This is an update of an article published in February 2017
Considering to buy your first vibrator? This isn’t exactly something we are overwhelmed with information on. And yet, it is very common for women to own a vibrator. And because we know the topic probably wasn’t covered in your sex ed classes back in high school, we have prepared this beginner’s guide!
"In research published in the January 2023 Sexual Medicine Reviews, Dr. Eilber and her coauthors concluded that vibrators not only enhance women’s sexual pleasure but can improve pelvic floor muscle function and treat vulvar pain" (Migala, 2023).
Vibrators are good for our health.
Vibrators promote good overall health and wellness. The use of vibrators can release cramps, boost circulation by getting the blood pumping, lower stress and help keep blood pressure down and can relieve headaches. Using one helps boosting self-confidence. And using a vibrator helps us get to know our bodies better and being comfortable exploring our bodies. Women who use vibrators are more likely and comfortable visiting their doctor for regular gynaecological checkups!
Head to your favourite store to buy your first vibrator.
Gone are the days of navigating seedy, male-dominated adult sites and having to face the intimidation of adult stores with their garish lighting and sometimes confronting products. There are a host of beautifully designed websites that make the shopping of vibrators easy, enjoyable and exciting from the comfort of your own home. Not only that, but vibrators have entered mainstream stores and you can now buy your first vibrator from your local pharmacy or supermarket.
Get a body safe vibrator.
The majority of vibrators and sex toys are made from stainless steel, silicone and glass, and these are considered harmless. Some vibrators are made from rubber jelly or PVC vinyls and contain the toxin phthalates (pronounced thal-ates). Phthalates are added to hard plastics to soften them, but deteriorate over time and can cause health issues when absorbed into the bloodstream. Always make sure to check the packaging on any vibrator before purchase to make sure it is phthalate free.
Silent vibrator not to kill your buzz.
If you live in a place where walls are thin, you might want to go for a quiet vibrator… With high-end products, the noise level will not correlate with the intensity or power of the vibrator. So you can experience intense sensations, in the greatest privacy.
How to clean a vibrator.
Care and maintenance for your vibrator is also important; here are a few tips for keeping your vibrator clean and to ensure its longevity so it can keep giving you pleasure:
– For vibrators made from stainless steel, silicone and glass, warm water and soap are sufficient to keep it clean. Remember to use fragrance free soap to avoid irritants and to remove the batteries from electrical vibrators before getting them wet;
– For leather and hard plastics disinfect with rubbing alcohol;
– For rubber jelly toys or those made with PVC vinyls it is safer to use a condom with these to prevent any toxin in the materials from entering your body.
When storing your vibrator, remove the batteries. This prolongs the life of the batteries and makes it easier to clean your vibrator. Remember to properly dry your sex toy as you don’t want any nasty mildew to accumulate! Store your vibrator in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.