Meet the smart vibrator that wants to help you get better at getting off
Stimulating your clitoris is a gateway to mind-blowing orgasms, but there is no one method that fits all, and that’s crucial to remember before you invest in a vibrator. Necessity being the mother of invention, physicians began experimenting with mechanical substitutes for their hands. They tried a number of genital massage contraptions, among them water-driven gadgets (the forerunners of today's shower massage devices), and pumping, steam-driven dildos. But the machines were cumbersome, messy, often unreliable viberator, and sometimes dangerous. By the early 19th century, physician-assisted paroxysm was firmly entrenched in Europe and the U.S., and proved a financial godsend for many doctors.
Invest in one for its health benefits or just because you want to give your hand a break — it’s your life, so you do you. Vibrators provide intense stimulation, so if you’ve struggled to reach orgasm (and you want to have one), adding a vibrator to your sexual toolkit can help. So, here are 10 of the benefits that I’ve seen sex toy companies advertise — and if vibrators actually can help with them in a meaningful way. There are a variety of G-spot-specific vibrators available with a range of different designs, but all aim to provide a more intense orgasm.
"Nearly all STIs are capable of being transmitted through sex toys, especially toys that are inserted into the body or make mucosal contact," Susan Bard, a New York City-based dermatologist, affirmed. We loved the strong vibrations and easy-to-hold loop handle on the brand’s White Temptation but found the loaf-like shape to be awkward to use, preferring the tapered silhouette of the Purple Pleasure. The Beso Plus was our least favorite of the clitoral suction/G-spot dual-stimulator vibrators we’ve tried. Our tester found the “mouth” of the toy to be uncomfortably firm and irritating. If you wish to use a lubricant with your toy (as experts often recommend), keep in mind that only water-based lube is safe to use with all types of toys. Oil-based lubricants are not just unsafe for use with condoms but can also interact badly with toys made of soft plastic or rubber, causing the devices to disintegrate or to leach chemicals (PDF).
By no means is it limited to ‘gotta get to work, get in, get out, quick orgasm.’ It can certainly be integrated into couple’s play,” as evidenced by some very helpful sexual position suggestions on the Womanizer website. If you have the Duo version , you can have a partner join in on the fun. You’ll have to get into positions where you can pin the toy between your bodies, with the vibrator side of the Pulse II pressed up against her clitoris. Ideal for solo sessions or partnered fun, you can get spicy with the four speeds and two pulsation modes to make for a sensual exploration of your – or your partner’s – erogenous zones. Plus, it won’t exceed a noise level of 40 decibels so no need to worry about anyone listening in.
Most vibrators can be lightly immersed in water, but read the instructions to find out if your silicone toy can be cleaned in the dishwasher. When browsing less expensive sex toys, your best bet is to shop at reputable retailers, says Wright. Alternatively, you can watch for sales—some of which we cover here at SELF.
