Vibrators: What They Are and How to Use Them
Next up, we’ve got a discreet and adorable vibrator at the recommendation of Marla Renee Stewart, a sexologist at Lovers. “No matter where your vibe ends up, it’ll look like a toy—so no need to have to explain to someone what it is,” Stewart explains. Meanwhile, its textured design and 10 vibration patterns deliver ‘I scream, you scream,’ waves of pleasure.
Many sexual health experts suggest people having these issues use a vibrator to help them achieve orgasm more easily. “Sex toys come into direct contact with bodily fluids, bacteria, and potential pathogens, so without proper cleaning, they can harbor bacteria, viruses, and fungi, significantly increasing the risk of infections,” she says. Cleaning your toys after use also helps them work properly and last longer , she adds. There’s more to this beginner-friendly grinder from Cute Little Fuckers than meets the eye. The smiling star design “provides a [wide] variety of sensations and textures, which makes this a great external vibe and grinding toy, no matter the shape of your bits,” Finn previously told SELF. Place Starsi in your palm or face-up on a surface to zhuzh up your solo time.
The classic design combines flexible ears that tickle the clit with a curved vibrating arm that pulses against the G-spot. As a bonus, each arm has its own motor, so you can control them separately. Plus, it has a travel lock, which is “great if you’re a traveler and don’t want to run into any surprises at TSA,” Dr. O’Reilly says.
And keep in mind that vibe use can help those with certain sexual dysfunctions by increasing blood flow and possibly restoring nerve health. Thirdly, consider the design and functionality of the vibrator to prevent accidents during use. Whether for external or internal stimulation, ensure the vibrator remains securely in place and does not risk slipping out of clothing. Avoid heavy insertable vibrators, such as metal bullet vibrators, that may be prone to slipping.
The sex tech industry has conditioned us to think of toys in terms of male and female, penis and vagina, but that’s reductive and inaccurate, contributing to a larger narrative about the relationship between genitals and gender. We opt to be as specific as possible and use anatomical terms to describe individual erogenous zones—and there are way more than just P and V. This step is optional, but lubricant can be helpful to reduce the friction that might cause discomfort. It’s important to note that the kind of lube you use depends on the material of your vibrator. For example, if the vibrator is made of silicone, a water-based lube will help preserve the material and avoid damaging it.
Some people’s G-spots respond better to motion or pressure than to vibration, which is why it’s great that this rabbit vibe taps your spot rather than vibrating it. It feels remarkably like getting fingered by a skilled partner, IMO, which is high praise for a sex toy! It can even feel good to hold the “tapping” portion of the toy against external erogenous zones, like the nipples and clit, when you’re getting warmed up. And this vibe is waterproof vibrators, too, so feel free to enjoy it in the shower or tub.
A whisper-quiet, lay-on vibrator, the rumbly Womanizer Vibe is uniquely curved to cup your entire vulva.. You can use the broad side’s edges or the pointed tip to directly target your clitoris, Shamyra Howard, PhD, CST, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and AASECT-certified sex therapist, tells SELF. “Its noiseless feature makes it quieter than many other vibes, which allows you to stay focused on the many intense sensations,” she says.
Not everyone rated the unique design – a few testers found it awkward to manoeuvre – but you can’t win ‘em all. The instructions could have been clearer, and the unusual design may take some getting used to, but we think it’s worth the effort. Given how simple it was to get started, there was nothing to stop our panel from reaching intense orgasms, with many saying they planned to continue using this product long after testing had finished.
When talking with your partner, you may find it helpful to explain that using a vibrator may help you achieve certain sensations that aren’t possible without it. Sex toy retailers that vet their products for safety and pleasure include Babeland, Good Vibes, Spectrum Boutique, Lovehoney, Lovers, and Organic Loven. All these shops carry products from the luxury sex toy manufacturers included on this list, like Dame, Lelo, Le Wand, Womanizer, and more.