Prisons are set to give inmates a surprising new sex item after 'DIY versions' cause STD surge

Reports from Europe have revealed that female prisoners are being given sex toys in an attempt to cut down on the increase in sexually transmitted diseases.

The initiative is taking place in penitentiaries across the Netherlands, as authorities are making sex toys available to approximately 70 percent of Dutch prisoners.

This decision was made by experts after they warned of the spike in fungal infections among prisoners, who started to use DIY methods to pleasure themselves.

The new items will be offered to incarcerated women, who will no longer need to resort to things like toothbrushes when it comes to self-pleasuring.

Essentially, it's been acknowledged that even inmates have needs, and if they're going to satisfy them, you may as well keep it safe - so how will the scheme work?

Sex toys will be offered to over two-thirds of Dutch female prisoners. Credit: Marcia Straub / Getty

Options for female prisoners

Dutch outlet NOS has reported that female prisoners will have the choice between two products under the new scheme.

They can choose from an air-pressure 'Satisfyer' and a non-branded transparent dildo, though inmates will need to purchase them at a price.

In their announcement of the scheme, the Dutch Custodial Institutions Agency stated: “Healthy sexuality contributes to relaxation, better sleep, and less frustration, and can reduce health risks arising from unsafe alternatives.”

The Belgian Brief reported that the policy was launched after research discovered that female inmates were banned from satisfying themselves sexually.

Electric toothbrushes and similar items were banned from prisons across the nation, as it was believed they could be used for self-pleasure.

But experts found that without safe options, women had no choice but to improvise when it came to the mood striking.

The report read: "Firstly, the current ban on sexual aids deprives detained people of the opportunity to meet their sexual needs.

"Secondly, medical-service staff indicate that the ban can also create health risks, such as fungal infections, because other products are used as homemade sex toys."

Dutch female prisoners can purchase a sex toy while behind bars. Credit: Jose A. Bernat Bacete / Getty

Prison staff and inmates comment on new scheme

"I once raised the point here that we provide all sorts of things, so why don’t we provide sexual aids? People laughed about it, including psychologists," one welcoming member of prison staff said.

They added: “I think it could make a considerable difference. Sex is simply pleasurable. If they always had access to that before, why shouldn’t they have something for it here? If we provide a dildo here, what could the problem be?”

An inmate admitted that both women and men have needs, adding: "Even if it were only a video or a sex toy, it doesn’t matter. It would be good if something were done about it."

The scheme will start as a year-long trial, after which authorities will decide whether to continue providing sex toys for female inmates.

Featured image credit: Marcia Straub / Getty