sexpert: THE BEGINNERS GUIDE TO USING VIBRATORS

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR SELF-PLEASURE GAME
TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
Look no further than this beginner’s guide to using vibrators! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious newbie, vibrators can be a game-changer when it comes to exploring your body and experiencing mind-blowing pleasure. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide with Christine Rafe, sex and relationship expert from We-Vibe to help you choose the perfect vibrator and learn how to use it like a pro. Let’s get buzzing!

What are the different types of vibrators and what are they used for?

We are so spoiled for choice when it comes to vibrators and pleasure products today! There are a few broad categories of vibrators to choose from, with different variations within each:

* External vibrators; this includes bullet vibrators (small toys ideal for external clitoral stimulation), clitoral air-suction toys (such as the Womanizer Starlet 3 or Womanizer Classic), massage wands and panty-vibes (those that can be discreetly worn inside your underwear like We-Vibe Moxie).

* Internal/penetrative vaginal vibrators; this includes dildo’s and g-spot stimulators (such as the Womanizer OG and We-Vibe Rave).

* Dual-stimulation: Includes your classic rabbit vibrators (we probably all remember the episode with Charlotte from Sex and the City), through to newer innovations such as the Womanizer Duo, that utilises g-spot stimulation and clitoral air-suction technology at the same time).

How do I properly clean and maintain my vibrator?

Most toys (particularly those using quality material such as silicone) are reasonably easy to clean and maintain, particularly if you are using water-based lubricant only. Wash vibrators with warm soapy water or a specific toy cleaner, and air-dry. Read the specific cleaning instructions for each toy to be safe, and be mindful of grooves and ridges in certain vibrators that can require more intensive cleaning to get into every nook and cranny. Most clitoral suction vibrators have the ability to remove the head to wash and dry separately.

How do I control the intensity and speed of the vibrations?

Toys will usually come with an instruction manual to explain the specifics of their product, however as a general rule, most vibrators on the market now have a range of intensity settings and patterns of vibration, and usually start from the lowest intensity, moving through vibration intensity then on to patterns of vibration. Most toys are controlled via buttons on the toy itself, with some having remote controls and/or phone app capabilities to control the products.

Are there any safety precautions I should take when using a vibrator?

Vibrators purchased from reputable brands and businesses are generally safe to use, with a few considerations:

* Always clean toys after use using warm soapy water or toy cleaner, and store toys in a bag or somewhere they won’t get dusty or come into contact with other chemicals.

* Clean your vibrators during use if you are switching from anal to vaginal play, or using the same toy with another person, to avoid the possibility of infection.

* Use water-based lubricant when using vibrators, particularly those that are made from silicone, as using oil or silicone lubricant can degrade the material of the vibrator, which can lead to micro-holes over time which makes it more difficult to properly clean the toy.

* Check to make sure you’re using a water resistant vibrator if you plan on taking it in the shower, and ensure you’re using a waterproof toy if you are wanting to use it in the bath or any body of water. The water resistance of a vibrator should be clearly displayed in the product specifications, and when in doubt, avoid submerging in water.

* If using vibrators for anal play, make sure any toys you are using for penetrative stimulation have a base on them, as the anal canal has a tendency to clench which draws upwards, and toys without a base have a potential for being drawn upward by the anus, making them difficult to remove. Also, the anus is not self-lubricating like the vulva and vagina, so you will need to use lubricant to reduce chances of any tearing, as well as to enhance pleasure.

How long can I use a vibrator for?

You can use vibrators as much and for as long as you like (or as long as the battery lasts)! It’s really important to debunk quite a common myth that using vibrators can permanently desensitise genitals. There is absolutely no evidence of this, and this myth has historically fed into the sex-negative messaging around female pleasure.

Some people have described that using a vibrator for a prolonged period of time in a sexual experience without moving or changing positioning can reduce sensation in that moment. This would be the same if touch or pressure was applied to the genitals without variation for a prolonged period of time, regardless of whether it was vibrating. If this happens to you in any experience, just switch to a different type of stimulation. As with anything, our body becomes desensitised to specific types of stimulation if prolonged in a short timeframe.

Can the vibrator be used with a partner or is it only for solo use?

Any vibrator has the potential to be used either solo or with others, and the type of toy will depend on the ways in which it can be used. All vibrators can be used in activities such as mutual masturbation and/or one-way touch (i.e. your partner using the toys on you, or you using them on your partner). Toys such as clitoral/external vibrators are designed for solo use, but can be an excellent addition to partnered experiences during non-penetrative and penetrative sexual activity. Positions such as doggy-style and spooning offer space for clitorial suction toys and external vibrators to access the clitoris during penetrative sex. There are also toys on the market that are made with couples in mind, such as the We-Vibe Sync, which can be worn during penetrative sex to stimulate both the clitoris and g-spot, as well as provide vibrations for the penetrating partner.

If you’re keen to include vibrators or any pleasure products with a partner, it’s important to speak to them first, so you can ensure that anyone involved is okay with them being used. In this conversation you can discuss what types of toys/specific toy, how each of you may want to use it, any activities or body parts you don’t want it to be used on, and agreement that anyone involved can request to stop using the toy at any time (basically the same boundaries and consent as any physical or sexual experience).

Are there any potential health risks associated with using a vibrator?

Potential health risks are very low and generally would relate to mis-use of the toy, for example:
* Taking a non-waterproof vibrator into a body of water
* Using a non-flared penetrating toy anally, which has the potential of getting stuck in the anal passage and can require medical attention to remove
* Not being appropriately lubricated or aroused could lead to discomfort, pain and possible tearing (particularly relating to anal penetration as the anus is not self-lubricating).

How do I know if the vibrator is right for me?

If you’re new to genital pleasure, it’s probably useful to know that most of those with a vulva/vagina experience maximum pleasure and/or orgasm through external clitoral stimulation, with less than 20% reporting they are able to have an orgasm with penetrative stimulation alone. Historically we may have been led to believe that penetrative sex should be the most enjoyable/pleasurable, however pleasure anatomy (and countless pieces of research) actually tells us otherwise! With this in mind, if you are exploring genital pleasure for the first time, you might want to start with something like the Womanizer Starlet 3 for a clitoral suction toy, or the We-Vibe Touch X, which can be used externally on the genitals, nipples and anywhere else that feels good.

If you have an idea of the types of touch and stimulation you like already and are looking for your first vibrator, go with what you know. For example, if you know that you like external clitoral stimulation, get a clitoral or external vibrator as your first toy, as it’s likely to suit your specific pleasure needs. If you have experienced the greatest pleasure with dual external and internal stimulation, then a vibrator like the Womanizer Duo or We-Vibe Sync could be a good match. As time goes on, you might build up a collection of a few different types of vibrators based on the different types of stimulation you are exploring. While it’s a good idea to start with a toy that matches what you already know about your pleasure, using toys is an awesome way to explore new ways of experiencing pleasure and orgasm.

Are there any tips or tricks for using the vibrator to maximise pleasure?

1. Warm yourself up through non-genital and non-penetrative stimulation first. All of our senses can influence our sexual desire and arousal, so think about things you can see, hear, smell, touch and taste when it comes to warming up for genital touch. As an example, non-genital touch that feels sensual and sexually relevant to us is going to start the process of arousal in our bodies, which makes us more able to experience pleasure and orgasm once we move to genital touch.

2. Don’t rush to penetration without feeling really aroused. Research relating to the physical arousal process for someone with a vulva/vagina shows that it can take up to 16-minutes of ‘sexually relevant stimuli’ for our vagina’s to be ‘ready’ for penetration. The more we allow time for blood to circulate to the genitals, the more receptive the nerve endings will be for experiencing pleasure. Slow down, explore touch over your whole body before moving to the genitals and you will notice it’s more pleasurable.

3. Every body is different in the experience of pleasure, so get to know your body and what you like (see above response). Using a vibrator can be a great way to learn more about your body and what types of stimulation feel good for you, and the more you allow space to explore your body, the more you will maximise pleasure.

4. Practice being present to your senses. The more we can tune into our senses in any given moment, the more present we can be to the experience. Practising sensory awareness can start in the everyday (for example, taking a moment to smell your coffee, feel the hot cup in your hands, hold it in your mouth to really experience the taste), and the skill is invaluable when it comes to solo and partnered sexual touch.

5. Make sure it’s clean and charged for when you need it – This means you can fully relax into the experience for as long as you need!

For more details

& to shop vibrators in this post,
visit We-Vibe