In a recent live Q&A session for The Guardian’s The Filter, sexual culture and wellbeing specialist Alix Fox addressed audience concerns regarding technology’s impact on sexual health and strategies for maintaining a vibrant romantic life.
When reader Greygoose77 asked whether electronic sex toys lead to desensitisation, Fox provided a definitive clarification. She confirmed that these devices do not cause permanent numbness. However, she noted they can temporarily adjust the threshold of stimulatory intensity required to achieve arousal, a phenomenon that has been explored in greater detail in previous coverage.
Addressing broader inquiries about relationship satisfaction, Fox emphasized that a fulfilling sex life requires intentional prioritization. She acknowledged the challenge of carving out time when professional and personal obligations feel overwhelming, but argued that the long-term regret of a diminishing intimate connection outweighs the initial difficulty of rescheduling.
Fox suggested that integrating regular intimacy can serve as a powerful stress reliever, comparing its energizing effect to a strong coffee. She clarified that her advice pertains to scheduling intimacy broadly, rather than mandating specific physical acts. To help couples navigate this, she recommended creating a
I never considered it comparable to coffee. That’s a refreshing take on how intimacy can actually boost energy levels.
Scheduling intimacy sounds romantic, but honestly it feels like just another chore on the to-do list for busy couples.
Relieved to hear toys don’t cause permanent numbness. Finally a clear answer to that common myth!