A woman has found an unusual way to manage her chronic pain - by using sex toys - and says it is so effective she has now started making them at home to sell to others. Rebecca Evans, 51, is living with a spinal disease and arthritis.
This leaves her in considerable discomfort - which she soothes with adult toys. And Rebecca is such an advocate she has now launched her own line - made from clay.
Rebecca, a ceramic artist from Llwyncelyn, Wales, said: "They’ve helped me immensely with my pain and that was the start of it. I want to promote them for wellbeing and not just enjoyment.
“People are more aware that they’re not these sordid things which should be spoken about - but there’s still a taboo about sex toys and there really shouldn’t be.”
Rebecca made her first ceramic toy in October 2020. She decided to experiment with materials she already owned – first using earthenware clay and then upgrading to stoneware for its hard-wearing and non-porous properties.
Rebecca began selling the toys on her Facebook page - and now makes them in custom shapes and sizes. And the unique wares have even featured on TV, after she made one for comedian Sarah Millican who flaunted the 'bangle holder' on Channel 4's 'Taskmaster'.
And she says she's had some weird requests - including one with Donald Trump's face on it. She said: "Stoneware, once it’s fired, is non-porous and very very sturdy, you can drop it on the floor and it won’t break.
“I use them myself so I know how good and sturdy they are. I wouldn’t sell anything which could possibly cause harm and every single one has a letter explaining how to look after it. I had a request to do one with Donald Trump’s face on it, I made one in the shape of a mushroom and another in the shape of an aubergine."
Rebecca says using her own toys has changed her life immeasurably and she wants to help others. She said: “When I first used them, I was pain-free for two hours. Sadly, you can’t use them throughout the day but it helps with my sleep and mental health as well.
“I’ve had spinal surgery as I have a spinal disease, last year I had a knee replaced and I suffer a lot from arthritis. Before all of this kicked-off I was virtually a lock-in, I didn’t go anywhere or do anything.
“It’s opened a new avenue in my life and I won’t become rich selling them, but I want to do it as much as I can for as long as I can. When people buy from me, I give clients personal support – I give advice on how best to use them and some people ask me for advice.
“I have a diploma in psychosexual therapy and I’m always quite happy to talk to people about my experiences and help anyone else who struggles with pain. It’s a drug-free, very pleasurable experience that I would like to share with other people.
"There are some people who need help with their sex life and even having a sex life. This way you can have a connection with the person making a custom item for you rather than buying something mass-produced."
