SEX ROBOTS may do more harm than good, leading medics claim.

They warn rising use of “sexbots” could spread sexually-transmitted infections, worsen impotence and normalise “sexual deviancy”.

4 Sexbots are touted as an aid for 'desperate fellas' but may make existing sexual health issues worse for all of us Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

4 Leading medics warn against the rising use of sex robots which could normalise paedophilia and make people incapable of intimacy with humans

Fans of the life-like love machines – that sell for up to £11,600 – say they can aid “harm reduction” by offering desperate fellas an outlet.

They claim doll use helps reduce sex crimes against women and children.

But Dr Chantal Cox-George, from St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Professor Susan Bewley, from King’s College London, say there is little evidence this is true.

And raised fears they may make illegal behaviour more socially acceptable.

4 Existing issues such as impotence and enforced celibacy could also be made worse by the mass use of sexbots Credit: Getty - Contributor

Writing in the BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, they said: “It is speculative whether the development of a sexbot marketplace will lead to lesser risk of violence and infections, or drive further exploitation of human sex workers.

“The ‘health’ arguments made for their benefits, as with so many advertised products, are rather specious.”

Researchers warn medics must steer clear of intimate relations with sexbots – or risk losing public trust.

They added: “Doctors might be advised to avoid using sexbots themselves, given police interest, prosecutions, and the potential negative impact on public trust.”

Sex doll the size of a child being made in a Japanese factory reduces a TV reporter to tears in BBC's Sex Robots and Us

Experts claim it is too soon to market the love dolls to treat relationship difficulties, such as impotence or enforced celibacy.

And they warn the lack of intimacy may make problems such as erectile dysfunction worse.

Researchers also fear using the sexbots to “treat” paedophilia or live out violent fantasies may help normalise such behaviour.

The sex tech industry is already worth more than £22billion.

Four U.S. companies are already selling the randy androids, with names including Roxxxy Gold and Harry Harddrive.

4 The life-like love machines could also hold a future of STI epidemics Credit: Alamy

Prices range from just under £4,000 to £11,600 for the “Harmony” supermodel.

Although currently targeted to men, one sexbot maker plans to sell male versions for women later this year.

Eerily lifelike talking sex robot head controlled by PS4 gamepad goes on sale

Sheffield University Professor Noel Sharkey, chair of the Foundation for Responsible Robotics, previously warned “the sex robots are coming”.

Prof Sharkey, the former head judge on Robot Wars, said: “The manufacturers are doing a massive marketing job on the health benefits of sex robots, particularly for therapy, and yet there is absolutely no evidence for this.

MOST READ IN HEALTH NEWS Breaking NOT APPY NHS Covid app finally launches - but does NOT work on older iPhones BE APPY Brits urged to download NHS Test & Trace app as it finally launches today SKIN DEEP Skin rash IS Covid symptom, experts warn - the 8 different types revealed STOP THE SPREAD NHS Covid-19 track and trace app explained DOC'S ORDERS Dr Hilary warns of 'glaring error' in new Covid restrictions MASKING THE ISSUE Masks should be compulsory inside offices to stop 2nd wave, top docs warn

“There may well be therapeutic benefits in some case but these sexual machines will be rushed out before we know.

“We must have research to back up the claims.”

Last year, Prof Sharkey warned Britain is on the cusp of a sex robot “revolution”.

A report claimed couples are increasingly enjoying “risk-free” threesomes by bedding sex robots.