Using a vibrator brings plenty of people a lot of pleasure. For some women, the best orgasms of their lives are thanks, in part, to their vibe. Others consider it just one of many forms of sexual pleasure they enjoy — part of their sex toy collection.
Without a lot of information to go on (thanks to a lack of scientific studies and sex education), it’s natural to wonder if a high-powered motor rumbling against sensitive genitals might cause harm. If you’ve ever had that thought, you’re not alone. Here are four typical concerns for people who use vibrators and what you can do about it.
You Can’t Get Off in Other Ways
Vibrators don’t create a dependency nor are they addictive. But a good vibrator can make an orgasm quick and easy for some people. Maybe too easy. This doesn’t mean you’re incapable of getting off without your vibrator, but you might find it more difficult especially after long-term use. Your body and brain expect a certain stimulation (aka your favorite vibe) so you respond more quickly.
If you find this to be your experience with any sex toy, take a break from your vibrator for a while. Alternate masturbation sessions with your hand or use a different toy. But only do it if you want to orgasm from different experiences — not just your vibrator. If you’re happy with the toy you use, there’s no medical reason to change. You’re not “broken” if the best and easiest way to get off is with a vibrator.
You’re No Longer Curious About Self-Pleasure
For many people the reason you picked up a vibrator was because you wanted to explore self-pleasure. Finding a vibrator that gets you off might shut down your curiosity. Again, if you’re happy with your orgasms and sexual pleasure, this isn’t something to change. But if figuring out all the ways your body can feel amazing is important to you, then setting aside your vibrator for a bit might be helpful.
Keep your vibrator as your go-to for self-pleasure. No one should have to be without quick, easy, and/or pleasurable orgasms. But every so often explore your body in other ways. Use your hands. Try a new sex toy. Do something different to learn more about yourself and how you respond to stimulation. This keeps your vibrator feeling new and fresh and gives you more than one option for sexual pleasure.
Desensitization
A big concern a lot of new vibrator users have is whether the vibrations will make your body less sensitive to other stimulation — desensitized. There’s no evidence that supports this idea but some individuals report that they feel less sensitive after using their vibrator exclusively. Pay attention to your body and if necessary, give your vibrator (and your vulva) a break.
While a high-powered vibrator might make you feel temporarily less sensitive to other sensations, it’s only a problem if you feel like it is. It could also be that you’re more in tune with exactly what your body needs to get off, too. A soft tongue might have done it before but using a vibrator taught you that you prefer more pressure or intensity. You’re not less sensitive — you’ve learned more about yourself.
Using Your Vibrator for Too Long
It’s important to read the instructions for any vibrator you buy. Some are low powered enough to be used for hours. Others, like the Original Magic Wand, recommend that you use it for no more than 30 minutes at a time. The more powerful your vibrator, the less time it needs to be applied to your body parts.
If you feel pain or unpleasant sensations while using it, try a lower setting or turn your vibrator off completely. Unless you’re getting kinky with your orgasms and vibrator, you shouldn’t feel pain at all. And don’t force yourself to endure unpleasant sensations just because you’re using a vibrator. A sex toy that causes pain is probably the wrong toy for you or you might have an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed.
Conclusion
Ultimately, vibrators are neither good nor bad on their own — they’re a tool to enhance sexual pleasure. Our bodies simply respond in different ways. A lot of the “concerns” people have come from shame, guilt, or a lack of knowledge about how their body works. If your vibrator makes you feel good and gives you the satisfaction you want, enjoy yourself!
Were you concerned about using your vibrator? Did this help at all? Let us know in the comments below!
