Vibrators desensitivity!
We are SO glad this question came through…all the way from under your covers to over our boardroom table! (Sounds like the start of a fantastic erotic novel actually.)
Dear Mike,
Will using a vibrator reduce my ability to reach orgasm during sex? I masturbate with a vibrator when I’m on my own. I have even used it in front of my boyfriends in the past. But I’m worried that I may not find manual stimulation as exciting if I keep using it. Is there truth to this?
Sincerely,
Buzzed and Bewildered.
Dear Buzzed and Bewildered,
First of all: bravo to you on the courage to share your masturbation techniques with your former boyfriends. That takes great self-confidence, and we recommend more couples do it to increase pleasure and connection.
But, to answer your question:
Research shows that vibrators greatly benefit sexual wellness and enhance sexual pleasure. They also help women to learn about their bodies. So, in essence, their use is associated with positive sexual functioning and increased sexual desire. Some women find it easier to reach orgasm when using vibrators, increasing their orgasmic capacity. (In other words, their ability to orgasm, whether during intercourse, through manual stimulation, or with a vibrator again.)
More orgasms? Yes, please!
In addition, vibrators can be used during sex with a partner, adding an extra layer of pleasure for both of you (as you've probably discovered in the past.)
The breakdown:
In a study examining vibrator use in a nationally representative sample of 2,056 women in the United States, 71.5 percent of women reported never experiencing genital desensitization with vibrator use. In contrast, 16.5 percent noticed a change in genital sensation that was mild and transient. Less than 1 percent reported desensitization that lasted for a day or longer.
The bottom line:
Keep on buzzing, Fam. And remember to recharge! No one likes a dead battery on hump day.
Until next week, we hope that keeps you feeling more than just seen.
Mike and The Feeling Seen Team
Note: This content is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We cannot respond to personal requests for advice over the internet.
