Claudia is one of many women whose relationship with sex and masturbation completely changed because of the lockdown. Finding more time at home alone meant one thing: our sex toys and vibrators became our best friends.'Before lockdown, I rarely had time to masturbate,' Niamh, from Liverpool, told Grazia during lockdown. 'Now, I get at least two sessions in a day and I love it. It's not just the orgasms - although they certainly help me feel more productive and relaxed day to day - I feel like I've really improved my relationship with my body and outlook on sex in general.
'I wasn't necessarily ashamed before, but I wasn't very experimental and didn't see masturbating as a priority. Now, knowing how much it can improve my mood and general wellbeing, I feel like it's a vital element of self-care.'
Niamh isn't wrong, according to Eleanor Mckenzie, editor of erotic subscription Lady Victoria Howard, masturbating releases an incredible cocktail of hormones that improves your wellbeing in a number of ways.
'Research and anecdotal reports suggest that sexual stimulation, like masturbation, can relieve stress and tension, boost your mood, help you sleep better and improve your sex life by better understanding your wants and needs,' she explains. 'Orgasm causes the release of endorphins, which are known to reduce stress and boost confidence. Also released is serotonin, which is a known antidepressant.'
Undoubtedly, she says, it proved particularly important during lockdown to combat loneliness and the lack of physical touch.Perhaps that's why Lily Allen's 'The Liberty' vibrator in collaboration with Womanizer skyrocketed off the shelves upon its release last year. In fact, according to Google Trends, searches for the 'best sex toys' on Lovehoney, Womaniser and Bondara went through the roof throughout lockdown. The Doxy Massage Wand seemed to be of particular interest, with searches peaking for it too.
Ultimately, lockdown seems to have changed our attitudes towards sex and masturbation for good, even after we returned to normal socialising. Because, once you've experienced the high life - and we mean, very high - why go back?
With all that search in mind, we've put together this list of the best sex toys and vibrators for women - tried and tested. You're welcome (or rather, thank you). You never know, one of these amazing vibrators might turn you into a Claudia and change your dating life forever. Daily orgasms and no dating-drama? We don't really need convincing to be honest...
