Unsealed Section: The saucy self-care practice countless Australian women are too scared to try
By Maddison Leach|
The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a huge spike in sex toy sales around Australia, but countless Aussie women are still too scared or embarrassed to buy one.
Stigma around female pleasure has dominated society for decades and endota's sexual wellness expert Charlene Ward wants to change the negative narrative around women using sex toys.
"The most common myths would be that they are 'dirty' or 'unnecessary' จC neither is true," she tells 9Honey of the misconceptions that hold women back.
READ MORE: 'Horrifying' trend affecting thousands of Aussies in the bedroom?
"They're just another aspect of personal wellbeing and care. They're not a replacement but an addition to a healthy sexual lifestyle."
Sexual pleasure plays a big role in self-care and Ward wants women to embrace it as a way to manage rising stress levels as Australia faces a cost of living crisis, housing shortage, etc.
So many women have toyed (pun intended) with the idea of investing in a sex toy but hold themselves back due to cultural stigma, lack of information, and personal discomfort.
They're left feeling embarrassed and ashamed about even wanting to own one, when Ward says they should be encouraged to view sex toys as just another self care tool along with scented candles, spa treatments, and a glass of wine in the bath.
"Self-care goes beyond traditional spa treatments, it encompasses a holistic approach to well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional aspects," she says.
Incorporating sexual wellness into your overall wellness routine can seriously enhance relaxation and relieve stress, with the added bonus of an orgasm.
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Solo pleasure is a form of self-care that can improve your mood, promote better sleep and allow women to explore their bodies and desires on their own terms, or with a partner.
"Taking control of your own pleasure is an integral part of nurturing overall well-being," Ward says. Plus, orgasms feel great.
"Orgasms help release tension, promote relaxation กญ and can be an effective way to unwind and prioritise your mental and emotional health."
They can improve your emotional wellbeing by boosting feelings of happiness and reducing anxiety, as well as having physical benefits like improving blood circulation and releasing endorphins.?
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Owning and using a sex toy can also help boost a woman's body image and sexual self-confidence and improve communication and intimacy when used with a partner.
Women also tend to sleep better and experience mental clarity after an orgasm, both of which are common goals in self-care routines.
Ward is encouraging Aussies to start incorporating self-pleasure into their self-care routines and do away with stigma by viewing it as just another part of overall wellness.
"We need to promote education and normalise conversations about sexual wellness," Ward says.?
READ MORE: What to do when you and your partner have mismatched libidos?
Endota is on board too, adding sex toys to its product offerings in a bid to destigmatise sexual wellness and encourage women to try it out.
Popular picks like The Peninsula retail for just $50, which is a small price to pay for better sleep, improved mood and overall well being.
