A new survey has revealed stark differences in masturbation habits and sex toy usage between men and women. Conducted by Norwegian sex-tech company Ohdoki to mark the launch of their automatic stroker The Handy 2, the research shows that men masturbate twice as frequently as women but are less likely to use sex toys. Despite strong demand for The Handy 2, which raised over $1 million (about £790,000) in pre-order sales on Kickstarter in its first month, societal stigmas and uncertainties continue to hinder men’s engagement with pleasure technology.
The survey found that men masturbate an average of 14 times per month, compared to six times for women. This trend persists in relationships, with men still engaging in solo exploration nearly 12 times monthly. Almost a third of men prefer masturbation to partnered sex, underscoring its significance in their routines. However, 39% of men have never used a sex toy, compared to 24% of women, revealing a significant gender gap in pleasure technology exploration.
Several factors hold men back from embracing sex toys. One in five worry their partner may feel uncomfortable with their use. Nineteen percent cite a lack of knowledge, and 16% are unsure which toys to choose. These concerns reflect broader societal taboos, with male sex toy use often stigmatised or overlooked. Ohdoki’s research suggests that while women’s sex toy use has become more mainstream, men face outdated stereotypes and a lack of awareness about products designed for their pleasure.
Despite inexperience, men are curious about sex toys. Sex furniture such as swings and chairs tops the list, with 38% expressing interest and 30% having tried it. Automatic strokers like The Handy 2 follow closely, with 37% intrigued. Additionally, 20% of men say using sex toys is a fantasy, indicating a desire to explore if barriers like stigma and uncertainty can be overcome.
Ohdoki launched The Handy 2 and The Handy 2 Pro on Kickstarter on 28 May 2025, coinciding with International Masturbation Day. JP Wilhelmsen, Founder and CEO at Ohdoki, says: “We are very excited about the launch of the new and improved The Handy and so are our community. In the first month alone we surpassed expectations, generating over $1 million in pre-orders. For too long, the use of male sex toys has been a taboo topic and many men aren’t even aware that there are sex toys out there designed specifically for them and their pleasure. At Ohdoki we are on a mission to bring elevated sexual experiences to penis owners, combining high tech with a deep understanding of what truly feels good. With The Handy 2 we’re pushing boundaries once more, offering next-level experiences unseen anywhere else that go far beyond anything you’ve imagined.”
The Handy 2 introduces several upgrades based on user feedback. It features a built-in battery for wireless use with up to five hours of operation. The stroke length has been increased to 125mm from 110mm. It has a quieter, more powerful motor and a ClickOn accessory system for future add-ons including Fleshlight compatibility. Built-in handsfree mounting screws and an LED display provide intuitive control. The device continues to support VR compatibility and offers online and offline modes for solo or long-distance play.
Pre-orders are available on Kickstarter, with early-bird prices starting at $169 (about £135) for The Handy 2 and $249 (about £200) for The Handy 2 Pro. Shipping will begin in August 2025. Retail prices will rise to $299 (about £240) and $499 (about £400) when available on TheHandy.com and Amazon in late 2025 or early 2026. Ohdoki’s efforts signal a shift towards normalising male sex toys and bridging the gap between fantasy and reality.
