Vibrators are marketed as pleasure tools and can be purchased through sex toy websites, boutiques, and in-home sex toy parties. They can be used for masturbation alone or with a partner as part of foreplay or sexual play.
But just how many women use vibrators? Studies and surveys have examined this question.
Prevalence
A lot of people don’t want to admit it, but it turns out that more than half of American women have used a vibrator in the past. The sex toy is popular among both men and women, though women in relationships are more likely to use one than single females. Rural, urban and suburban women are equally likely to own a vibrator.
It’s important to remember that not all vibrations are created equal. Vibrators are engineered specifically to please the genitals, so they’re designed for pleasure on their own, or with a partner. Some women find that vibrators help them achieve orgasm, especially when their bodies can’t reach the necessary areas without a little extra help.
Some medical experts also recommend that women use a vibrator to stimulate their pelvic floor muscles, which can help with conditions like premenstrual syndrome. They’re also useful for pain relief during intercourse or vaginal dryness.
One of the first studies to look at the prevalence of vibrator use surveyed both women and men, and it was published in this week’s issue of the “Journal of Sexual Medicine.” Researchers from the University of Indiana’s Kinsey Institute found that vibrators are a common part of many Americans’ sexual lives. They’re not just for fun; 45% of the women surveyed said they use them during partnered sex, and the same percentage of men did.
Buying Habits
Despite the stigma that still hangs around vibrators, more and more people are buying them to add to their sex toys. They’re also a popular gift for friends and loved ones who want to experiment with masturbation.
Many women and couples who use vibrators do so because they find that it helps them get orgasms. Other reasons include simply being fun or adding a new dimension to their sexual pleasure. They can even help them feel healthier, because orgasms are a great way to release mood-boosting hormones.
As sex toy companies have become more and more aware of how important pleasure is to health, vibrators have lost much of their stigma. They are now widely available in stores and online, and come with a range of attachments and features to suit every need. Some have even created designs that are more discreet than their old-school counterparts, making them easier to store and use without risking a conversation with your roommates or parents.
Whether it’s an addition to their collection or their very first vibe, most people who buy sex toys do so during November. This is probably due to the fact that many stores have great deals on their sex toys during this time. It’s also worth remembering that vibrators can be returned if you’re not happy with them. Just be sure to read the directions, keep lines of communication open with your partner if you’re using it with them and clean your toys regularly.
Safety Concerns
A lot of people have concerns about using vibrators, but most experts agree they’re safe to use and have never been associated with health problems. However, it is important to be aware of possible side effects, which can include irritated or numb vulva skin, infection and a feeling that the toy isn’t stimulating as much as it should. It’s also a good idea to read the directions (yes, most vibrators have those) and to clean the toys regularly.
The other concern is that people who use vibrators frequently might become desensitized to the stimulation and lose the ability to orgasm without their sex toy. This is an understandable worry, says sex therapist Vanessa Marin. However, it’s not a reason to stop using a vibrator, just to be sure to switch things up and try other ways of orgasm occasionally.
Another safety concern is that women who use vibrators to masturbate may be more likely to skip gynecological exams and genital self-exams. This could lead to serious medical problems, such as uterine cancer or an unintended pregnancy. This is one reason that it’s important to talk openly with your doctor about your sex toy habits, especially if you are married or a parent. It’s also a good idea not to share your vibrator with anyone else who might not be able to take care of it properly.
Side Effects
A few studies have linked vibrators to better sexual function, including more orgasms and vaginal lubrication. Vibrators also help women with anorgasmia reach orgasm (which releases oxytocin and other hormones that can lead to feelings of intimacy and love). They’re especially useful for women who can’t get to orgasm through masturbation alone or with partners, who struggle with pain during orgasm or have motor or sensory disabilities that prevent them from reaching orgasm naturally.
However, some people worry that overuse of sex toys can cause a loss of sensitivity. It’s a similar feeling to sitting on a hard chair for too long—your foot becomes numb and a little less sensitive. But that’s only temporary, and the sensation returns to normal pretty quickly.
Another concern is that vibrators can transmit human papillomavirus, or HPV, if they’re not sanitized thoroughly between uses. But as long as you clean your toy regularly and use condoms during sex, there’s no danger. It’s also important to avoid sharing vibrators between sexual partners, as this can increase the risk of contracting an STI.
