The PGspot - Sex Tech: Trauma-Informed Innovations and Ethics

In this episode, we explore the rapidly evolving world of sex technology through a trauma-informed and ethical lens. From apps and wearables designed to support sexual wellness and recovery to AI-driven platforms that promise personalization and connection, sex tech holds both exciting potential and serious responsibilities. We discuss how these innovations can empower users, while also examining critical concerns around consent, data privacy, accessibility, and commercialization of intimacy. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about how sex tech can be developed and used in ways that prioritize safety, autonomy, and healing, without losing sight of the ethical questions that must guide innovation in such a deeply personal space. 

If you want to learn more about sexual health, sexual dysfunction, or how to improve your sex life, follow me on Instagram at @thepgspot or check out my website at doctorpattyj.com for blogs and resources related to sex positivity and real talk about sexuality.  As as always, stay curious, stay empowered, and stay you.

Transcript

Speaker 0:08

Welcome to the PG spot, where our goal is to take the X out of sex by breaking down the barriers that prevent open communication about sexual health. I'm Dr. Patty Jalomo, a dual certified nurse practitioner, pelvic floor therapist, and certified sexual counselor. I'm here to provide expert insights, debunk myths, and empower you to embrace your sexual wellbeing. Whether you're looking for answers or simply curious, join us as we open up the conversation around sex, intimacy and everything in between. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge that some content may not be appropriate for all listeners. I'm a huge proponent of honest and accurate information regarding sexuality. But I'm also mindful that this should be age appropriate. Therefore, if you are under 18, this may not be the podcast for you. Additionally, some of the language used in this podcast may be offensive to some listeners. Please take these things into consideration before going forward with your consensual participation in this podcast. The opinions expressed by myself or my guests are just that, and these opinions are neither expected or required to be shared by all listeners. The information that is provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be mistaken for individual medical advice if you do find the information that we cover in the PG spot. Helpful. Interesting or informative. Please rate and review the podcast wherever you're listening from. If you think this information is important, I would love for you to share it with your friends or family. This is a great way to get the information out to more people. So thank you for listening and let's get on with the show. Welcome to the PG spot. I'm your host, Dr. Patty Jalomo, and I'm here to educate and open up conversations around sex, intimacy and everything in between. Today we're diving into the topic of sex tech. Technology is rapidly growing and it's changing the way we experience pleasure, intimacy, and sexual wellness. In this episode, we explore the intersections of sexual health, trauma-informed care, and emerging innovations. There's so much to discuss, so let's get into it. So what exactly is sex tech? In short, it's any technology designed to enhance sexual experience, pleasure, education, or health. This includes everything from connected devices and vibrators to apps that track sexual wellness. To virtual reality and AI driven sexual partners. Sex tech isn't just about novelty or fun. It's increasingly being explored for sexual rehabilitation therapy, and trauma informed sexual exploration Research is beginning to examine how these tools can support sexual wellness, education, and intimacy, especially for populations who face barriers to traditional sexual experiences. In this episode, we'll take you through the evolution of sex tech, explore the benefits and opportunities it presents. Discuss risks and ethical considerations and look toward the future all through a lens that's evidence informed, inclusive, and trauma aware. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of how technology is shaping our sexual lives and what it means for sexual health pleasure and connection. To understand where sex tech is today, it helps to take a brief look back. You might be surprised to learn that sexual technology isn't new. In fact, devices like Vibrators State back to the 19th century back then, they were used in medical context to treat what was called female hysteria. I actually mentioned this in a previous podcast. I believe it was in the masturbation May episode, so be sure to check that out. But over time, sexual technology has evolved dramatically. moving from mechanical devices to smart connected devices, virtual reality experiences, and even AI driven sexual partners. As I mentioned, this isn't just about gadgets or fun. There's growing evidence that these tools can support sexual health and wellness. For example, research on sexual wellness apps has shown that people who use them often report better awareness of their arousal patterns, more accurate tracking of sexual function, and increased knowledge about their own sexual responses. In other words, these tools can actually help people understand their bodies and their desires in ways that were harder to do before digital tools existed. Virtual reality and haptic technologies are another exciting area. Studies are exploring how VR can help people with mobility limitations or sexual trauma safely engage with sexual experiences, which can be a really important part of therapy and rehabilitation. So even though sex tech has faced stigma, regulatory hurdles. And a historical lack of rigorous research. What we're seeing now is a combination of rapid technological innovation and emerging evidence that these tools can have meaningful applications for sexual health and education. Understanding this history and research helps us see both the potential benefits and the caution we need as sex tech continues to grow and evolve. Now that we have some historical context, let's break down the main categories of sex tech that you might encounter today. Broadly, we can think of three areas, devices and hardware, apps and digital platforms and AI driven technologies. First, we have devices and hardware. This includes everything from smart vibrators and teledildonics to haptic suits and virtual reality setups. For those of you who haven't heard the term before, teledildonics are devices that can be trolled remotely via the internet, allowing partners to interact sexually even when they're physically apart. These devices can sink, movement, vibration, or other sensations between users creating a shared interactive experience. Smart vibrators and haptic suits can work similarly, often designed to be responsive to a partner's touch or even integrated with VR experiences. Interestingly, some countries Have experimented with VR in what is known as Sex Doll Brothels, where people can interact with high tech dolls in a professional setting. While those aren't available in the us, they illustrate how sexual technology is being explored in real world context. Researchers and ethicists have raised questions about these spaces, including debates about consent, objectification, and the implications for human intimacy. Highlighting that technology's role in sexual exploration is not just about novelty, but also about social and ethical considerations. Research on connected sexual technologies, including teledildonics and haptic devices, suggest that people who use them report enhanced intimacy, improve sexual satisfaction, and increased comfort, exploring new sensations, especially for couples separated by distance or for people navigating sexual trauma in a safe and controlled way. Okay, next. There are apps and digital platforms, tools on your phone or tablet that support sexual wellness, education, communication, and self-exploration. These include sexual wellness apps that help you better understand your body orgasm or pleasure trackers, intimacy coaching tools and educational platforms that offer guidance on everything from arousal to communication. For example, an app called Rosy was founded and developed by a medical doctor with clinical experience in women's sexual health. It was created by Dr. Lindsay Harper, a board certified obstetrician gynecologist who became frustrated in practice that many of her patients shared sexual health concerns, especially around low desire, and there are few evidence-based accessible resources to help them. Dr. Harper left private practice and founded Rosy in 2019 with the goal of providing a research backed, medically informed platform that offers personalized guidance, education, and tools for sexual wellness. The app was built in collaboration with a team of doctors and psychologists to be evidence-based and clinically sound with features such as a comprehensive sexual wellness quiz, tailored plans. Educational resources and community support users take a quiz to tailor content to their needs, and then they get a mix of classes, community support and self-paced tools that can help them explore issues like libido, communication, or confidence with sex in a safe, private space. Another platform you might've heard is Dipsea, which offers short, sensual audio stories designed to help listeners cultivate desire and erotic imagination. And it's useful for people who find narrative and guided fantasy helps them relax into arousal or reframe thoughts around sex. In my practice, I have found that many people, especially vulva owners, are more responsive to narrative stories or audio erotica than they are with visual stimulation, such as watching porn. There are other tools as well. For example, apps like Coral focus on intimacy coaching by offering bite-sized lessons, daily prompts and exercises to deepen connection or improve communication with partners. And sexual wellness collections like Emjoy combine erotic audio with mindfulness sessions to support desire and body confidence. Studies show that using these kinds of apps can help people better understand their bodies, track patterns over time, and feel more confident discussing preferences and needs. That increased awareness and communication can be particularly valuable in both personal exploration and clinical or therapeutic settings. Helping individuals and couples build healthier, more attuned sexual experiences. Finally, we're seeing the rise of AI driven technologies like virtual sex partners, chatbots, and AI powered recommendations for sexual wellness. For those of you who aren't familiar, chatbots are AI programs designed to simulate conversation. Basically, digital companions you can talk with through text or voice. Some are built for general companionship, but get used for intimacy or sexual exploration while others are tailored more directly towards sexual health or education. One well-known example is Replika, a chat bot many people use for emotional support, friendship, or even romantic chat Users have reported forming pretty strong emotional connections with their replika bots, and some even describe dating or intimate conversations with them because the AI adapts to their conversational style and remembers details about them in a way that feels personal. At the same time. This example also highlights some of the ethical questions around ai, companionship, and attachment. Because emotional dependence on AI can blur lines about what feels real and what is machine generated. There are also chat bots being developed specifically to help with sexual and reproductive health information. For instance, programs like PAT, designed in the UK to answer sensitive questions about sexual health and HIV risk, show how AI chatbots can provide seemingly anonymous, non-judgmental support for people who might feel uncomfortable talking directly to a provider about these topics. While research is still emerging, early studies show that AI chatbots can help with access to sexual information and education, especially when anonymity is important. However, some experts also raise concerns that frequent use of AI chatbots for intimacy or pleasure could lead people to become more socially isolated or distort expectations about intimacy and real world connection, if not balanced with human relationships and clinical guidance. This tension between support and overreliance is one of the ethical conversations that we're seeing more of as these tools develop. Of course, each of these categories comes with its own benefits and risks, which we'll explore in the next sections, But the key takeaway here is that sex tech isn't just a novelty. There's evidence that it can support sexual health, education, and connection when used thoughtfully and safely. Now let's talk about why sex tech matters, the benefits and opportunities it offers for sexual wellness and intimacy. One of the biggest advantages is accessibility. People with mobility challenges, chronic pain or sexual dysfunction can explore pleasure in ways that weren't possible before. For example, research on virtual reality and haptic devices has shown that these technologies can help individuals with physical limitations or trauma histories safely experience sexual stimulation, giving them a sense of agency and comfort that might be hard to achieve otherwise. Sex tech also supports sexual education and self-awareness. Sexual wellness apps and trackers help users learn about their arousal patterns, preferences, and responses. Studies indicate that these tools can increase confidence, improve communication with partners, and even enhance sexual satisfaction. For many people, just having a structured way to explore and understand their bodies can be empowering. Another exciting opportunity is trauma-informed sexual exploration. Some apps and connected devices are designed with safety, consent, and pacing in mind, which allow survivors to experiment with intimacy at their own comfort level. This kind of guided exploration can help people reconnect with pleasure without triggering past trauma. Finally, sex tech opens the door to personalized sexual experiences, AI driven tools, virtual partners, And interactive devices can tailor experiences based on individual preferences, helping people explore intimacy in a way that feels uniquely theirs. While research is still emerging early findings suggest that these tailored experiences can improve overall satisfaction and engagement in sexual activities. While sex tech offers exciting opportunities, it's important to talk about the risks, challenges, and ethical considerations. Just like any technology, there are potential downsides that we need to be aware of. One of the biggest concerns is privacy and data security. Many sexual wellness apps and connected devices collect sensitive information about your sexual preferences, habits, and even physiological responses. research has shown that some apps store data without strong security protections, which could put users at risk if it's hacked or shared without consent. So using these tools safely means understanding how your data is handled. Another challenge is consent and interpersonal dynamics. Devices like teledildonics or AI driven partners can add a new layer of complexity to communication in relationships, especially if expectations aren't clearly discussed. One important consideration is that people often have different ideas of what constitutes cheating or boundary violations. For example, one partner might see using a sexual wellness app, interacting with a virtual partner or engaging with a teledildonic remotely as harmless exploration while the other may view it as a form of infidelity. Research suggests that successfully integrating technology into intimacy requires open, ongoing conversation and negotiation so that all parties feel respected, safe, and on the same page about boundaries. A practical tip for couples is to set aside time for a tech check-In a conversation where you discuss which devices, apps, or experiences are okay, which ones feel off limits, and how you want to communicate about them. This can be framed as a collaborative exploration rather than a rules list, helping couples maintain trust, intimacy, and clear expectations, even while experimenting with new sexual technologies. Yeah. There's also the psychological aspect. While AI and virtual partners can provide safe spaces for sexual exploration, there's a risk of over-reliance or unrealistic expectations. Early research warrants that some users may substitute digital experiences for real life connection, which can impact relationships or social skills, if not balanced with other forms of intimacy. Finally, equity and accessibility remain important considerations. High tech devices can be expensive or difficult to access for marginalized populations, and not all apps or devices are designed with inclusiveness in mind for survivors of sexual trauma. Some technologies could even trigger negative responses if they're not thoughtfully designed. So, while sex tech has a lot of promise, using it responsibly means considering privacy, consent, psychological impact, and accessibility. As we see in the next section, research and regulations are still catching up with these innovations. As exciting as sex tech is, there are still a lot of regulatory and research gaps that impact how these tools are developed, studied, and used safely. One major issue is that sexual technologies often fall into a kind of regulatory gray zone. For example, some connected devices might be considered medical devices if marketed for sexual health, which means they would need to meet certain safety and efficacy standards. But many devices are marketed as lifestyle or entertainment products, so there's little oversight or standardized testing. This makes it challenging for consumers to know which products are safe and effective. For listeners who want to make safer choices, there are a few strategies. First, look for companies that use medical grade silicone and body safe materials, which reduces the risk of irritation or exposure to harmful chemicals. Brands like Lelo, We Vibe and Fun Factory are known for using high quality tests and materials and adhering to international safety standards. Second check for transparency about marketing practices, certifications, and product testing. Companies that openly share how their devices are made and tested are generally more trustworthy. Third, consider reading reviews from both consumers and sexual health professionals and avoid products with vague claims or no safety information. Additionally, some sexual devices are FDA approved, such as certain pelvic floor trainers or vibrators marketed for sexual dysfunction. These products have undergone more rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, which can give users an added layer of confidence. While FDA approval doesn't guarantee a perfect experience, it does indicate that the device has met certain medical standards and can be safer for use. Research is another limiting factor. While there's growing interest in the impact of sexual tech on pleasure, intimacy, and trauma-informed sexual health, much of the evidence is still preliminary or small scale. Studies have shown that sexual wellness apps can improve awareness and sexual satisfaction, but we need larger longitudinal studies to understand the long-term effects and best practices for integrating these tools into therapy or sexual rehabilitation. Stigma also plays a role. Sexual technology research has historically been underfunded because topics around sex, intimacy and pleasure are often considered taboo in both academia and policy circles. This means that innovations may outpace the evidence and users may not have access to clear guidance about safer, effective use. So while sex tech holds huge potential, there's still a lot to learn. Consumers, clinicians, and researchers need to work together to bridge these gaps, ensuring that innovation is matched with safety, accessibility, and evidence-informed guidance. Looking ahead. The future of sex tech is both exciting and rapidly evolving. We're seeing innovations that could change how people explore pleasure, intimacy, and sexual wellness in ways that we couldn't imagine even a few years ago. Another area that's growing fast is AI driven personalization. Some emerging platforms and devices use machine learning or responsive technology to tailor sexual experiences based on individual preferences, physiological responses, or past interactions. For example, companies like Lovense are integrating AI features into app connected toys that can adapt vibration patterns based on user interaction and even sync with other media or partner controls. So experiences feel more personalized. Lovense's, ecosystem of toys has expanded to include advanced synchronization features with adult video or interactive content, and new AI sync technology that can match toy movement to what's happening on screen. There are also devices that sync to sound or music. For instance, the Oh Vibrator by Ohdoki can be paired with a smartphone to sync vibrations to a favorite playlist, letting rhythm and beat drive the experience. And older products like the Lelo Siri Series responds to ambient sound or music to create immersive stimulation. Even mainstream app connected toys like the We Vibe Sync 2, offer a beat mode that lets users play music and have vibration patterns follow along with the rhythm. Blending pleasure with creative play. Early research suggests that this kind of personalization, whether through AI algorithms or sound responsive technology, can enhance sexual satisfaction and engagement, giving people more agency and self-awareness in their sexual experiences. These technologies can help users explore pleasure in ways that feel uniquely tailored to their bodies and desires And can even offer partners new ways to connect across distance. Another exciting trend is the integration of biofeedback and wearable tech into sexual wellness. These devices can track physiological responses like heart rate, skin conductance, or even subtle changes in muscle tension, and then provide real time feedback to the user. In simple terms, it's a bit like having a fitness tracker for your sexual arousal. The device can sense how your body is responding and give you cues or data that help you understand your sexual responses more clearly. For example, trainers like Perifit and Elvie give realtime feedback on pelvic floor muscle engagement. So users learn what activation feels like internally. Other devices like the Oura Ring track, things like heart rate and variability, which emerging research shows can correlate with phases of arousal and relaxation. And headbands like Muse 2, while not specific to sex, can help users tune into their nervous system's response to touch, breath, and emotional states. Some devices can even pair with apps to show patterns over time, helping users identify what activities, touch or stimuli create the most pleasure or comfort, this kind of technology can support sexual awareness, education, and therapeutic applications. For people recovering from sexual trauma or navigating sexual dysfunction, biofeedback, wearables provide a safe, controlled way to explore sensations and responses without pressure allowing users to reconnect with their bodies and learn what feels pleasurable or comfortable at their own pace. Over time, these insights can improve both personal satisfaction and communication with partners. Finally, there's growing attention on inclusive and accessible design. Researchers and developers are increasingly considering gender diversity, disability, and cultural inclusion. When designing devices and platforms, this is an important step towards ensuring that sex tech benefits as many people as possible, not just a subset of users with access to high-end devices or a mainstream representation. The big takeaway is that the field is moving fast, but research ethics and accessibility need to keep pace when used thoughtfully. Sex tech has potential to enhance sexual wellness, education, and connection, and to do so in ways that are safe, inclusive, and evidence informed. As we wrap up today's episode, it's clear that sex tech is more than just gadgets and apps. It's a rapidly growing field with real potential to enhance sexual wellness. From connected devices to AI driven partners and from sexual wellness apps to virtual reality experiences, these technologies are giving people new ways to explore, pleasure, learn about their bodies, and even support trauma informed sexual healing. Research shows that sexual wellness apps and digital platforms can help people better understand their sexual responses, improve communication with their partners, and enhance satisfaction. VR and haptic technologies are showing promise in sexual rehabilitation and safe exploration for trauma survivors. And emerging AI driven tools can offer personalized, safe, and inclusive experiences Helping users learn and explore at their own pace. of course, these tools come with responsibilities. Users should be aware of privacy, consent, psychological impact, and accessibility considerations. Clinicians and educators also have a role in staying informed and guiding safe evidence-informed use of these technologies. The key takeaway is this, sex tech can be a powerful ally in sexual health and intimacy, But its potential is maximized when innovation is paired with research, ethical practice, and inclusion. Whether you're exploring these technologies personally, professionally, or academically, staying informed and intentional is the best way to ensure a safe and fulfilling sexual experience. So as we move into the future, let's embrace the possibilities, but also keep curiosity. Consent and care at the forefront. Thanks for listening, and as always, stay curious, stay empowered, and stay you. That's it for today's episode. Thanks for listening, and be sure to rate and review the podcast on whatever platform you're listening from and share it with your friends. That's a great way to help reach new listeners and make this a more sex positive world. Also, I'd love your feedback and questions, so send me a message. It's at email@doctorpattyj.com, and that's doctor spelled out, D-O-C-T-O-R-P-A-T-T-Y j.com. Until next time, stay curious, stay empowered, and stay you.