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Sex Toy Use by Gay and Bisexual Men in the United States

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Abstract

Recent studies have documented that vibrators are an important part of the sexual repertoires of both men and women and have demonstrated positive sexual health outcomes among individuals who use such products. However, little is known about the use of other sexual enhancement products, particularly among gay and bisexually identified men. This study sought to document the extent to which gay and bisexually identified men report using sex toys and the sexual and relational situations within which they used them. Data were collected via an internet-based survey from 25,294 gay and bisexually identified men throughout the U.S. recruited from an Internet site popular among men seeking social or sexual interactions with other men. A majority (78.5%) of gay and bisexually identified men reported having used at least one type of sex toy, including dildos (62.1%), non-vibrating cock rings (51.9%), vibrators (49.6%), butt plugs (34.0%), masturbation sleeves (27.9%), and anal beads or balls (19.3%). Among users, toys such as dildos or butt plugs were commonly inserted into one’s own anus during masturbation (95.7%, n = 11,781) and insertion into their partners anus (72.0% n = 4,197) during partnered sexual activities. These data suggest that sex toy use is common among gay and bisexual men during both solo and partnered sexual activities and considered by these men as enhancing the quality of their sexual experiences.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, 1025 East Seventh Street, HPER 116, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA

    Joshua G. Rosenberger, Vanessa Schick, Debby Herbenick & Michael Reece

  2. Online Buddies, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA

    David S. Novak

Authors
  1. Joshua G. Rosenberger
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  2. Vanessa Schick
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  3. Debby Herbenick
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  4. David S. Novak
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  5. Michael Reece
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joshua G. Rosenberger.

Appendix

Appendix

Definition of Individual Sex Toys

Vibrator: an electrical device that produces pulses of variable amplitude and frequency; often marketed for purposes of novelty and/or sexual pleasure.

A non-vibrating dildo: an object that is often cylindrical or phallic in shape, size and overall appearance, does not vibrate and is traditionally designed to be inserted into the vagina or anus for sexual stimulation.

A non-vibrating butt plug: a sex toy designed to be inserted into the anus and rectum for sexual pleasure. Similar to a dildo, but tend to be shorter, these often have a flared end to reduce the likelihood that the object from extending too far into the rectum.

Anal beads or balls: a sex toy consisting of multiple spheres or balls, often graduated in size, that are attached together in a series. These may be inserted through the anus and/or rectum for sexual stimulation.

Masturbation sleeve (aka sleeve, pocket pussy): a sex toy, often made of a soft, pliable material, and frequently resembling the vulva, anus, or mouth. Used for penile stimulation and, in spite of its name, it may be used during solo masturbation or partnered sex situations.

A non-vibrating cock ring (aka c-ring, erection ring, cock ring): a constrictive ring that is placed around a man’s penis, usually at the base, often with the intent to slow the flow of blood from the erect penile tissue. Rings can be made of a variety of different materials, most commonly leather, rubber, latex, or silicone, though nylon and metal are also used either as the main component or part of the closure. Cock rings may be single rings (typically penis only) or double rings, with one ring encircling the penis and the second ring designed to encircle the scrotum.

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Rosenberger, J.G., Schick, V., Herbenick, D. et al. Sex Toy Use by Gay and Bisexual Men in the United States. Arch Sex Behav 41, 449–458 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-010-9716-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-010-9716-y

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