Dutch Prisons to Give Female Inmates Sex Toys After Worrying Rise in STDs From Homemade Devices

Female prisoners in the Netherlands are being provided with sex toys as part of an effort to curb a rise in infections, including STDs, from dangerous homemade alternatives. The initiative will make sex toys available to roughly 70 percent of prisoners in the country. It follows warnings from experts about increasing fungal infections among inmates who used items such as toothbrushes to satisfy sexual needs. Dutch broadcaster NOS reported that female prisoners can choose between two products: an air-pressure device called the Satisfyer and an unbranded transparent dildo. Both are available to buy at cost price. The Dutch Custodial Institutions Agency said in its announcement that healthy sexuality can contribute to relaxation, better sleep and less frustration, and can reduce health risks arising from unsafe alternatives. According to the Belgian Brief, the policy was introduced after research found that female inmates had been cut off from expressing their sexual desires. In some prisons, even electric toothbrushes were banned because they might be used as a tool for self-pleasure. Researchers found that without healthy and safe alternatives, women had to improvise when fulfilling their sexual needs. The research said the current ban on sexual aids deprives detained people of the opportunity to meet their sexual needs. It also said medical-service staff indicated the ban can create health risks, such as fungal infections, because other products are used as homemade sex toys. The new policy has been welcomed by many prison staff. One staff member said they had once raised the point that the facility provides all sorts of things, so why not provide sexual aids? People laughed about it, including psychologists. The staff member believes it could make a considerable difference, adding that sex is simply pleasurable. If inmates always had access to that before, the staff member asked, why should they not have something for it there? If a dildo is provided, what could the problem be? One female prisoner said a woman has those needs, but men do too. She said that even if it were only a video or a sex toy, it would not matter. She added that it would be good if something were done about it. The trial is expected to last a year, after which officials will decide whether to continue providing sex toys and dildos as an option for female inmates to buy. There does not appear to be any indication that a similar policy will be trialled for male inmates.