While it’s generally acceptable for women to own a plethora of vibrators, dildos and other toys to get themselves off, for men it seems to be a completely different story. Whether it’s flesh lights, butt plugs or suction pumps, there is still a persistent air of unease around male masturbatory aids.

A 2014 British sex survey by the Guardian showed that women are significantly more likely than men to have used sex toys (52 per cent and 39 per cent respectively), while homosexuals (66 per cent) are more likely to have used sex aids than heterosexuals (44 per cent). This discrepancy proves that a large number of heterosexual men do not feel comfortable using sex toys – or are simply too ashamed to confess.

One man who recognises this sense of secrecy surrounding his sex toy use is 25-year-old Joseph*. While he had been curious about sex toys since his late teens, he didn’t buy his first sex toy, a prostate massager, until he was in his early twenties. Joseph felt that even though his female friends were able to freely discuss their sex toy use among friends, he couldn’t do the same. “Most of my female friends own some type of sex toy, and will happily talk about their experiences. Hugely popular retailers like Ann Summers and Lovehoney also prove that there isn’t much of a taboo around them anymore,” he says.

“Sex toys are pitched at gay men which has put off heterosexual men, who believe they might have a gay inclination if they try them out”

There is also a fear around heterosexual men being branded gay if they admit to using prostate stimulators. “I once drunkenly told some of my guy friends about experimenting with sex toys and they instantly mocked me, telling me I must be gay. This misconception that enjoying anal stimulation affects your sexuality is ridiculous. So there’s a still a real fear of being laughed at and ridiculed,” he says.

The reason male sex toys are linked to gay culture is also down to the adult toy companies. According to Nichi Hodgson, sex expert, ex-dominatrix and Ooh by Je Joue brand ambassador, gay men have historically been free to experiment sexually as a marginalised group. “There was a stigma around their sexuality, so they’ve had to fight for sexual liberation and were able to experiment. As a result, a lot of sex toys are pitched at gay men. This has put off heterosexual men, who believe they might have a gay inclination if they try them out,” she explains.

Hodgson adds: “There is also a persistent belief in our society that ‘real’ men don’t need aids. If you don’t get off on your own, there must be something wrong with you sexually.”