There are many sexual accessories that a woman can purchase to help stimulate both her erogenous zones and genitals. Some enhance pleasure while others are part of a complicated sexual medicine treatment plan. Women do enjoy vibratory sensation on their breasts, vulva, and clitoral tissues, peri-anal area as well as within the vaginal vault.
Vibrators come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. The intensity of stimulation varies between vibrators and most have variable speeds and settings. These sexual devices can be helpful for women who may need extra stimulation both the sensitive erotic areas of the vagina, vulva and clitoris. Vibrators come in a variety of different sizes, shapes and materials and can even be remote-control, clitoral, G-spot or waterproof. They can be battery-powered or use an electrical outlet. For some women a vibrator might make the difference between adequate stimulation and the ability to achieve an orgasm or not. For the estimated 60 percent of women that do not reach orgasm through intercourse alone, vibrators can be a useful adjuvant to the stimulation they do receive from their partner.
The EROS-Clitoral Therapy Device™ is the first FDA approved device for the treatment of women with sexual dysfunction. The clitoral vacuum device works by increasing blood flow to the clitoris and external genitalia. It is a small, handheld suction device, connected by tubing to a small, soft plastic cup that is placed over the clitoris. When a gentle vacuum is created, blood flow to the genitalia causes genital engorgement, increased vaginal lubrication, and enhanced ability to achieve orgasm. The EROS device may be used prior to having intercourse. Alternatively, the device may be used without intercourse, 3–4 times per week, to “rehabilitate” sexual responses.
Specific types of vibrators often recommended by sexual medicine health care professionals include: the Vielle ®-a battery-operated external clitoral stimulation device that is worn on the fingertip; the Rabbit®- a dual clitoral /vaginal stimulation device; the Pocket Rocket®- a small portable, water proof device that can be used while bathing; and the Magic Wand by Hitachi- an electric vibrator which delivers high intensity vibration, particularly useful for women with poor or altered genital sensation.
If a woman is concerned that vaginal penetration will be uncomfortable, especially if her partner tends to get too enthusiastic, she may consider the use of a sexual aid, such as a vibrator, to prepare herself. Vaginal vibrators are made in the shape of a phallus, with or without a clitoral stimulator attached to the shaft. Bumps or ribs to help stimulate the vaginal erogenous zones more intensively cover some devices. Some are equipped with a separate control, with or without a wire. The devices usually have variable speeds, and may have vibrating motors that can be activated and controlled independently. A waterproof function allows use of a vibrator in or out of water. Multi-speed devices can be adjusted from slow to high for the intensity a woman wishes. Different women have different needs and respond individually to the sexual stimulation. However, for some women, vaginal penetration may simply be too painful.
Vibrators can be helpful in reducing pelvic floor muscle tension. If a woman has discomfort with a finger or tampon inside the vagina, this is more likely a consequence of pelvic floor muscle tension. Under such circumstances, physical therapy and muscle relaxation are the primary treatments. Vaginal penetration should never be forced. A vibrator may be used externally and/or internally to massage and relax the pelvic floor muscles. If possible, placement of a vaginal vibrator internally may enable one to specifically relax tender pelvic floor muscles. If embarrassment is an issue, a woman can substitute a vaginal vibrator with a vibrator designed for other areas, such as her lower back, neck or feet. Such a vibrator can be placed directly on a woman’s perineum or lower abdomen to help relax the pelvic floor muscles. If a woman has never used a vibrator before, the pelvic floor muscles commonly involved in painful penetration are located at the floor of the vagina and just to the side of the rectum. To massage those muscles, as the vibrator is entering, gently push the vibrator down towards the rectum and from side to side. When selecting the correct vibrator, size is important. A simple rule, especially if there is pain or discomfort, is that if the vibrator requires a double A battery, it may be the correct small size. If the vibrator requires a larger C or D battery, the vibrator may too wide.
Vibrators can be an enhancement to lovemaking and a source of personal pleasure. They are devices intended to vibrate against the body, including inside the vagina, thus stimulating the sensory nerves and enabling a pleasurable and possibly erotic feeling. Vibrators often allow women to achieve orgasm. A vibrator may stimulate vaginal sensory erogenous zones as well as the clitoris simultaneously, allowing a woman to experience pleasurable sensations. Vibrators may provide more intense orgasms than those produced by hand stimulation alone. These devices are often recommended by sex therapists for women who have difficulty reaching orgasm by other means.
Vibrators can be used alone as part of self-erotic exploration and stimulation or as part of your sexual repertoire with a partner or lover. Couples often use them to enhance the pleasure of one or both partners.Generally, sexual massagers can be used both internally and externally to enhance stimulation, arousal, and pleasure. Females can stimulate the labia, vaginal, clitoral and anal areas; males can stimulate scrotal, penile and anal areas. If sexual toys are shared it is important to cleanse them in between person use and to never move from the peri-anal region to the vaginal region before washing the toy first.
Lack of moisture may cause irritation and painful sensations when using a vibrator, therefore lubrication may be required. Many vibrators come with suitable lubricant because some substances can damage the texture of the vibrators. Vibrators can be pliable to create the feel of the real body and can be made out of silicone, jelly, rubber, vinyl or latex materials. Silicone retains body heat, has no odor, and warms up quickly. Silicone vibrators are easier to clean and care for since this material is not porous and bacteria do not remain on the surface. Silicone vibrators can be boiled up to 3 minutes or run through the dishwasher. In contrast, jelly material is porous and carries the scent of rubber. In order to mask this smell, some manufacturers aromatize the products with more pleasurable scents. Jelly materials cannot be sterilized in boiled water. For some polymer vibrators, it is preferable to replace them, as they are impossible to keep clean. Oil products, such as oil-based lubricants, massage oils, butter, and olive oil, can injure latex. Rubber vibrators are porous and often need more care to clean. They should always be used with condoms and cleaned with mild soap and water. Vinyl vibrators are light in weight, easy to clean, and come in many different forms and colors. Vinyl products are non-porous, and can be washed with mild soap and hot water.
Vibrators and other sexual accessories can often be bought in stores that sell small appliances but are often labeled as massagers. Other vibrators are available at sexual medicine centers and over the internet. Women should take the time to browse, read reviews and check pricing and manufacturing ingredients. Vibrators containing phalates and latex should be avoided to decrease allergen exposure. Some popular web sites for vibrator purchase include: www.drugstore.com; www.goodvibes.com; www.xandriacollections.com and www.evesgarden.com .