From simulating oral sex, to mimicking the thrusting motions of penetrative sex, and even simulating a rim job, there's a lot that sex toys are capable of.

Sex toys are great - period. But when it comes to boosting your sexual confidence, they can really make a difference.

From having your first orgasm to improving your communication skills, let’s take a look at how sexual partners and our hands fall short when it comes to improving self-confidence and sexual confidence compared to sex toys! Here are a few ways a sex toy can boost your confidence.

Sex toys = better sex

Sex toys , lubricants, and other accessories all have one exciting purpose in life: to give you the best sex possible, whether it’s alone or with a partner. An orgasm releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which, in addition to strengthening the feeling of bonding with a partner, also helps relieve tension and boost feelings of intimacy and happiness.

When you experience great orgasms with a partner, those bonding chemicals will help build trust between the two of you, meaning you'll feel more comfortable with each other and ultimately more confident.

More communication, more trust

Owning a sex toy and knowing how to use it optimally can help you figure out what turns you on most (and what turns you off).

Being aware of your sexual desires, preferences and predilections and communicating these with a partner can make both parties feel a lot more confident in the bedroom.

Take the pressure off

Sex toys aren’t partner replacements. In fact, an overwhelming number of them are great couples sex toys , designed to please both partners during sex. And even those designed primarily for solo use can be great for using together.

Performance anxiety can affect anyone, and with 4 out of 5 women struggling to reach orgasm through penetrative intercourse, and 1 in 3 women struggling to reach orgasm at all, it’s no wonder both partners can feel the pressure. Incorporating sex toys into your play can help both partners enjoy a blissful outcome, eliminating any worries and improving confidence in the bedroom.

Taking charge of your sexuality

Owning a sex toy can be a great act of self-empowerment. It is a step forward in taking charge of your sexuality and ensuring your own sexual satisfaction, and this in itself can increase self-confidence.

Whether it's an act of independence, sexual empowerment, or even something as simple as treating yourself — just like you might with a nice haircut or new shoes — saying, "I deserve this," affirms your self-worth, which is fundamental to feeling confident.

Practice makes perfect

Although it’s not often talked about, statistics show that at least 30% of the male population – young and old – have experienced premature ejaculation at some point in their lives. It’s caused by a variety of things, from stress, to medications, to age, to self-confidence. If you’ve ever suffered from it, you know how it can affect how you feel about sex with a partner and dent your self-esteem.

Fortunately, there are many techniques and tools designed to help and provide both long-term and short-term relief. Try a stroker and practice edging, the technique of bringing yourself close to orgasm. Working on delaying your climax and improving your sexual stamina is a great way to banish those bedroom worries and boost your confidence.

Our hands can do a lot… but they can’t do everything.

Masturbation is a great way to explore yourself. And our hands can definitely help us explore our bodies without fear of disapproval. You can guide them to do what you want, let your mind wander to fantasies that you might not express freely to a sexual partner, and truly be liberated in your mind.

But even our hands have their limitations. They’re not always the most comfortable, and they can’t reach certain places, like the prostate, that sexual partners or sex toys can reach. And so, while going freehand certainly helps you explore your body, you can go further with sex toys .

Encourage a blindfold

Sex toys like blindfolds are great for building confidence in the bedroom. By covering your partner’s eyes, you can instantly alleviate any insecurities you may have about your body or performance. You can feel happy and free to engage in sexual activity, and feel as confident as possible.

Plus, removing someone's sense of sight will heighten their other senses, so you'll have a partner who is super receptive to every movement and touch, making for an amplified, exciting bedroom experience. Ooh, sounds hot!