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The sextech industry and innovative devices for treating sexual dysfunction

International Journal of Impotence Research (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

Since the digital revolution, there has been a notable increase in the use and popularity of sex toys and innovative sexual devices, which can be attributed to advancements in technology. The sex toys industry strives to improve sexual experience, pleasure and sexual health, and to address sexual dysfunction through devices and technology. With the growth of this industry, new products that are considered “smart sexual devices” have gradually entered the market. Smart sexual devices feature wireless connectivity to a smartphone application that allows the user to control the device’s features and provide personal or sexual data about their sexual experiences. Other smart devices have sensors and are able to collect physical data during usage. With the aid of this data, individuals may be able to understand their sexual behavior and arousal better, resulting in improved sexual experience or the overcoming of sexual dysfunction. The present article aims to explore the potential applications of technology-based devices, and smart sexual devices, in the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions, including premature ejaculation (PE), and delayed ejaculation (DE), as well as female sexual dysfunction (FSD), such as sexual arousal disorder and female orgasmic disorder. Furthermore, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of these devices. Given the limited literature available on this subject and the absence of controlled studies, we conduct a narrative review of the existing scientific research on technological and smart sexual devices.

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Data availability

All the journal articles used for this paper were accessed through the online library of Tel Aviv University, following the regulations and guidelines set by the university. Some of the product-related data used in this study is available on the official website and other websites representing these products. These data are freely accessible to anyone.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sexual Rehabilitation Clinic, Reuth TLV Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Shelly Varod & Rafi J. Heruti

  2. School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Rafi J. Heruti

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Contributions

The narrative review was collaboratively written by two authors: SV and RJH. SV contributed to the conceptualization of the narrative review, including the selection of relevant materials, and making decisions about which studies to include or exclude. SV was responsible for writing the article, creating its structure, and incorporating revisions based on editor feedback. RJH assisted in conceptualizing the articles and played a key role in finding relevant research materials. RJH contributed to the critical analysis of the literature by evaluating and providing interpretations and explanations of the medical/scientific research used in the review. Additionally, RJH conducted a thorough review and provide valuable comments to enhance the quality and accuracy of the paper.

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Correspondence to Shelly Varod.

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Varod, S., Heruti, R.J. The sextech industry and innovative devices for treating sexual dysfunction. Int J Impot Res (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-023-00731-3

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