The Benefits of Sex Toys for Men: Your Questions Answered

Sexual wellness is wellness - full stop

Sexual wellness conversations have historically centred on women, but men’s sexual health deserves equal attention. From prostate health to stress relief, erectile function to quality of life, there is a growing and credible body of research supporting the benefits of male sex toys. This guide answers the questions men are most likely to have — honestly and without judgement.

Q: Is there actually any science behind the health benefits of male sex toys, or is it mostly marketing?

A: There’s genuine science, though it’s worth being clear about what has strong evidence and what is still emerging. The most robust research concerns ejaculation frequency and prostate health. Beyond that, studies on stress, sleep, mood, and sexual dysfunction treatment are well-supported. Male sex toys are tools that facilitate masturbation and sexual stimulation — and those activities themselves have a solid evidence base. The toys simply make the benefits more accessible, more varied, and in some cases more therapeutically targeted.

Q: What types of sex toys are available for men?

A: The market has expanded considerably in recent years. The main categories are:

•       Masturbators / strokers — Sleeve-style devices designed to simulate the sensation of penetrative sex or oral sex. They range from simple textured sleeves to sophisticated motorised devices with varying vibration patterns and pressure settings.

•       Prostate massagers — Curved devices designed for internal use, targeting the prostate gland (sometimes called the “P-spot”). Available in manual and vibrating versions, with some featuring app-based remote control.

•       Penis vibrators — Devices that apply vibration directly to the penis, increasing blood flow and nerve stimulation. These include vibrating sleeves, rings, and wands.

•       Vibrating cock rings — Worn around the base of the penis, these help maintain erections while providing additional stimulation for both partners during sex.

•       Penis pumps — Devices that use suction to draw blood into the penis, used both for pleasure and as a therapeutic tool for erectile dysfunction.

•       Butt plugs — Non-prostate-specific anal toys worn for general stimulation or as part of partnered play.

•       App-controlled and interactive devices — Toys that sync with smartphones or online platforms, useful for solo use, long-distance couples, or interactive experiences.

Q: What is the prostate, and why does stimulating it matter for health?

A: The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the rectum, responsible for producing a component of seminal fluid. It contains a high concentration of nerve endings and is sometimes referred to as the male equivalent of the G-spot. The prostate contracts during orgasm to help push seminal fluid out of the penis, and stimulating it can generate that feeling directly, without stimulating the penis at all. Beyond pleasure, the prostate is a significant focus of men’s health — it is involved in prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. Regular stimulation and ejaculation are linked to better prostate health outcomes, as discussed below.

Q: Does ejaculation frequency really affect the risk of prostate cancer?

A: This is one of the most well-studied questions in men’s sexual health. A Harvard Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which tracked nearly 30,000 men, found that high ejaculation frequency was linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Men who ejaculated 21 or more times a month had a 31% lower risk of prostate cancer compared to those who ejaculated 4–7 times per month. A supporting Australian study found that men who averaged 4.6–7 ejaculations a week were 36% less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 70.

One proposed mechanism is that frequent ejaculations decrease the concentration of potentially carcinogenic compounds that can accumulate in prostatic fluid, and may also reduce the development of intraluminal prostatic crystalloids, which have been associated with prostate cancer in some studies.

That said, it is important to be honest: while some studies suggest a protective effect, others present conflicting findings, and the evidence is not yet conclusive enough to make definitive clinical recommendations. What is clear is that there is no evidence that frequent ejaculation increases prostate cancer risk, and considerable evidence that it may reduce it.

Q: Can sex toys help with erectile dysfunction?

A: Yes, in several ways. Regular use of a vibrator or stimulating device can help to increase penile blood flow, which can in turn help prevent erectile dysfunction. In some cases, it can also help relieve symptoms of Peyronie’s disease or support sexual rehabilitation after prostate surgery. Penis pumps have a longer evidence base — they work by creating a vacuum around the penis, drawing blood in to produce an erection, and are a well-established, non-pharmaceutical treatment for ED. Vibrating cock rings help maintain erections by restricting blood outflow. Beyond the physical, masturbation and the use of sex toys can help men reconnect with their arousal, break through psychological barriers, and rediscover what feels good — without the pressure of a partner’s expectations. This is particularly relevant given that psychological factors contribute significantly to erectile difficulties in many men.

Q: Are there mental health and well-being benefits — similar to those documented for women?

A: Yes, and the hormonal mechanisms are the same. Research has shown that masturbation activates the release of endorphins and oxytocin, hormones that promote relaxation and a sense of well-being, effectively reducing stress levels. Orgasm also triggers the release of prolactin, a hormone associated with relaxation and sleepiness, which has been linked to falling asleep faster and enjoying more restful sleep. Masturbation has also been associated with increased levels of dopamine and serotonin, which positively affect mood. The regular, reliable access to these hormonal benefits that sex toys provide makes them a meaningful tool for men’s mental health, particularly for those without regular partnered sex.

Q: Is prostate massage used therapeutically — or is that just a myth?

A: It has genuine, if modest, clinical applications. Although the most common treatments for prostatitis are antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, prostate massage is recognised as a complementary option. It can help ease pressure and swelling by releasing fluids that build up in the prostate, and small studies have found that massaging the area several times a week, alongside antibiotics, can ease pain and pressure. For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a preliminary trial of a home prostate massage device found that men with chronic prostatitis or BPH experienced a reduction in symptoms. That said, the evidence base remains limited, and prostate massage is not a replacement for medical treatment. Anyone with prostate symptoms should always consult their GP or urologist first.

Q: Do male sex toys improve sexual performance and satisfaction with a partner?

A: They can, in several ways. Masturbators can be used to practise control over ejaculation timing, which is beneficial for men dealing with premature ejaculation. Prostate massagers can intensify orgasms, adding a dimension to partnered sex that many men find significantly enhances the experience for both parties. Vibrating cock rings provide additional stimulation during intercourse. More broadly, increased familiarity with one’s own body and responses tends to translate into more confident, communicative, and satisfying partnered sex.

Q: What about older men or those who have had prostate surgery?

A: Sex toys can be particularly valuable in these contexts. After prostate surgery, men often experience changes in their erection quality and ejaculation. Vibrators and stimulating devices can help with sexual rehabilitation by maintaining blood flow to the tissue, supporting nerve recovery, and helping men reconnect with sexual pleasure during what can be a difficult period of adjustment. Penis pumps are often recommended by urologists specifically for this purpose. For older men more generally, the same principles apply as for women: regular sexual stimulation helps maintain genital blood flow, tissue health, and hormonal activity that supports overall well-being.

Q: Is there still a stigma around men using sex toys, and does that affect whether men seek help for sexual health issues?

A: Honestly, yes — though it is changing. The cultural conversation around male sex toys has historically been far less open than for women, and many men feel reluctance or embarrassment around the topic. This stigma can have real health consequences, as men may delay addressing sexual dysfunction, avoid discussing it with a GP, or miss out on tools and approaches that could genuinely help. The simple message is this: sexual wellness is part of overall health for everyone. There is nothing unusual or unhealthy about using a sex toy as part of a self-care routine, whether for pleasure, stress relief, therapeutic purposes, or simply curiosity.

Q: What should a man consider when choosing his first sex toy?

A: A few practical things are worth thinking about:

1.    Purpose — pleasure only, therapeutic (ED, prostate health), or both?

2.    Starting point — beginners to prostate play or anal toys in particular should start with smaller, simpler designs

3.    Material — always choose body-safe materials: medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, or ABS plastic. Avoid porous materials, which can harbour bacteria.

4.    Lubrication — water-based lubricant works with all materials; silicone-based lube should not be used with silicone toys, as it degrades the material

5.    Hygiene — opt for waterproof designs where possible for thorough cleaning

6.    Reputable retailers, like Lovebunny UK, are particularly important for prostate massagers, where poorly designed products can present safety risks

The Benefits of Sex Toys for Men: Sources & Further Reading

The claims in this article are supported by peer-reviewed research and clinical literature. Key sources include:

1.    Leitzmann, M.F. et al. (2004) — Ejaculation frequency and subsequent risk of prostate cancer. JAMA, 291(13). Prospective study of 29,342 men finding high ejaculation frequency linked to decreased prostate cancer risk.

2.    Rider, J.R. et al. (2016) — Ejaculation frequency and risk of prostate cancer: updated results with an additional decade of follow-up. European Urology. Harvard's follow-up study of 31,925 men confirmed the inverse association between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk.

3.    Aderinto, N. et al. (2024) — Ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk: a narrative review of current evidence. Clinical Genitourinary Cancer. A review of 11 studies examining the complex relationship, noting that while protective associations are suggested, the evidence is not yet fully conclusive.

4.    WebMD — Prostate Massage — Clinical overview of prostate massage for prostatitis and BPH, including evidence from small trials supporting symptom relief.

5.    WebMD — Prostate Vibrators — Evidence-based overview of prostate vibrators, including the hormonal and physiological mechanisms behind prostate stimulation and orgasm.

6.    Allo Health — Benefits of Penis Vibrators — Clinical overview of how penile vibration improves blood flow, supports erectile function, and assists in post-surgical rehabilitation.

7.    Men’s Health Clinic — Masturbation: Is It Good For You? — Review of the research on masturbation and stress reduction, sleep quality, and mood, including the role of endorphins, oxytocin, prolactin, dopamine, and serotonin.

8.    Harvard Health — Ejaculation Frequency and Prostate Cancer — Accessible clinical summary of the Harvard and Australian research on ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk.

Note: Some areas of this research — particularly around prostate massage and long-term outcomes — are still developing, and study sizes have sometimes been small. As with all health topics, individual experiences vary. Anyone with specific concerns about prostate health, erectile dysfunction, or sexual function is encouraged to speak with their GP or a urologist.