Vibrators have a long and interesting history and have evolved since their invention. With so many options on the market, and so many different ways you can include them in your sex life (either solo or with a partner), we think they warrant a deep dive.
What is a vibrator, and how can you find the right one and use it to create mind-blowing orgasms? Get ready for a toe-curling journey into the wonderful world of one of the best sex toys on the planet.
What Is a Vibrator?
Believe it or not, the first vibrator was invented in the late 1880s by a British doctor named Joseph Mortimer Granville. There’s a common myth that it was created to be used on or cure “hysterical” women, but that’s false — they were actually invented with men’s health in mind.
Modern vibrators are more than just a way to treat spinal disease, pain, and deafness. They’re also for more than just clitoral stimulation. You can use a vibrator on nearly any of your erogenous zones (and you should, because what is life without a bit of experimentation?).
What Are the Benefits of Using a Vibrator?
Vibrators are fantastic because they can be used by anyone, regardless of body parts. Using them can help you learn more about what works for your body. For some people, a vibrator is also the tool they use to reach their first orgasm. Talk about life-changing.
In reality, we tend to focus on just a few specific parts of our anatomy when there is so much more to our sexual organs.
For instance, did you know that the clitoris actually has about 8,000 nerve endings and that the part you can see externally is just the literal tip of the iceberg? Or that the G-spot (now referred to as the CUV — Clitoral Urethral Vagina Complex) isn’t a spot at all? The body is miraculous!
How To Choose a Vibrator
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all vibrator. To choose a vibrator, figure out exactly how you want to use it. If you’re a person with a vulva, do you want a vibrator that you can use internally (like a dildo), or do you want something external-only?
If you’re a person with a penis (or anyone who plans to use their vibrator anally), how big do you want it to be? The answers can help guide you toward which type of vibrator will blow your mind.
What Are the Eight Types of Vibrators?
There are likely more types of vibrators than you think. Each does a slightly different job and focuses on a different area of the body, which means you can find one that can get you off the way you want instead of having to put up with a mediocre experience.
- Penetrative vibrators - These are the vibrators that can be inserted for sexual pleasure. Think of them like a vibrating dildo.
- Clitoral vibrators - Clitoral stimulators are made for direct external stimulation of the clitoris. However, some also are made to be inserted.
- Bullet vibrators - Bullet vibrators are smaller and are made just to be placed over the clitoris. They’re also very sneaky and covert.
- Massage wands - Massage wands, also known as magic wands or wand vibrators, can also double as a way to get those pesky knots out of your back or shoulders.
- Rabbit vibrators - Rabbit vibrators combine the classic penetrative vibrator with one designed for clitoral stimulation. Think of them as the good vibrations.
- Wearable vibrators - Wearable vibrators are hands-free, often made to be worn inside your underwear. Some even come with remotes so you can let your partner get in on all the fun.
- Suction vibrators - Do you want your vibrator to mimic oral sex? Suction vibrators can do just that!
- G-spot vibrators - G-spot vibrators go up inside you and vibrate on the CUV, increasing the likelihood of being able to experience female ejaculation.
How To Use a Vibrator
Alright, you’ve got your new vibrator in hand (and plenty of lube); how the heck do you use it? While the best approach is to play around and see what feels good, we’ve got a few tips for making the most of your new sex toy.
First and foremost, ensure that you have plenty of batteries or that your rechargeable vibe is topped off before you start a sesh. There’s nothing worse than being 90% there and having your vibrator die.
We recommend starting with the lowest setting instead of just jackhammering it. Vibrators on the highest setting can make it hard to get off any other way.
If you want to increase your sensitivity, instead of just turning up the power, try our Awaken Arousal Oil on your vulva and clitoris to increase blood flow, arousal, and sensation.
Check out this article for more tips on using different types of vibrators to get the most intense orgasms possible.
Can I Use a Vibrator with My Partner?
Absolutely, as long as both of you consent to it! Bringing your vibrator into the bedroom can help spice things up, especially in long-term relationships. Make sure to talk about it with your partner ahead of time, though, so you can set boundaries.
But what is a vibrator, if not a way to get closer to your partner?
Safety Tips To Consider
While we’ll learn how to clean and store your vibrator safely, we’ve got a few other safety tips to keep in mind before your eyes start rolling back in your head.
- Always buy your sexual stimulation devices from reputable retailers. Yes, Amazon is quick, cheap, and easy, but making sure that your toy is safe is well worth the extra money.
- Be careful when sharing toys. You can contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) just as easily with sex toys as with other types of contact. If you’re sharing your vibrator with a new partner, use condoms.
- Never, ever go from anal to vaginal without thoroughly cleaning your vibrator. Ever. This is a huge infection risk, and an open invitation for a UTI.
How To Clean and Store My Vibrator
Cleaning and storing your vibrator starts by knowing what material it is. Basically, is your vibe made from something porous (AKA, it has tiny holes — including latex, rubber, or PVC), or is it nonporous (like silicone, stainless steel, or glass)? For the record, nonporous sex toys are far safer, so you should consider upgrading.
Regardless of the material, you should always clean your vibrator after using it — every time. We know it's tempting just to put it aside and take a nap, but take a minute to get up, wash it, and put it away first. Not only will your vibrator last longer, but it’ll also be less of an infection risk.
Wipe down porous materials with a washcloth and warm, soapy water. Nonporous materials hold up more and can be submerged in water to wash them. Let them dry thoroughly before putting them away. The original packaging is excellent, but even a small satin sack or a plastic container works great in a pinch.
Takeaway
What is a vibrator? Only one of the best ways to have regular, toe-curling, mind-blowing orgasms on your own or with a partner. Beginner or not, experiment with different types of vibrators, change up how you use them, and bring them into your long-term relationship (with consent, of course).
Life is too short not to try something new or have the orgasms you deserve!
Sources:
(Almost) Everything You Know About the Invention of the Vibrator Is Wrong | Georgia Tech
Beyond the G-spot: clitourethrovaginal complex anatomy in female orgasm | PubMed
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