MORE than half of adults wouldn’t dream of telling a partner about their need to self-pleasure – but 39 per cent feel guilty if they do it in secret.
The survey of 2,000 adults revealed 81 per cent don’t feel confident enough to discuss their solo sexual needs.
Gemma Collins has spoken out in support of self-love.Getty
And only 36 per cent own a sex toy. Of those who don’t, 11 per cent would be embarrassed if anyone knew they owned one, while 10 per cent wouldn’t know which sex toy to start with as a beginner.
But 18 per cent feel empowered by how sex toys and women’s health is represented in today’s culture.
It also emerged that despite 28 per cent admitting their partner is more open about their habits, more than a third would feel embarrassed talking about it in the same manner.
Gemma Collins, speaking on behalf of Durex following her collaboration with the brand, which commissioned the research, said: “Huns! Why do we all still view self-love and sex toys with so much embarrassment, it’s 2022!
Read More in Sex and Pleasure
SEX IT UP
The 13 best sex toys for you to try out if you’re a beginner
SEX ED
I’m a sexpert – here’s why you should NEVER use sex toys two days in a row
“The GC knows we all need to go on our own journey when it comes to pleasure but why put up roadblocks for ourselves and each other with all this old-fashioned stigma.
“I think self-love is an amazing gift that we should celebrate, it can make us feel empowered, satisfied and stress free, what’s better than that?”
The survey also found more than a third admitted they haven’t been achieving their sexual pleasure needs, with more than two thirds naming a sex toy as an essential part in helping them reach climax.
Nearly two in three think masturbation and sex toys are a taboo subject, while 15 per cent would talk more openly about it if there wasn’t such a stigma around being open about pleasure.
Most read in Celebrity
GET OUT!
Huge snub for Harry, Meghan & Andrew as Queen BANS them from Jubilee balcony
OUCH!
Royal fans all saying same thing about Charles, Kate & Will's Archie bday message
ON THE BALL
Prince Harry 'set to play in polo tournament' during Queen's Platinum Jubilee
'NO SHAME'
I'm 51 and had a £2.5k Kim Kardashian bum boost, says Saira Khan
LIFE'S A BEACH
Stacey Solomon transforms a boring turtle sandpit using two simple steps
HARD FACTS
I’ve dated men who are big & small – does size REALLY matter, asks Vanessa Feltz
Just under a tenth wish their friends spoke more openly about sex toy usage, while 31 per cent would feel more confident buying and using a sex toy if they knew someone else who did.
On average, it took five years before those who were sexually active to start experimenting with sex toys. But just two fifths are very confident in introducing new things to their sex life.
When asked how masturbation makes them feel, satisfied, relaxed and happy came out on top.
Self-love is an amazing gift that we should celebrate
Gemma Collins
However, 16 per cent feel guilty, while 13 per cent feel embarrassed and 11 per cent feel nervous.
Of those who took part in the survey, carried out through OnePoll, 35 per cent would feel more confident in achieving what they want sexually if the topic was discussed more openly in the media.
Nikki Hayward, wellness category manager at Durex, added: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Gemma Collins on the launch of an exciting new range of sex toys from Durex.
Read More on The Sun
MEGGING A MOVE
Meghan & Harry respond minutes after Queen bans them from balcony at Jubilee
BLING IT ON
Hamilton threatens to PULL OUT of first-ever Miami GP due to SECRET piercing
“We love how empowered Gemma feels about achieving the pleasure she knows she deserves for herself – and want everyone else to feel the same.
“Let’s hope this encourages us all to have more open and honest conversations about masturbation and the use of sex toys, whether on your own or with someone else.
“We hope that people can shake off the stigma and ditch the taboo, feelings of shame and embarrassment on something that should be a way to feel real pleasure, enjoyment and satisfaction.”
Gemma has worked with Durex on a campaign.Instagram According to a new survey, more than half of adults wouldn’t dream of telling a partner about their need to self-pleasure.Getty