Listen carefully. That faint buzzing you hear just might be the woman\u2014or couple\u2014next door enjoying one or more vibrators. Today, more than half of adult American women own at least one. Only a fraction of couples include them in partner lovemaking, but that fraction is growing. <\/p>\n
Vibrators do more than help women have orgasms. A recent study shows that it also improves users\u2019 sexual and mental health. Los Angeles researchers recruited 53 cisgender women aged 19 to 80, with an average age of 55, who consulted at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The researchers used standard questionnaires to assess the women\u2019s sexual health and function. Then the researchers gave participants small \u201cbullet\u201d multi-speed vibrators and instructed them to apply them to their vulvas for five to 10 minutes, two to three times a week for three months, at which point the researchers re-assessed them.<\/p>\n
Their sexual function, that is, their responsiveness to genital play, improved (p = 0.002). Their sexual pain scores decreased (p = 0.0008). In older women, vaginal atrophy, painful thinning of the vaginal lining, also decreased (p = 0.018). And those who were depressed<\/a> at the start of the study experienced relief (p = 0.011). The researchers concluded: \u201cVibrator use was associated with improved sexual, genitourinary, and mental health.\u201d<\/p>\n Increasingly Popular Among Women<\/p>\n Indiana University researchers surveyed a representative sample of 3,800 adult American women. More than half (53 percent) owned at least one vibrator (lifetime use). Three-quarters agreed that vibrators:<\/p>\n Are a healthy part of women\u2019s sexuality<\/a>. Increasingly Popular in Partner Lovemaking with Men<\/p>\n In another study, Indiana University investigators interviewed 1,047 adult men. Forty-five percent said they\u2019d been involved in partner vibrator play at least once; 10 percent frequently. Men who included vibrators regularly in partner lovemaking reported more desire, firmer erections, better orgasms, happier lovers, and greater satisfaction. <\/p>\n In the Indiana poll, the majority of men agreed that vibrators:<\/p>\n Are a healthy part of women\u2019s sexuality. The Myths Are Fading Fast<\/p>\n Unfortunately, some people of all genders continue to struggle with lingering myths about vibrators: <\/p>\n
\nAdd excitement and enhance partner sex.
\nFacilitate orgasms.
\nTwo-thirds agreed that vibes reduce pressure on partners to bring users to orgasm<\/a>. <\/p>\n
\nEnhance partner sex.
\nFacilitate women\u2019s orgasms. <\/p>\n