Vibrator Use in Women: How Common It Is and What Studies Show

Vibrators are often sold as novelties, but clinicians also suggest them for some sexual problems. Here’s what the research has measured.

How common they are

A survey of 2,056 US women aged 18 to 60, chosen to represent the country, found:¹

• 52.5% had used a vibrator.¹
• Users were more likely to have had a gynecological exam in the past year and to check their own genitals.¹
• Recent users scored higher on desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and overall sexual function, and lower on pain.¹
• 71.5% had never had genital symptoms linked to using one.¹

The survey was a snapshot from 2009. It can’t show that vibrators improve sexual function; women with better function may simply be more likely to use them.

Use in treatment

A 2018 review led by Mayo Clinic researchers found evidence for vibration in treating difficulty reaching orgasm, with some benefit for arousal difficulties and pelvic floor problems.² The authors said definitive evidence is still lacking.²

One small trial tested vibration in 31 women with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury who had trouble reaching orgasm.³

• Vibration improved orgasm scores over 12 weeks.³
• The benefit was seen only while women were using it.³
• A clitoral suction device improved more areas of sexual function in the same trial.³

Practical points

1. Lubricant helps, especially after menopause; check it suits the toy’s material. See choosing a lubricant.
2. Start gentle. Most women in the survey had no side effects, but irritation is possible.¹
3. Clean it as the maker directs, and don’t share without a condom.
4. Bring it up. A clinician can suggest one as part of treatment for arousal or orgasm difficulties.²

For context, see can’t orgasm from intercourse alone and responsive desire.

Try: “Since menopause it takes much longer to reach orgasm, and sometimes it doesn’t happen. Would a vibrator or anything else help, and should anything be checked?”

Down There, Decoded covers this in Chapter 9, “Where Did My Desire Go?,” in a section called “Who Gets There.” Its See script gives you words for raising orgasm difficulties with a clinician, since the talking therapies it reviews have good evidence for them. See the book.