I'm a woman who uses sex dolls and my boyfriend is made of plastic

SEX dolls are often portrayed in the media as female figurines designed for men but they're said to be increasing in popularity with women.

According to Dazed Digital, a growing number of women are sharing their lives with sex dolls and viewing the inanimate objects as their boyfriends.

The outlet reports that a woman called Karley sees her sex doll Gabriel as her boyfriend.

Gabriel is described as a handsome Love Island lookalike and reportedly fills the role of a 'real human man' well.

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Karley  told the outlet: "The silicone is indistinguishable from real skin."

She described her sex doll as a "giver" and said she feels less anxiety with him than with a human man.

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Karley is not alone in her pursuit of sex doll relations.

Last year, a study found that 40% of Americans would like to have sex with a robot.

Gabriel the sex doll boyfriend was made by Los Angeles company Sinthetics.

It started making male sex dolls in 2016.

According to Dazed Digital, Karley prefers the company of Gabriel the sex doll and is "looking forward" to seeing where the relationship goes.

The outlet also refers to another woman called Lily who credits her male sex dolls for listening to her and helping her overcome trauma.

Lily reportedly explained: "They’ve helped me work through the traumas I’ve faced in life.

"Unlike people, they’re always available. I can vent to them, cry on their shoulders, cuddle and hug them any time I need.”