From Cory Silverberg,
Your Guide to Sexuality.
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By moving faster and longer than any part of the human body can, vibrators work by simply adding extra stimulation to sex play. Vibrators can be used in several ways: externally, internally for penetration, or sometimes both at the same time. While most people think of only women using vibrators they can be used by men and women, alone and in couples. For many women, a vibrator can be the first and easiest way to achieve an orgasm, and for this reason vibrators are often recommended by therapists and educators for women who have never experienced orgasm. Below you’ll find links to common questions about vibrators, tips on how to choose a vibrator, reviews of vibrators, and vibrator safety tips.

Before you begin, test your baseline knowledge, and impress your friends by scoring high on our vibrator quiz.

Who Uses Vibrators: Statistics on Vibrator Use

People of every age, socio-economic class, race, gender, sexual identity, and political and religious affiliation use vibrators. That said, not everyone uses them, and they aren’t “required” for a great sex life. The point is that everyone has (or should have, depending on the state you live in) the right to sexual choice and experimentation, which for many people includes using a vibrator.
Get statistics on vibrator use.

Why Use Vibrators: Reasons to Use a Vibrator

There are as many reasons to use a vibrator as there are reasons to feel good. Some common reasons include:

• Curiosity
• Self-discovery
• Spicing up a long-term sexual relationship
• Help experiencing orgasms
• Extra stimulation
• Just for fun

More reasons to use vibrators.

How to Use Vibrators

Vibrators, and sex toys in general, may be the last consumer product group to come with absolutely no instructions or manuals from the manufacturers. At first blush you may think your vibrator doesn’t need a manual, but there are hundreds of different things to do with a vibrator, and if you’ve never used one a few pointers may be appreciated.

• How to use a vibrator (for women)
• How to use a vibrator (for men)

Different Types of Vibrators

Shopping for your first vibrator can be a daunting experience. There are dozens of different styles and thousands of different products, and few stores offer guidance on where to start. Differences in vibrator material, price and quality, and function account for most of the variation. Considering the big picture, there are really two main types of vibrators.

Electric Vibrators. These often high-quality types of vibrators need to be plugged into an electrical outlet and are primarily made for external stimulation. They are stronger and usually more expensive than their battery powered counterparts.

Battery -Powered Vibrators.These vibrators are less expensive, available in a much wider range of shapes, sizes, colors and styles. As boutique manufacturers grow, and make more luxury or high-end sex vibrators battery-powered vibrators are getting to be better quality, but they are often not as good as their name brand electric cousins.

Learn more about the difference between electric vs. battery-powered vibrators.

Finding the Best Vibrator

Finding the vibrator that’s right for you depends on answering some basic questions, including:

• What do you want to use the vibrator for?
• What’s the best material for your vibrator to be made from?
• What is your budget?
• What do you want your vibrator to look like?
• Is quality more important than cost?

How to find the best vibrator.
A visual guide to choosing vibrators.

Where to Buy a Vibrator

Adult sex toy stores and video stores are obvious places to find vibrators. Some department stores carry electric vibrators as well, but they’ll be called “personal massagers.” There are thousands of websites large and small where you can buy vibrators.

• Where can I buy a vibrator?
• Finding a good sex shop near you.
• Sex shop hall of fame.

Taking Care of Your Vibrator

Vibrators have an idiosyncratic lifespan. Many of the motors in inexpensive vibrators are built to last for 10 hours of use (which probably translates into 20 uses). Other vibrators can last for years and years. There are a few things you can do to help prolong the life of your vibrator.

• Extending the Life of Your Vibrator
• Simple Ways to Fix Your Battery-Powered Vibrator

Vibrator Safety

There are a lot of myths about vibrators that can lead you to think that vibrators are dangerous to use. As long as you’re shopping smart, and use your vibrator properly, they are a completely safe way to explore sexual pleasure. Here are some answers to common questions about vibrator safety.

• Can I Become Addicted to My Vibrator?
• Can Vibrators Damage Sensitivity?
• Should I Be Worried About My Vibrator Causing a Rash?
• Is My Vibrator Safe for Anal Play?

Vibrator Product Reviews

These vibrator reviews cover the pros and cons of new and classic electric and battery-powered vibrators. Remember that the best vibrator is the one that works the way you want it to, and isn’t incredibly over priced.