Answer extracted from the Cliterally Obsessed podcast — listen to the full episode below.
How has the sex toy industry changed over the past 15 to 20 years?
The sex toy industry has matured dramatically in product quality and design. Vibrators are now much quieter and rechargeable rather than battery-operated, reflecting significant engineering improvements. The market has also broadened substantially, with the industry developing new product lines for people experiencing menopause and creating gender-affirming products across the gender spectrum.
Engineering and user experience advances
Over the past 15 to 20 years, the fundamental engineering of intimate products has shifted from battery dependency to rechargeable systems. This transition isn't merely a convenience upgrade—it reflects a broader industry commitment to durability, sustainability, and user satisfaction. Noise reduction stands as one of the most practical improvements, making products far more discreet and accessible for people living in shared spaces or with noise concerns.
As Madeline Dorian explains in the Cliterally Obsessed episode, this evolution reflects what manufacturers learned by listening directly to customer feedback. The shift toward quieter, more powerful, and longer-lasting products demonstrates that the industry has moved beyond novelty into genuine product development.
Market expansion and inclusivity
Beyond engineering, the industry has radically expanded its product portfolio. Products designed specifically for menopause have emerged as a meaningful category, acknowledging a life stage that was historically overlooked in sexual wellness conversations. These products address real physiological changes while centering pleasure as a valid part of health at every age.
The development of gender-affirming products marks another significant shift. Discussed in detail in this podcast conversation, these offerings reflect an industry-wide move toward recognizing the full spectrum of gender identity and ensuring that pleasure tools serve people across that spectrum. This represents not just a product expansion, but a fundamental reframing of who the industry serves.
"I started working in the store in an official capacity and I just fell in love. I fell in love with the customers, the conversations, and then the whole entrepreneurship side as well."
Madeline Dorian — Sex educator and entrepreneur with over 13 years of experience in the intimate wellness industry. She co-runs Wicked Wanda's, a community-focused pleasure shop and educational platform with her mother, and holds academic roots in sexuality studies from Concordia University alongside hands-on training from leading brands across retail, product development, manufacturing, and wholesale.
The conversation with Madeline Dorian also touches on how marketing itself has matured in the industry, with brands increasingly adopting inclusive, educational, and de-stigmatized approaches to reaching customers.
See also
What should you look for when buying a butt plug or anal toy?
The most important feature to look for in an anal toy is a flared base that is as wide as, or wider than, the widest part of the toy itself, ensuring safety and ease of use.
Why should you avoid silicone lubricant with silicone sex toys?
Silicone lubricant and silicone toys are incompatible because the liquid silicone breaks down the solid silicone material of the toy, causing degradation of the product over time.
What are the different types of lubricants and how should they be used with sex toys?
Madeline Dorian outlines four main lubricant types: water-based (safe for all toys, should be glycerin-free and pH-balanced), silicone-based, oil-based, and hybrid formulations, each with specific compatibility and use cases for different toy materials.