We-Vibe Sextech Report: Talk, Grab a Toy, and Enjoy

Survey reveals how intentional pleasure practices—like sex toys and open communication—shape lasting desire

We-Vibe, a leading manufacturer of high tech sex toys, just released its 2025 Long-Term Relationships Data Report and the findings—though not surprising to experts in human sexuality—underscore the importance of open erotic communication and a shared commitment to pleasure. 

The survey’s findings also point to the benefits of frequent sex toy use and regularly scheduled romantic dates to achieve an overall sense of physical and erotic fulfillment for those in long-term relationships (LTR). 

As We-Vibe’s resident sex and relationship expert, Dr. Shamyra Howard, LCSW and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, said in the company’s press release, “Sex toys can significantly enhance sexual satisfaction by increasing pleasure, expanding erotic possibilities, and helping individuals better understand their bodies.” 

Howard added, “For couples, they can be tools of exploration and connection, offering ways to play, experiment, and bridge desire differences. They also take pressure off performance and make room for pleasure, including more fun, relaxed, and satisfying sexual experiences.”

Sex toys add sparkle and spark communication

The We-Vibe report found “people who use sex toys together report more frequent sex and greater satisfaction.”

The numbers are impressive:

• 45% of people in LTRs own at least one sex toy.
• 52.7% use sex toys with their partner (226 respondents), and among those:
• 53.5% report orgasming every time they have sex, versus 46.4% who don’t use them.
• 80% of men and 83% of women who use sex toys report being satisfied with their sex lives.
• Satisfaction rises to 82% among sex toy users vs. 74.3% in the general LTR group.

Sex toy users are more sexually active:

• 71.24% have sex at least once a week compared to 59.2% of all respondents.
• Nearly 2/3 (62%) have either given or would gift a sex toy to their partner.
• 75.7% are open to using sex toys if their partner initiates.

This last result suggests even if you’re shy about introducing a sex toy into your relationship, the chances are good that you’ll get a positive response!

Build trust, deepen intimacy

Intimacy always contains a certain amount of emotional vulnerability—especially when met with nonjudgmental acceptance—but who knew that frequent pillow talk actually increases the chance of orgasming? According to the survey results:

A whopping 86.99% of those who regularly talk about sex (315 respondents) with their partner orgasm every time they have sex—whereas only 3.49% who rarely or never talk about sex orgasm every time.

• 84.32% of sexually satisfied respondents (319) regularly discuss sex.
• 73.4% of all LTR participants report regular communication about sex.

People who use sex toys are even more likely to talk openly:

• 89.38% of toy users engage in regular sexual communication.

Dr. Howard comments, ”Communication is the cornerstone of a fulfilling sex life. Talking about sex isn’t just about logistics, it’s about creating emotional safety, fostering vulnerability, and nurturing connection, all of which are essential for a thriving sexual relationship.”

Dedicated quality time

Another key finding stressed the importance of “intentional intimacy.” The report says “68% of those satisfied with their sex lives go on at least one date night per month.”

Scheduling does not just create a regular opportunity for sex to occur. The act of committing to such time signals ongoing interest and desire and the mutual importance each person places on this aspect of the relationship. 

Plus, it’s safe to say few things are as exciting and stimulating as feeling desired and anticipating the fulfillment of desire.

The demographics of a self-selected group

Though these findings herald the benefits of focusing on sex and pleasure, the 429 survey respondents did not comprise a representative sample of American demographics. This doesn’t mean the data is not valuable. It just means the results of this survey cannot be scientifically extrapolated to a larger population.

The respondents were predominantly heterosexual (93%), 74% were White, almost 78% were married, and all were in relationships lasting five years or longer. Of the 429 people who took the survey, 233 self-identified as women, 193 self-identified as men, and 3 said they were non-binary.

Other ethnic groups included Black/African American people (12%), Hispanic/Latino (almost 8%), and Asian (3.5%). Other sexual orientations included gay/lesbian (2.8%) and bisexual (3.4%). People who said they were queer, asexual, or who didn’t want to share were 0.2% in other categories. 

The average age was 46.3 years. People in the 18-24 years age group were the least represented and there were slightly more respondents in the 55-65 group than in other age categories. Unfortunately data was not collected for people over 65. 

The survey also seemed to assume monogamy, as questions about other relationship configurations did not seem to be asked. 

Takeaway for long-term satisfaction

Numerous peer-reviewed studies address the problem of maintaining and cultivating desire in long-term relationships, once these relationships have passed the first flush of new relationship energy. For example, in 2018 Mark and Lasslo’s systematic review of sixty-four studies stated: 

“The most universally experienced sexual response is sexual desire. Though research on this topic has increased in recent years, low and high desire are still problematized in clinical settings and the broader culture. However, despite knowledge that sexual desire ebbs and flows both within and between individuals, and that problems with sexual desire are strongly linked to problems with relationships, there is a critical gap in understanding the factors that contribute to maintaining sexual desire in the context of relationships.”

Based on their review, Mark and Lasslo created a three-part conceptual model of “maintaining sexual desire in long-term relationships.” The interpersonal portion of their model—pertaining to what goes on between the partners—included factors of “responsiveness to partner, emotional intimacy, communication, self-expansion, sexual compatibility, satisfaction, and relationship length.” 

Though only gathered through a simple survey, We-Vibe’s data is a valuable contribution to research “gap[s] in understanding the factors” that impact desire. 

As We-Vibe concluded: “Sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships is achievable and common, but it thrives on intentional habits. Regular communication, shared experimentation (like sex toys), and date nights play a powerful role in maintaining passion well beyond the honeymoon phase.”

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