Vibrator Orgasms

Vibrator Orgasms

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More than half of all women use a vibrator, but like the female orgasm itself, a lot of mystery surrounds these buzzy sex toys. Are vibrators only good for masturbation, or can they also make coupled sex more satisfying? Who invented the Rabbit vibe, and why is it shaped like a cute little animal? And is it true that relying on a vibrator too often can make your vagina permanently numb?

We took these and other pressing questions to the experts and compiled this list of the 11 most important and fascinating vibrator facts every woman needs to know.

Physician George Taylor gets credit for the invention; his original circa-1869 device was designed to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety in women, then known collectively as the medical condition "hysteria," sexologist Carol Queen, PhD, curator of the Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum , tells Health .

“Hysteria was treated by vulval or clitoral massage and later vibration, which would bring women ‘to the point of hysterical paroxysms of relief,'" she says. By the turn of the century, vibrators were made available to consumers. In the early 1900s, you could even find them in the Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog.

In 1968, the Hitachi Magic Wand, marketed as a "personal massager," hit store shelves. That same year, New York-based artist Betty Dobson used the wand in a sexually explicit exhibition. In 1975, she brought the device to workshops where she taught women how to masturbate. The Hitachi folks wasn’t thrilled about that, so now it’s sold without any company branding.

The sex toy Sex and the City made famous was invented by Vibratex in 1984. The Japan-based company opted for the rabbit shape to get around a rule prohibiting manufacturers from making vibrators. It was first sold stateside in 1993 at Babeland in Seattle.

More than half of the female population uses a vibrator—but why? “They’re reliable and they never tire, as long as you have a charging cord or fresh batteries,” sexologist Megan Stubbs tells Health . The other thing is, only 18% of women orgasm from penetration alone, research shows. A vibrator offers the clitoral stimulation that's necessary for most women to climax.

Vibrators "act as power tools for intense orgasms," Jenni Skyler, PhD, certified sex therapist, sexologist, and licensed marriage and family therapist for sex toy site AdamEve.com , tells Health . "Especially for busy, tired, stressed, or lower-libido women, a vibrator kicks arousal into gear way faster than most any other means.”

It’s not just single ladies treating themselves to battery-powered Os. A survey by Adam & Eve found that 50% of married women use vibrators. Meanwhile, just 29% of single women do , according to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine .

Those numbers may sound surprising, but remember: “The ranks of unmarried women include those who haven't had sex at all,” says Queen. So vibrators may not even be on the radar of less experienced women. Otherwise, “married women may use a vibrator to shrink the ‘orgasm gap’: the fact that during partner sex, men tend to climax more often than women do,” says Queen.

According to that same Journal of Sexual Medicine study: 80% of women and 91% of men who had used a vibrator at some point copped to enjoying it with a partner. “Vibrators are a fun addition to erotic play,” says Queen. “They can be a creative ‘let's switch it up’ rut-buster, or they can help women come when partner sex doesn't.” And FYI, vibration feels good to men, too.

Vibrator-induced numbness, however, is pretty rare—and it's not permanent . Just 11% of women reported experiencing “occasional numbness” from vibrator use , according to the Journal of Sexual Medicine data, but only 3% felt it frequently.

If you experience it, try adjusting the settings or changing the angle or position of your vibrator and see if that gets rid of the pins and needles. Or just take a break and let your body reset, Sherry Ross, ob-gyn and author of She-Ology , previous told Health .

There's really no danger in "overusing" a vibrator, and in fact women who regularly enjoy time with a buzzy device are way more likely to have had an ob-gyn checkup during the past year and to have self-examined their lady parts during the previous month, the study data found. Regular gynecological exams and self-checks are important aspects of maintaining optimum sexual health.

Let's say you're shopping for a new vibrator in a store and you come across one you think you like. How are you going to know if it offers the right kind of stimulation for your pleasure? Here's a workaround that won't get you arrested. “The best way to test a vibrator in public is to touch it to the tip of your nose,” suggests Stubbs. “The high concentration of nerve endings will give you a good idea of how it will feel on your sensitive areas.”

When you’re shopping for a vibe, opt for silicone over any other material. “It’s easy to clean and not a permeable material,” advises Queen. Permeable or porous materials (like jelly vibes) can collect dirt and bacteria, “which can then be transferred to the vagina and create an imbalance or even an infection,” warns Skyler.

Whatever material yours is made from, make sure you clean it regularly to cut down on the potential for infection. After each use, “use soap and water or anti-bacterial sprays,” recommends Skyler. And here's something amazing: a silicone vibrator can even go in the dishwasher.

Is your vibe broken or past its prime? No matter what it’s made of, just trash it. While most vibrator materials are recyclable, says Queen, “most municipalities in North America will not recycle vibrators because they are considered a biohazard,” explains Skyler. “And for most sex stores, it tends to cost more to recycle old toys than just dump it and make a new one.” Kudos for wanting to be sustainable, but you’re better off channeling those eco-friendly aspirations into another area of your life.

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You heard it here first, folks: Doctors say that masturbating is pretty much essential to your mental and physical health—I'm talking pain relief and better sleep here . With a vibrator, you're signing up for all those good-for-you benefits along with the potential for toe-curling orgasms on demand. I mean, what more could you want?
"Vibrators can help your body learn to respond to a variety of sensations," says certified sex therapist Kat Van Kirk. And the perks don't stop there.
"One of the top benefits of using a vibrator is that you get to know your own pleasure zones," says Taylor Sparks, erotic educator and founder of OrganicLoven.com . "If you don't know what pleases you, it will be a challenge to explain it to your lovers."
According to certified sexologist Alexandra Fine , it's important to first start getting in touch with your body to understand where you like to be stimulated, and how. "Consider what type of experience you want this tool to help you unlock," she says . For example, if clitoral stimulation is your focus, get a vibe that mimics the feeling of oral sex. Or if penetration's more your thing, you'll want a bigger vibrator with internal stimulation features.
And hey, there are many that do both at the same time—there's no need to settle when it comes to taking your pleasure in your own hands (literally). Ahead, sex experts share their picks for the 35 best vibrators and sex toys for women in 2022, whatever your ~vibe~ (lol, get it?) is.
Explore what feels good with this palm-sized rose vibe that's all about external pleasure. The flexible build allows you to concentrate the vibrations on your clitoris. Not your thing? Hold the vibe to your nipples to mix things ups. This pick's rechargeable and tiny enough to bring with you anytime to any place.
This vibe makes for a hands-free experience. The larger, egg-shaped arm goes inside your vagina while the longer arm remains outside the body to rest on your clitoris . All customization happens on your phone. Sync the Lush 3 to your Bluetooth and select from three speeds and four vibration patterns that are sure to get your rocks off.
Want a partner to join in? Hand them the phone to take control of your pleasure from wherever they are.
For a bit of variety, opt for this pick which features a vibrating and non-vibrating side made of body-safe silicone that's easily cleaned and non-porous. Designed by an actual sexologist, switch between ends depending on your mood. Or bring this out when you're with a partner who also enjoys penetration. Put the vibrating side in you and the other end in them.
This multipurpose vibrator's packing not one, but two motors to power it. The curved shaft goes in deep to hit your G-Spot , while the rabbit ear stimulates your clitoris at the same time. This pick promises to be " whisper quiet ," but no promises you'll be once you start using it.
Ever heard of a blended orgasm ? Allow the Womanizer Duo to introduce you. The curved arm takes care of your G-spot while the other end pumps air onto your clitoris to mimic the feel of someone going down on you. Switch between 12 settings that are sure to get you off in more ways than one.
6. Best Pelvic Floor Trainer: Perifit
This wand doubles as a vibrator and pelvic floor strengthener. It has app-controlled exercises to improve pelvic floor blood flow and ease tension from tender points...while also delivering some amazing vibes.
This ring-shaped vibrator is super small, but delivers big on its licking (and sucking) capabilities. You're going to see a whole lot of LELO's award-winning products on this list, and with good reason—their products are super luxe, effective, and high-quality. Your bod deserves the best!
Not only does this vibe come in a versatile shape—perfect for testing out in every nook and cranny—but it also has eight powerful vibration settings, is waterproof, USB rechargeable, and made of ABS plastic, says Janet Brito, AASECT -Certified Sex Therapist.
Wearable (a.k.a. panty) vibrators are awesome, and this one is no exception: It's mini, contoured, super soft, and quiet. Just slip it into your underwear before dinner, and hand off control to a partner via the remote or mobile app.
"This toy is one of my personal favorites when it comes to multiple orgasms and a pleasure-filled sexual experience," Joanne Encarcion , sex and relationship coach says. "It's great for those who are wanting to play with G-spot stimulation and a little perineum (the area between the genitals and anus) play." (Pssst...it's also waterproof.)
The best part about jewelry that doubles as a sex toy? "They’re great for an impromptu rendezvous," says Fine. But even though Vesper's surface is smooth, you might want to make it feel even sleeker by pairing it with water-based lube for optimal stimulation.
Brito loves this travel-sized lipstick vibe for stashing in a suitcase or even a carry-on bag. Powered by eight, rumbling pulses and vibration options, solo travel has never been so sexy.
This wand is super special because the shaft bends however you please. You might curve it into a V-shape and use it for both penetrative stimulation and clitoral stimulation at once. Looking to try anal but getting some first-time nerves? This beginner's anal vibrator is tapered and gentle enough that you can insert without it feeling too intense (but make sure you use it with water-based lube!).
Let's be real–you deserve some luxury during "me" time. The Soraya Wave is the extravagant cousin to the traditional rabbit vibrator, according to Encarcion. "What I love about this toy is its ergonomics. It's skillfully designed to hit just the right angle for every body type," Encarcion says. If you need even more reason to invest in this vibe, you should know it's whisper-quiet and features a flexible body that feels like it was made just for you.
The Womanizer Starlet is Engle's favorite toy for beginners (and more than a few Women's Health editors) . "You turn it on, put the nozzle over the glans, and bam, you're having an orgasm in just a few minutes," she says. For those of you who've never had an orgasm before, Engle says using the Womanizer is "a fabulous way to find out what they feel like without any guesswork."
This super-smooth metal vibrator is made of stainless steel. Not only does it look super sleek, it offers five different power levels and four modes, making it incredibly versatile.
Just here to put yet another bullet vibrator on your radar. The VeDo Bam Bullet has 10 different vibration patterns and is made of soft silicone. While it might be little, this one packs quite the punch. Like Sparks, Engle says bullet vibrators are "the best place to start," since they focus on the glans (a.k.a. your clit's head), which is "where the vast majority of women discover their potential for orgasm and pleasure." Sold.
18. Best Nubbed Vibrator: Nubby Finger Vibrator
As far as vibrators go, the Nubby is pretty affordable. But don’t mistake the low price point for lack of quality. The toy’s finger ring provides targeted control, while the clitoral stimulator and its pleasure nubs go to work on your clitoris.
Looking for a toy that you can use with your S.O., too? The We-Vibe Unite is perfect for slipping in between you and bae. It stays put while it pulses, allowing you the freedom to caress yourself elsewhere or keep grinding along with its vibrations.
Le Wand is a freakin' classic, which is why so many sexperts recommend it. Okay, it's not the most discreet-looking toy—who cares? In fact, it's on the bigger side for a reason. This vibe is meant to be used all around your clitoris for earth-shattering orgasms, or you can angle part of its head to reach inside you for some internal-type pleasure. It's got 20 vibration patterns, 10 different speeds (um, r u serious?!), and it's USB rechargeable.
21. Best Penis-Shaped Vibrator: King Cock 9"
Want internal pleasure? Want to reach what your fingers can't? If so, the King Cock vibrator might be your perfect match. Shaped like a nine inch-long penis and with a special ringed handle for optimal movement, this vibe is meant for insertion and can reach all the way up to your G-spot. It's 100-percent waterproof (perf for taking into baths and showers).
Remember that vibrator that literally kept Charlotte in bed for days in Sex And The City ? Well, that's this guy. Let me introduce you to the Thrusting Jackrabbit, a tool that stimulates both your G-Spot and clitoris *at the same time* while thrusting in and out of your vagina . It's got little orbs that whirl around while it pulses for increased stimulation, too. Engle says that "vibrators are a tool for female sexual liberation," and honestly, the rabbit will make you feel liberated as hell.
The Lelo Sona Cruise is here to stimulate all your clitoral needs. It mimics the sensation of oral sex, (um, yes plz!), and the harder you push it against your skin, the more it increases the vibration intensity (v special feature, you guys!). It uses sonic waves to deliver vibes to your clit without actually touching it, which is huge for those of you who can't handle a lot of direct clitoral stimulation.
This tiny vibe fits right in the palm of your hand and bends at your will. It has a super-powerful motor and comes in two colors (cute!). Fine recommends humping the toy between your legs or sliding it in your panties. "It's my personal fave," she adds.
This water-resistant finger vibe is pretty much perf for both solo masturbation and partnered sex. The band wraps around your fingers , making it easy to lose yourself in the sensation without losing grip on the toy. "The Fin is a great choose-your-own-adventure toy, since it can easily be integrated into whatever you’re already doing with your hands," says Fine.
Learn about the fascinating history of the sex toy:
This set of two clamps has powerful vibrating motors in each flexible ear. It's perfect for pinching around your clitoral hood or nipples in a way that gives you stimulation without touching the pleasure center directly. Fine makes sure to note that this one isn't to be inserted inside the vagina, though.
Enby is considered the first gender-neutral vibrator because of its innovative multi-body design. Rub the flexible silicone tip around your clitoris or flip the toy around so that the triangular base sits at your perineum. Or, place yourself on top and use a humping rhythm to experience a wave of stimulation with each stroke.
28. Best Rabbit Vibrator: Rabbit Bullet
The Je Joue Rabbit Bullet Vibe combines the size and power of a bullet with the huggable "ears" of a rabbit vibrator. You can use it to envelope the hood of your clit or massage your vulva with the bullet's base. Because the Rabbit Bullet is so dynamic, it's sure to bring you all the orgasmic exploration you need. Bonus: "They tend to be quieter than larger vibrators," says sex expert Jess O’Reilly, author of The New Sex Bible and host of the @SexWithDrJess podcast. So if you've got roommates, this one's for you.
This isn't the most powerful item on this list but it's an amazing foreplay toy. Trust, this pretty li'l bullet vibe will not disappoint (perhaps under the table at dinner?). Better yet, leave it on your dresser and your roommate will be none the wiser. So smart!
If you're interested in some vaginal self-massage, Brito recommends this glass wand made for internal stimulation. The raised spiral increases inner traction and the bulbous tip is designed to hit your G-spot.
The Engima is built to mimic the best kinds of human touch. It offers G-spot and clitoral stimulation all in one and bound to leave you in blended orgasm bliss. "The clitoral mouth mimics the sensation of stroking and sucking and the G-spot massager gives you stimulation to both pleasure points," Encarcion says.
This wand boasts its ability to combine luxury with affordabilit
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