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Vibrator Function
Finding the best vibrator based on vibrator function

By Cory Silverberg, About.com

Updated September 12, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

One consideration in determining the best vibrator for yourself is what you want your vibrator to do. Are you looking for a vibrator:

  • Designed for penetration
  • Designed for external stimulation
  • Good for both penetration and external stimulation
  • That offers simultaneous dual action
  • That offers different kinds of vibration and different patterns of vibration

First consider electric vibrators versus battery powered vibrators.
Most electric vibrators are only for external stimulation, although with some models you can purchase attachments for penetration. While many battery vibrators are also for external stimulation, there are more options if you are looking for something for penetration.

If you are looking for a vibrator for penetration, you may want to choose one made of soft rubber ( jelly rubber, silicone rubber, or elastomer ) as many people find the somewhat softer vibrations more comfortable.

If you’re looking for a vibrator for external stimulation, hard plastic battery vibrators and electric vibrators will offer stronger vibrations and they tend to be easier to clean.

If you’re looking for a vibrator that you can use for both, just make sure that the motor is near the tip of the toy, and that most of the vibration can be felt at the tip. If the motor is near the base, it means you will only get the full vibration when you’re using it for penetration, so vibrators where the motor is at the tip are preferred.

Dual action vibrators are designed to offer simultaneous penetration and clitoral stimulation. They can be a lot of fun, but are arguably less versatile as they only really work when you are using them for both at the same time.

Finally, there are now many electric and battery vibrator models that offer different styles and patterns of vibration, in addition to having multiple speeds. Some will pulsate, some will vibrate in an escalating and deescalating pattern. Most vibrators like these come with five or six patterns. While most people tend to find one pattern that works for them and stick with it, having the option can be good for a first time vibrator purchase, or a nice change of pace for someone who has many vibrators and is looking for something a little different.

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