Ah that time of the year when we get the results from all the surveys we’ve filled up last year. Best of all of course are sex surveys because now you get the real details about sex, based on what someone put down on a survey of course. LELO conducted a massive global sex survey of their own, with over 30 countries involved and more than 35,000 21 to 55-year-olds surveyed. Some of the results were pleasantly surprising, some were all like, “Uh huh, so what else is new?”

Based on their survey, here’s what we know so far:

• 83% of women say they are confident to tell their partner what they want in bed. This figure was only 67% in 2009.
• 74% of respondents are open about owning a sex toy. This figure was only 38% in 2011.
• Almost half of all respondents would be comfortable giving a family member a sex toy. In 2011 only 7% of respondents were.
• 81% of respondents say they are sexually satisfied compared to less than 70% in 2014 and 2013.

Their research suggests that this could be a part of the ‘50 Shades effect’ in which people are now more comfortable communicating what they want. I’m not sure if this is true or not, but if it is, then on behalf of all womankind (and mankind), I would like to say, “Thank you 50 Shades of Grey and E.L James!!” I mean, the book might be inaccurate and that Mr. Grey guy (the male character in the book) borderline abusive, but hey! If it gets people to be more open about sex, that’s a good start!

According to Steve Thomson, LELO Head of Marketing, “In the past 5 years, there has been a significant change in how we communicate about sex. The taboo is finally dead. 50 Shades played a huge role in exposing the masses to a thriving subculture of vibrant sexuality, of embracing one’s most secret desires. But 2015 is the year that it will finally come to a head: the lid is about to blow off the box of the taboo.”

I for one sure hope so. It’s about time stop shame surrounding sex and if it takes a cheesy erotic book to do the job, then by all means we need more E.L James’ in the world! In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s time for some sort of TV show, am I right? I mean, Masters of Sex was just, after all, just the tip. Either way, if you want to participate in the survey, you can find it here. It only takes about four minutes and you get a 20% discount on LELO. Win!