What Is a Vibrator? 10 Facts To Know

A vibrator—what is also referred to as a type of sex toy—is a massage tool often used during sexual activity. Vibrators are available in different forms but have the same general function: They promote arousal when placed close to or on the vagina, penis, or anus.

The tool's vibrations or pulses increase blood flow to the pelvic muscles, decrease delays in orgasms, and promote the experience of multiple orgasms. Read on to learn about what a vibrator is, including its benefits and how to use it properly.

1. Linked to Better Sexual Health

People who regularly use vibrators tend to take care of their sexual health more and experience better sexual function. Research has shown that vibrator use can improve sexual desire, erections, and orgasms in people with penises. It can also help improve arousal, lubrication, and orgasm for those with a vagina.

2. Can Be Long-Lasting

Opt for silicone over other materials when choosing a vibrator. Silicone is easy to clean and not permeable, meaning it's not porous. Permeable materials like jelly vibrators can collect dirt and bacteria, which can be transferred to the vagina and create an imbalance or infection. Research has found that some unregulated jelly rubber vibrators contain phthalates. These chemicals may cause cancer.

Choose vibrators carefully if you want longevity. Rubber toys can break down when they come into contact with latex condoms.

3. Can Provide Internal Stimulation

Internal vibrators can be inserted vaginally or anally and often pulsate or vibrate. You'll also find these in various shapes. Examples include cones for the anus or long curved shapes to help hit the vagina's G-spot. Make sure an internal anal vibrator has a flanged base that protrudes so it doesn't accidentally get lost in your rectum. 

Dual-stimulation vibrators also give you the best of both worlds but are usually geared toward people with vaginas. These are often rabbit-shaped or C-shaped. They can simulate the inside of the vagina and the clitoris at the same time.

4. Don't Typically Cause Vaginal Problems

Using a vibrator may make your vagina and vulva feel numb. Vibrator-induced numbness is pretty rare, and it's not permanent. Research has shown about 16.5% of people with a vagina report temporary and mild numbness. There's also no evidence that frequent vibrator damages vaginal nerve endings or causes the fictional "dead vagina syndrome."

You're probably just overstimulated if you do develop any temporary numbness. Try adjusting the settings or changing the angle or position of your vibrator. You can also take a break and let your body reset.

5. Have Different Features

You may be familiar with vibrators that are long and shaped like a penis. You may also find vibrators that are:

• Bullet-shaped and small
• C-shaped or U-shaped with internal and external parts
• Designed to be worn on a finger or the penis with a ring-shaped opening
• Handheld with a flexible, vibrating head
• Pebble-shaped with the ability to fit in your palm

6. May Be Ruined by Some Lubes

Using a personal lubricant with a vibrator can make the experience even more slippery and enjoyable. It also reduces your risk of tearing and irritation.

Make sure you only use water-based lube with silicone sex toys. Silicone- and oil-based lubes can break down the surface of a silicone vibrator. Tears and cracks can develop on the toy's surface and harbor bacteria. Silicone pre-lubricated condoms can also break down silicone vibrators if you're covering toys during partnered sex. Not only can you ruin a vibrator with the wrong lube, but you may also increase your infection risk.

7. Need To Be Cleaned Regularly

Make sure you clean vibrators after each use, no matter the material of them. Cleaning your vibrator can prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you share toys with a partner. 

Use soap and water or antibacterial sprays. Some silicone vibrators can even go in the dishwasher, depending on the model. Always check what the manufacturer suggests. 

8. Promote Orgasms

Research has shown that only 18% of people with vaginas orgasm from penetration alone. About 36.6% need clitoral stimulation to have an orgasm. A vibrator conveniently offers the clitoral stimulation necessary for many to climax.

"[Vibrators] act as power tools for intense orgasms," Jenni Skyler, PhD, LMFT, a certified sex therapist and sexologist, told Health. "Especially for busy, tired, stressed, or lower-libido women, a vibrator kicks arousal into gear way faster than most any other means."

9. Require Communication

Everyone may not be comfortable with using a vibrator. Consent in all aspects of sexual activity is important. You'll want to talk with your partner if either one of you is interested in using one during sex or on your own. It's also best to be honest about what you both generally want or need concerning sex.

If partners agree to vibrator use, it's also essential to communicate about any discomfort. Communicating will let you and your partner know if any changes are necessary. You may need to avoid or limit vibrator use or use a different type of vibrator.

10. Vary in Size, Shape, and Function

Vibrators are available in all shapes and sizes that can vibrate, pulse, and suck. External vibrators range from small bullets to large personal massager wands. Wands can simulate areas like the clitoris, vulva, perineum, penis, or testicles.

Some external vibrators designed for the clitoris also have a suction or licking action that helps mimic oral sex. Penis vibrators may also resemble vibrating rings or a sleeve.

A Quick Review

Vibrators are vibrating or pulsating tools you can use internally or externally to promote arousal. They're available in many forms, shapes, and sizes and may have a few different features.

Vibrators rarely cause genital-related issues when you take care of and use them properly. Talk with a partner if you're interested in using a vibrator. Make sure everyone is aware of each other's wants and needs.