to help with vaginal dryness may help with increasing sexual arousal and help build back the strength in your kegal muscles.
Promoting pelvic floor muscle tone:
There are a whole host of different sex toys for example kegel balls, vibrators and dilators which will help tone and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. These are needed for improved bladder control, aid with labor and recovery post-childbirth and prevention of prolapse. From an intimacy perspective, a stronger pelvic floor will also lead to more intense orgasms and better sexual satisfaction and comfort.
Improved sexual experience
Following changes in gynecological health due to menopause, childbirth or cancer treatments use of a sex toy can help restore elasticity in the vaginal walls, encourage natural lubrication and increase arousal, helping bring back sexual desire and improve orgasmic function. This can often be a tricky area for women to tackle after changes in their intimate wellness but with use of a sex toy, it will hopefully lead to greater comfort when having sex and provide a more satisfying sexual experience.
Menopause support
With the drop of estrogen in menopause women will be facing another spell of vaginal dryness, loss of libido and pain during intercourse. With the rush of blood to help with circulation and helping keep vaginal tissue healthy, using a sex toy will help to maintain intimacy, confidence in the bedroom and sexual desire.
Additional benefits of sex toys
In addition to orgasms, the use of sex toys can also improve mood and sleep quality, alleviate stress and be a natural painkiller thanks to the release of endorphins post-climax. Overall improving mental well-being as well as vaginal health.
In summary, as women progress through many stages of life, including menopause, pregnancy, childbirth and beyond, the use of a sex toy has lots of benefits outside of just an orgasm. Maintaining healthy vaginal tissue, combating vaginal dryness, strengthening pelvic floor muscles and supporting intimate health and desire. A sex toy should be part of women's self-care routine. If you are new to sex toys take a look at our guide on where to start.
Resources
[1] United States: share of people who own sex toys in the U.S.2022 | Statista
[2] What is the Definition of Pelvic Health? | BCM
[3] Pelvic Floor Disorders Affect Almost a Quarter of U.S. Women | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
