Women’s Sexual Pleasure & Sex Toys – Not So Taboo Anymore

Women’s Need over Deed- In a world where actions often speak louder than words; it’s time to flip the script.

In India, where conversations around sexual pleasure, especially for women, have long been muted, things are slowly starting to change. The significance of sexual pleasure for women is often understated, yet it plays a crucial role in overall well-being and empowerment.

With a population of 1.4 billion, it is the 5th most sexually active country in the world. However, sexual pleasure for women often takes a back seat. According to a recent survey by India Today, 45% of women fake an orgasm. This indicates that many women are missing out on a fulfilling sexual experience, partly because they may not fully understand their own preferences or feel comfortable communicating them.

Bridging the Gap: From Taboos to Open Conversations

Yes, historically, discussing women’s sexual pleasure has been taboo in our society. However, times are evolving, and the internet has played a pivotal role in shifting this narrative. Social media discussions and increased access to information have empowered women to explore and understand their own bodies and sexual preferences. Despite facing societal backlash, these conversations are paving the way for women to embrace their sexuality openly.

As more women began exploring their sexuality, the availability of sex toys became a significant factor in their journey. Initially, sex toys were not widely available in India, and women often felt embarrassed or hesitant to purchase them. However, with the rise of e-commerce and discreet shipping options, more women began to learn about and buy these products.

Avantika, a marketing manager at a real estate company in Mumbai, reminisces about her college days when she first encountered sex toys. “I remember browsing through few websites when I stumbled upon an ad for a sex toy. Intrigued, I clicked on it, but quickly closed the tab, feeling embarrassed. It was a time when discussing such topics was still quite taboo. My curiosity got the best of me, though, and I shared it with a few friends. We laughed about it but were secretly fascinated. Little did I know that this initial curiosity would later turn into a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.“

Personal Experiences Leading to Acceptance of Sex Toys

Personal experiences have played a crucial role in understanding the benefits of using sex toys. Sharing stories and discussing their journeys has helped many understand that these tools can actually enhance their own sexual pleasure.

Yami, who had a difficult experience with child sexual abuse, found that sex toys helped her heal and find pleasure again: “Using the toy helped me reconnect with my body. I can’t explain how much I’ve changed and grown, and I absolutely love it. While sex toys played a big part, I also give myself credit for believing that I deserve pleasure,” she said.

Priya, a graphic designer from Bengaluru, shares, “I used to struggle with reaching orgasm during sex unless my partner used oral stimulation. This frustration led me to try a vibrator. I wanted to understand what works for me and how I could achieve orgasm during sex. After all, if you don’t know what you like, how can your partner know?”

Sex toys have emerged as powerful tools in helping women embrace and assert ownership over their sexuality. By providing women with the means to explore and enjoy their own pleasure.

Beyond just pleasure, studies show that sexual satisfaction can help reduce anxiety and lessen depression in young adults. This means that using sex toys isn’t just about feeling good—it’s also about improving overall mental health.

These toys offer other health benefits like better sleep, stronger immunity, pain relief, less stress, and even sharper thinking. They’re also important for intimacy in relationships where regular sex might not be possible. For many women, this freedom to control their pleasure is truly liberating.

Evolving Market and Increasing Demand

The sex toy market in India is experiencing rapid growth. A recent study by TechSci Research forecasts a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.24% from 2025 to 2029, projecting the market to reach approximately $200 million (Rs 1,600 crore). This surge in demand is remarkable given the historically taboo nature of the subject.

Things are changing, however. A significant shift is underway in the realm of sexual wellness, driven by societal, commercial, and technological factors, as well as proactive initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers and challenging taboos. The Indian pleasure industry is not merely waiting for trends to create a more conducive environment for doing business. Companies are actively working towards fostering a more pleasure-friendly and sexually healthy future for India.

E-commerce platforms have been pivotal in this growth trajectory. Platforms such as IMBesharam, Sangya Project, Sassiest, and others provide a convenient and discreet option for purchasing these products from the comfort of one’s home. Companies are also creatively navigating advertising challenges posed by Google and Meta policies that frequently restrict promotion of these products.

According to IMbesharam’s sales data, Indian women make up 38% of their buyers, with an 18% larger basket size than men. While men frequently purchase lubricants and delay sprays, women are most interested in intimate massagers (vibrators).

Beena from Cuttack remembers, “It used to be really hard to find sex toys online. There were only a few companies selling them, and the choices were very limited. Now, it’s much easier because many new companies are selling sex toys online. But in my city, it’s still hard to find them in stores. There aren’t any specific shops where people can buy them in person, but shopping online has made it much easier.“

This data reflects a shift in mindset, with more women openly embracing their sexual needs and preferences.

Coming to another customer experience, Sneha from Mumbai shares her story: “My best friend and I decided to buy our first vibrators together as a fun experiment. I chose a small, discreet one that looked like a lipstick. The first time I used it, I realized I had never experienced an orgasm before. Now, I use it almost every night, and it has taught me so much about my own pleasure. I feel more confident in guiding my partner in the future!”

These experiences of users are helping to normalize conversations around sexual wellness in both online and offline spaces.

A recent music event in Goa, sponsored by the brand IMBesharam, featured a physical stall for sex toys. People visited the store and bought items without hesitation, showcasing a shift in societal mindset.

Raj Armani, Founder of IMBesharam, captures this transformation succinctly: “As Indians, we gave the world the Kama Sutra. Now, over 2,000 years later, we are about to reclaim our place in the sun and step into a decade that may bear a real sexual revolution for our generation. While haters gonna hate, seeking pleasure is not a fad or a disease, and thus it doesn’t have to invite embarrassment or stigma. It’s a bodily need, just like food and water.”

The shift in the conversation around women’s sexual pleasure in India is evident. With increasing awareness and availability of sex toys, more women are embracing their sexuality and taking control of their pleasure.

Brands like IMbesharam are playing a crucial role in this change, providing women with the tools and platforms to explore and enjoy their sexual well-being. As societal taboos continue to break down, the future looks promising for women’s sexual empowerment in India.