Vibrators are a woman’s best friend, helping them achieve orgasm during masturbation or during partnered sex. They’re also becoming a mainstay of pleasure tools for men. We combed through studies and surveys to find out more about how many people use vibrators, why they do it, and whether they have any side effects.
Prevalence
Women use vibrators to feel pleasure, and there are a variety of types for different purposes. Vibrators can be purchased from online retailers, women’s magazines and boutiques, as well as at drug stores. The most popular types of vibrators are wand massagers, remote-controlled sex toys and wearable panty vibes. Some women report that they use vibrators to help them achieve an orgasm during masturbation, and others use them in sex with partners.
While the popularity of sex toys is no surprise, how many women use vibrators for sexual stimulation may be surprising to some. A study conducted in 2004 found that more than half of American women who were married or lived with a partner had used a sex toy during masturbation, and about half used them during sex. The study didn’t break down usage among single women, so it isn’t clear whether the percentage of users has changed since then.
Two studies by Indiana University researchers, both of which included nationally representative samples of women and men ages 18 to 60, found that a little more than half of women had used a vibrator at some point in their lives. They also found that vibrator use is associated with positive sexual function, including a greater ability to achieve an orgasm. And while some women experienced side effects, most reported that they were minimal and short-lived. Numbness was the most common reaction, with 16 percent of women mentioning it, and irritation or swelling were also reported by a small percentage of users.
Types
There are many types of vibrators at a variety of price points, so it’s important to figure out what you’re comfortable with and what will work best for you. Some people are more comfortable with external vibrators, which are designed to stimulate the clitoris or labia and generally look more like a rabbit (hence the name). Other women enjoy internal vibers, which are long and cylindrical and simulate penetrative sex. Combos are also available, which combine both external and internal stimulation and can be used to stimulate the clitoris, G-spot and vagina.
For men, a vibrator can be used to enhance sexual pleasure during foreplay or intercourse with female partners, or during masturbation. It can also help with sexual health, such as invoking orgasm during sex or foreplay and helping with pelvic floor muscle strength, vaginal health and vulva pain. For example, using a vibrator to stimulate the penis for stop-start exercises can reduce premature ejaculation in men (Ventus, 2019).
While some people may still feel awkward about bringing vibrators into the bedroom, things like the Rabbit on Sex and the City, sex toys parties and women-owned boutiques have helped remove some of the stigma. In addition, people in healthy relationships are increasingly accepting of the idea of a partner using a vibrator during foreplay or masturbation. However, a vibrator won’t fix bad sex or unhealthy relationships.
Safety
As long as you take the proper safety measures, vibrators are safe to use. For instance, you should always clean your sex toy and store it in a safe place where it will not be exposed to germs or other contaminants.
You should also make sure that your sex toy is not too powerful. Too much power can cause your clitoris to become too sensitive, which can make your orgasms feel less intense. You should never use a vibrator if you have a condition, such as diabetes, fibromyalgia, or cirrhosis of the liver, that could be made worse by this type of stimulation.
Vibrators can be used alone or with a partner, and women of all sexual orientations enjoy them. They can enhance sexual pleasure for both partners, and they can help boost orgasms during sex with your partner.
Some women worry about what their partners will think about them using a vibrator, while others don’t buy one because they are worried about how it will affect their orgasms with their partner during sex. As long as you are using a vibrator made with safe materials and you are not at a high risk for pregnancy complications, most doctors will say that having a vibrator won’t interfere with your orgasms with your partner. But if you are concerned, talk to your doctor about what’s best for your body and your relationship.
Tips
Vibrators are a fun way to enhance pleasure in the bedroom, but many women are worried about what their partners might think. They may fear that a vibrator will hurt their genitals or cause irritation. In reality, as long as the toy is used correctly and wiped down after each use, it’s very safe. However, there are some valid concerns – for example, if a vibrator is overused or shared between partners without proper cleaning, it could cause numbness or tingling in the sensitive genital area.
It’s also important to be honest with your partner about the reasons you want to introduce a vibrator to your sexual life. “If you’re using a vibrator to increase your orgasm during sex, it’s best to make this clear to your partner,” says Eilber. “You don’t want your partner to feel like they’re not satisfying you in the bedroom.”
She suggests having the conversation early on so that you both have time to experiment with the toy and figure out what feels good. This will give your partner an opportunity to discuss their own preferences with you and may even lead to a discussion about mutual masturbation, which can be intensely pleasurable. If you’re both happy with the results, consider having a ‘sex shop date’ so that you can try out different toys together.
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