
If you are a little unsure as to whats right for you - which vibe to get, what each one does, are they safe, waterproof, or just about any question you have is answered here so you will come out the other side of this page a total sexpert in your knowledge of all things that wiggle ! - Simply Click any of the following to have your question answered !!
Basic Information
How do vibrators work?
The movement of a vibrator is created by an electrical mechanism inside it. The motors in battery-powered vibrators are small and have an off-center weight that spins around, making them shake. Larger, plug-in vibrators have bigger, more powerful motors, and some models use spinning electromagnetic coils to create movement. -Top-
Do all vibrators feel the same?
No, vibrators vary greatly in speed and intensity of vibration, from a gentle hum to a merciless throb. Some have multiple speeds and settings, and the material that they are made out of will also affect the sensation produced. Battery-powered vibrators are generally less powerful, while plug-in electrical models have stronger motors.-Top-
Is a vibrator the same as a massager?
The term massager suggests nonsexual use to alleviate muscle pain and tension, while the word vibrator carries more sexual overtones. A massager may be used as a vibrator depending on the design.-Top-
Can I use a massager for masturbation?
Yes, as long as its design is adaptable to use on the genital area.-Top-
Where can I buy vibrators online?
Hopefully from www.vibration-station.co.uk !! - failing that you can try our friends at www.sextoys.co.uk or try our links page ! -Top-
Using Vibrators
How do I give myself an orgasm?
Relax, start slow, and get to know your vibrator and your body. Touch the vibrator to different parts of your genitals. Discover what feels good, then keep doing it. Let your arousal build and let nature take its course. -Top-
How do I use it on my partner?
Vibrators can be a great addition to a couple's sex life. Ideally, you and your partner should select the vibrator together. The more you communicate with each other about any aspect of your lovemaking, the better. Springing a vibrator on a partner without talking about it first can backfire. Plus, you need to get a vibrator that provides the type of stimulation your partner likes.
Once you have the vibrator selected, you and your partner can try incorporating it into your foreplay or lovemaking. Be sure the vibrator is available and ready to go before you begin your session. Having to fumble with packaging or getting the batteries loaded can spoil the mood. Have it at hand on the bed or within easy reach so you can grab it when the moment is right.
When you get to the point in foreplay when you and your partner are petting or stimulating each other's genitals, grab the vibrator. As you're using your hands or mouth to stimulate your partner, transition from manual or oral stimulation to using the vibrator on your partner. Pay attention to their responses and what they enjoy. If it's more comfortable for your partner, you can give them the vibrator or the controls and let them pleasure themselves while you fondle them in other ways. -Top-
Can I insert a vibrator into my vagina?
Most dildo type (penis shaped) vibrators can be safely inserted in the vagina. Use lubrication (KY Jelly, Astroglide, etc.), start slow, and don't force it. Stop if you experience pain. -Top-
Can I insert one in my ass?
Most dildo type (penis shaped) vibrators can be inserted in the ass, but you shouldn't insert anything in your ass that doesn't have a flange or wide base at the bottom that will keep it from going all the way inside you. If you want to combine anal stimulation and vibration, use a vibrating probe especially designed for anal use, or a vibrating butt plug. -Top-
How do I stimulate my G-spot?
Insert the vibrator 2 to 3 inches into the vagina and angle it up, toward your belly button, so it presses the upper vaginal wall. Stroke the vibrator in and out, pressing up on the outstroke. If you feel like you have to pee, you're doing it right. -Top-
How do I stimulate my prostate?
Lubricate your vibrator and insert it about 2 to 3 inches into your ass. Angle it toward your belly button and switch it on. -Top-
What kind of lube should I use?
Water-based lube is compatible with all types of vibrating sex toys and are the easiest to clean up. -Top-
Should I put a condom over my vibrator?
For solo play, a condom is not necessary unless you really want to make clean up easy. If you are sharing your vibrator with a sex partner (or partners), put a condom over it and change the condom each time it is used by a different person. In either case, if you are inserting the vibrator both vaginally and anally, use a condom on the vibrator and change it between orifices to avoid infection. -Top-
What are vibrator attachments?
Attachments for vibrators are designed either for vaginal or anal insertion, or to provide different types of external stimulation. -Top-
Orgasms and General Sexuality
Can a vibrator give me my first orgasm?
Probably. Many women experience their first orgasm with the help of a vibrator. (Men are usually able to achieve their first climax through manual stimulation.) -Top-
Will a vibe help me come during intercourse?
A vibrator can help you get more in touch with your body and sexual feelings, and may be included in foreplay or used during sex with a partner to help achieve orgasm. -Top-
Is it good preparation for my first time?
Masturbating with a vibrator can help you get more comfortable with your sexuality and become more familiar with the sexual responses of your body and the sensations of genital stimulation and/or penetration. However, having an intimate physical encounter with another person will be a different type of experience.-Top-
If I use a vibrator, am I still a virgin?
If you insert a vibrator into your vagina, you may break your hymen (a membrane at the entrance of the vagina). But many women break their hymens by using tampons or through other nonsexual activities. Most people define a virgin as someone who has not had sexual intercourse - with an actual partner, as opposed to a dildo, vibrator, or other object. If your definition of virginity hinges on cultural customs or religious beliefs, you will have to refer to a higher authority for the answer.
If you are trying to preserve your virginity, because you are waiting until marriage or for some other reason, and using a vibrator doesn't violate the definition of virginity as defined in your belief system, then using a vibrator for masturbating can be a great way to gratify your natural sexual needs in a safe and healthy manner. -Top-
What is the fastest way to reach orgasm?
What causes a woman to climax the quickest can vary from person to person. However, many women will come very quickly by applying the stimulus of a vibrator to their clitoris. Different types of vibrators will work best for different women. You just have to find the type of stimulation you like. -Top-
I still can't come. What am I doing wrong?
You may have a vibrator that just isn't right for you, or you may not have found the ideal spot for stimulating yourself. If you have put a lot of time and effort into attempting to climax, and feel that you keep getting "close" but can't seem to actually orgasm, there may be psychological or physical factors that are inhibiting your response. -Top-
Why won't my vibrator get me off anymore?
If you're not responding to your vibrator anymore, first make sure that the vibrator is working correctly. Are the vibrations still as strong? If not, the motor may be wearing out, or the batteries may be wearing out. Test it out with some fresh batteries and see if that doesn't put the buzz back in it.
If there's nothing wrong with the vibrator, your sexual responsiveness may have changed. Some people report "vibrator burnout," feeling like they become "immune" to their vibrators. Your body may simply become used to the sensations that your vibrator supplies, and they are no longer as stimulating, or you may just be bored with your vibrator. Try shopping for a new model, and find something that really excites you or provides a totally different form of stimulation. If you've been using a Hitachi Magic Wand, try getting a vibrating dildo or vice versa. Try experimenting.
Some vibrator users also report a temporary decrease in sensitivity in their genitals after prolonged vibrator use. You may need to take a vacation from your vibrator and go back to manual stimulation for a while. After taking a break and coming back to it, your vibrator may seem fresh again.
Finally, there may be physical or psychological factors that are affecting your sexual response. Some medications, especially antidepressants, have sexual side effects that make it difficult to reach orgasm. Stress, depression, fatigue, and overwork can also make it hard to get turned on or come. If this is a persistent problem, talk to your doctor. -Top-
High-Tech Vibrators
How do remote control vibrators work?
Wireless remote control vibrators are activated via a radio frequency signal generated by a handheld controller, much the same was as a remote control toy car operates. Both the vibrator and the remote controller contain their own batteries to supply power. The radio signal from the controller switches the motor in the vibrator on and off and controls the speed. Usually there aren't any wires involved at all, but sometimes the vibrator will have a tail-like antenna attached to it for better reception. -Top-
Why would I want a remote controlled vibe?
Some people may enjoy remote controlled vibrators simply for their gadgetry, or the convenience of being able to operate a small vibrator without getting tangled in the wires to the controller. However, the real appeal of remote control vibrators is the possibility of using them under somebody's nose, without them realizing it. Of course, this isn't always easy to pull off, because even the quietest vibrator makes some sound, and most remote controlled vibrators aren't actually all that quiet. But you might be able to pull it off in a noisy restaurant or a bustling crowd. -Top-
Can I use one in public?
Using a remote control vibrator might allow you to live out your fantasies of getting off in a public place without actually committing any overtly lewd acts. If you're discreet, you might get away with it, or at least get a good thrill. Before you take your vibrator out on the road, you should give it a test drive at home to see how it performs. Some vibrators, even small ones, make more noise than you might think. If you have the vibrator tucked inside your pants or panties, is it going to hop around once activated? You'll want to be sure that it's secure and not easily dislodged by walking or sitting. If you operate it while sitting, is it going to be in a position to vibrate against whatever you're sitting on, and will that create noise? These are all factors you'll probably want to take into consideration.
If your partner is going to be at the controls, you might want to experiment to find out what the range of the controller is. On the one hand, your partner might want to be close enough to hear your breath quicken as you get turned on, but on the other hand it might be exciting to sit on benches yards away from each other and pretend to be strangers as one of you secretly turns the other on. -Top-
Can I accidentally control someone else's toy?
Unless you're attending a high-tech swingers convention, it's not likely that anyone nearby is going to be wearing an identical vibrator, and even if this scenario occurred, it's unlikely they would figure out what was happening until after the fact, or let on if they did.
However, if you and a partner want to play a "hands-off" game where you both wear remote controlled vibrators and each partner controls the other's, then this would become an issue. You would need to get two different models of remote controlled vibrator and make sure that the controls to each are keyed on different radio frequencies to avoid getting your signals crossed. -Top-
What is cyberdildonics or teledildonics?
Teledildonics was once hailed as the future of cybersex and the ultimate in safe sex. However, nothing much has happened with this technology since its inception in the late '90s, probably due to the difficulty of implementing it over the Web.
The way it's supposed to work is that you plug a vibrator into your computer, then you establish a connection with your cyber partner via Internet. This may involve using Webcams to enhance the experience visually. Your partner, using their keyboard or other controls on their computer, can then operate your vibrator, switching it on or off or adjusting the speed. During the experience you communicate with them over Internet chat.
There are no companies that currently offer this service or technology to the public, although the Open Dildonics project is devoted to creating open source hardware and software to this end. There is also something called the Virtual Sex Machine which is a penile stimulator that plugs into a computer's printer port and is programmed to respond in synch to onscreen action in certain specially coded videos.
Finally, although it's not controlled through your computer, you can buy a vibrator that is powered by your computer:
This vibrator plugs into your USB port and draws its current from the computer's power source. It's not controlled through your computer or mouse; the switches are on a controller attached to the vibrator. Nevertheless, it's a nifty high-tech toy. -Top-
Storage and Care
How should I store vibrators?
Keep it in a secure, dry location where it will not be moved around a lot. Under the bed in a shoe box is usually a safe bet. Take the batteries out when you store it. -Top-
How should I clean it?
Before you clean your vibrator, take the batteries out and close the battery compartment. If it's an electrical vibrator, make sure it's unplugged. Clean it with warm sudsy water. If it's not waterproof, be careful not to get water in the battery compartment or on the controls. If your toy has a bullet or egg vibrator inside a jelly sleeve, remove the rubber part and wash it separately. Wash all attachments separately. Dry your vibrator thoroughly with a lint-free cloth; don't use a paper towel, as they can stick to rubber and leave lint and fibers behind. -Top-
If my vibrator breaks can I get it fixed?
Like all small electrical or electronic devices, vibrators are prone to occasionally malfunction or break. In most cases, repairing them is a lost cause, especially if they were cheaply made from inexpensive components to begin with. If you're handy with a tool kit and soldering gun, by all means, take a stab at it (at your own risk), but you can't really take your Pulse-a-Matic G-Spot Wonder Vibe in to the repair shop the way you would a VCR.
For hygiene reasons, most stores and Web or mail-order businesses that sell sex toys don't accept returns on items unless they make a mistake on the order. Don't despair, though, because many vibrators, massagers, and other sex toys are actually covered by warranties that can extend anywhere from 30 days to two years. Be sure you save all receipts and invoices that come with your purchase in case there is a problem. -Top-
Can I get my vibrator wet?
Most vibrators will specify on the packaging whether or not they can be used in water. If a vibrator is waterproof, the manufacturer will likely tout this as a selling point. If you're not sure if your vibrator can be subjected to water, don't guess. At the worst, you may give yourself a shock, and you most likely will disable the vibrator. If you want to be able to use your vibrator in the tub, pool, or shower, or you just want to be able to run it under the faucet to clean up without worrying, there are a lot of waterproof vibes on the market that will suit your needs. -Top-
History of Vibrators
Who invented vibrators?
George Taylor's steam powered vibrators were perhaps the first patented mechanical vibrating devices made to stimulate female patients. The first electromechanical vibrator was designed in 1880 by a British physician, Joseph Mortimer Granville. Although his model more closely resembled what we think of as a vibrator, Granville did not support the use of vibrating devices for inducing female orgasm. He intended it to be used to massage male skeletal muscles. However, the technology proved adaptable, as the millions of women who have used massagers know. -Top-
Were they always used for sex?
As unbelievable as it may seem now, physicians in the late 19th and early 20th centuries often massaged the genitals of female patients to bring them to orgasm. Today they would be litigated out of their licenses, but at the time, this was a widely accepted practice for the treatment of "hysteria," nervous tension, and miscellaneous gynecological complaints. However, it was tedious for the doctors, who apparently had little or no sexual interest in their clients. The vibrator was invented as a labor-saving mechanical device that allowed doctors to quickly and efficiently bring patients to climax without tiring out their fingers.
Through the early part of the 20th century, vibrators were used by physicians to stimulate women's genitals, and were also used to stimulate men, either genitally or through rectal attachments. The practice lost favor with physicians, but vibrating devices continued to be sold to the public for their personal use, sexual or otherwise. In her history of vibrators, The Technology of Orgasm: "Hysteria," the Vibrator, and Women's Sexual Satisfaction, Rachel Maines refers to the sexual use of vibrators as being "camouflaged" by their purported health and therapeutic applications. Eventually the camouflage began to wear thin, and for a while vibrators became taboo. In time and with more relaxed attitudes toward sexuality prevailing, vibrators have come into their own as instruments of pure pleasure for both women and men. -Top-
Vibrators for Men
What is the best vibrator for a man?
Men can use vibrators in a lot of different ways, so the best vibrator for a man depends on what part of his anatomy he wants to stimulate and how. And thanks to the technology of miniature vibrators, it's possible to put a vibrator just about anywhere you want it. -Top-
How do I use a vibrator on a man?
The easiest way for a woman to use a vibrator on a man is simply to stroke his cock and balls with it. She can run the vibrator along the length of his shaft and around his cock head. The base of the glans and the underside of the penis head are particularly sensitive spots.
Another way to stimulate a male partner is to stroke his balls with it or to hold it directly under the scrotum. Pressing the vibrator against the perineum (the spot of skin between the balls and the asshole) can also be very pleasurable. If you press into this spot, the vibrations will also transmit to the prostate.
If the vibrator is an insertable dildo or probe, it can be inserted in the man's ass to stimulate his prostate directly. To hit the prostate, insert the vibrator two to three inches into the ass and aim the tip toward the penis. Make small in and out stroking motions with the vibrator rubbing against the prostate. Prostate stimulation combined with vibration can produce very intense male orgasms and sometimes increased ejaculation. Whenever inserting anything anally, use a lot of lube, go slow, and don't force it. Also, only use toys for anal insertion that have a flange or flared base, or something at the end to keep them from going too far into the ass. If you insert a vibrator without a base too far into your partner's butt and lose your grip on it, you may not be able to get it out.
If a woman is using her own vibrator on a man, she should take certain hygiene and safe sex precautions. Using a vibrator on a partner and then using it on yourself without cleaning it first is unsanitary and can be the equivalent of having unprotected sex. If you get a man's pre-cum or semen on your vibrator and insert it in your vagina, you run the risk of pregnancy or getting an STD. If you use a vibrator on a partner's ass, you need to clean it thoroughly before using it on your pussy or inserting it vaginally to avoid the risk of a yeast or bacterial infection. -Top-
Can I use a vibrator on my balls?
An Austrian study found links between mountain biking in men and decreased fertility and testicular abnormalities. The connection was the strong and repeated shocks to the scrotum and perineum (the area between the balls and ass) that the men were subjected to while biking. However, compared to the bone-shaking vibrations of bouncing down a rocky trail or jumping stumps with a bike post planted in your crotch, the minor tremors supplied by a typical vibrator are quite gentle and non-traumatic. Overuse of a vibrator on the testicles is not advisable, but the occasional buzz on the balls shouldn't do any harm. -Top-
What is a vibrating cock ring?
Cock rings encircle the penis at its base or go around both the penis and testicles. They prolong erection by restricting the flow of blood out of the penis; once the cock becomes engorged with blood, the blood leaves more slowly, making the penis harder for longer. Many men use cock rings to enhance their erections during masturbation or intercourse.
With the addition of a small vibrator, a cock ring can also stimulate either the wearer or his partner. Most vibrating cock rings are made of a stretch material, usually jelly rubber or silicone, and have a small egg or bullet vibrator attached or embedded in them. The vibrator is sometimes positioned vertically, sometime horizontally. In either case, the cock ring's vibrator can be used to stimulate a female partner's clit by wearing it on the top side of the cock. When the cock is fully inserted, the vibrator should touch against the clit. The cock ring's vibrator can also be positioned to stimulate the partner's perineum during anal intercourse.
Most vibrating cock rings can also be worn so they stimulate the testes. If the ring is large or stretchy enough, the flaccid cock and balls can be pulled through it so it encircles the base of the cock and the testes. The vibrator can be positioned directly beneath the balls. With a smaller cock ring or one that has a vertically mounted vibrator, the ring can be worn with the vibrator pointing downward and pressed into the balls. -Top-
What is a vibrating penis pump?
Penis pumps use a vacuum tube around the penis to force blood into the member, thereby making it longer, harder, and bigger than it normally is in its erect state. Some people claim that prolonged use of pumps can permanently increase penile length by stretching the ligaments in the penis. The efficacy of this technique has not been proven.
Nevertheless, penis pumps do provide at least temporary erection enhancement, and many men find the suction provided by the pumps to be very stimulating, sort of like a mega blow job. A vibrator in the pump can increase the level of stimulation. Usually the vibrators in penis pumps are small bullet or egg vibrators located at the base of the shaft, but some have vibrators placed at the top of the tube. If you're pumping to achieve size and length a vibrator in your penis pump isn't going to make any difference. But if you're using it as a masturbation toy, a vibrator can turn your pump job into a hummer. -Top-
What is a vibrating butt plugs?
A vibrating butt plug is pretty much what it sounds like. It's a butt plug that has a vibrator inside it. The vibrator may be built into the plug, or it may fit into the base of the toy and be removable. The latter is preferable for ease of use and versatility.
Butt plugs are sex toys that are used to enhance sex or masturbation by providing a sense of stimulation and fullness in the rectum. They are a few inches long, tapered at the tip for easy insertion, widen in the middle or near the base, and then become narrow again. This flared shape holds them in place just inside the anal sphincter. Adding vibration increases the stimulation provided by a butt plug. Some vibrating butt plugs have other capabilities as well, such as inflating or ejaculating. Using a vibrating butt plug is preferable to inserting a dildo-like vibrator into your ass, because there is no chance that the plug will slip in too far and get stuck inside your rectum.
If you're trying a vibrating butt plug and haven't used a butt plug before, give the plug a test run without using the vibration. This will give you a chance to get used to the sensation of having it in your butt. Remember that the anus and rectum are very rich in nerve endings, so every sensation in this region is greatly magnified.
If you have a regular butt plug and you want to simulate the effect of a vibrating butt plug, you can just insert the plug and press a vibrator against the base. The plug will transmit the vibrations, although it may not be as intense as having the vibrator actually inside the ass. -Top-
Safety and Cautions
Can I hurt myself?
With battery-powered vibrators there is a minimal risk of electrical shock, and with plug-in vibrators there is the same risk of electrocution as with any appliance, but in general vibrators pose no more of a risk than a flashlight or toaster. Use common sense and keep them away from water unless they are designed to be waterproof. Make sure that all external wires are secure and not frayed. Don't use your vibrator so much that the motor overheats; it could cause a minor burn or start a fire.
As far as other injuries, common sense should also keep you out of trouble. Don't ever force insertion of a vibrator into the vagina or anus, and don't insert a vibrator completely into either. You may have difficulty getting it out.
Of course, if you do anything too much, too often, you may hurt yourself, so try not to overdo it with your vibrator. The skin of the genitals is sensitive, and persistent or prolonged friction or stimulation can cause irritation. Some people find that using a vibrator frequently can make their genitals feel less sensitive. If that's the case, lay off the vibrator for a while and go back to manual stimulation.
Some vibrators may be awkward to hold or use, so if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis in your hands or wrists, using a vibrator may aggravate it. Shop around for a more ergonomic model; vibrators with longer handles, like the Hitachi Magic Wand or the Flex-O-Pleaser, are easier for some people to use. -Top-
Can I get an infection?
It's quite possible to get a yeast infection or bacterial vaginal infection from using a vibrator or sex toy that hasn't been cleaned. Bacteria and other microorganisms will breed on the surface of the vibe, and a sticky toy will pick up lint, dust, and other gunk if it is left lying around. This is why it's important to always clean your vibrators, dildos, and other sex toys after using them. Wash them thoroughly with warm water and mild antibacterial soap. You can refer to our instructions on cleaning vibrators for more detailed advice.
Vibrators and other toys can also spread bacteria from the anal area to the vagina if they are used in or near the anus and then in or near the vagina. It's not necessary to actually have inserted the vibrator in your ass for this to happen. Simply sliding the vibe along your ass crack or pressing it on your perineum (the skin between the asshole and vagina) may be enough to pick up germs that will cause an infection if they find their way into the vagina. It's the same reason your mother told you to always wipe from the front to the back after using the toilet. So when you're using your vibrator on your pussy, try to keep it away from your anal area. And if you to use it on your ass, wash it thoroughly before using it in or near your vagina.
If you think you will have trouble remembering to wash your vibrator after use, or it seems like too much trouble, simply cover it with a condom each time you use it. It's easy and will probably prolong the life of your toy.
If you suspect that you have a vaginal infection - if you are experiencing vaginal itching, burning, or unusual discharge - see a doctor. The type of infection you could contract from a sex toy (if you're the only person who has used it) is not an STD and will probably be treated easily with an anti-fungal cream or antibiotics. -Top-
Can I electrocute myself?
Electrical or plug-in vibrators are electrical appliances and you need to take the same precautions when using them as you would with a hair dryer, toaster, or boom box. In other words, keep them away from water. Don't use them in or near water, don't use them if you're standing on a wet floor, and don't use them or plug or unplug them if your hands are wet. That may sound obvious, but a lot of people use vibrators in the bathroom as well as the bedroom. But you shouldn't ever use a plug-in vibrator near a full sink, bath, or toilet where there's a risk that you might drop it in. If you do accidentally drop an electrical vibrator into water, get away from it, make sure you're dry, then call 911 and ask for instructions.
As for battery-powered vibrators, there is a minor risk that you could get a shock, but you won't get electrocuted; the batteries simply don't have enough juice. Just be sure that the batteries are correctly installed, and that the device is not defective or broken. If it has an external battery pack or control pack, make sure the wires are securely attached and not frayed. Don't use a battery-powered vibrator in water or get it wet unless the maker says it is waterproof. -Top-
What if I get it stuck in my vagina?
If you get a vibrator stuck in your vagina, turn it off (if you can reach the controls). If the vibrator has an external battery pack, remove the batteries. Take deep breaths and try to relax your vagina and abdominal muscles. Apply as much lube as possible to your vagina without pushing the vibrator further in. Bear down like you're trying to give birth to the vibrator. If you can, stretch your vagina by inserting two or three fingers and spreading them. If the vibrator has wires attached from a battery or control pack, be careful when pulling on them, as them may detach.
Because the vagina is relatively short, you should be able to get the vibrator out. If you can't, and if you are experiencing pain, your pelvic and vaginal muscles are probably spasming and you need medical attention. Go to the emergency room. Yes, it's embarrassing, but they've seen everything. They'll give you something to relax the muscles and will extract the device manually. -Top-
What if I get it stuck in my ass?
Turn it off. Try to relax. Breathe. Lube your rectum as much as possible and bear down like you're taking a bowel movement. If it still doesn't budge, head to the emergency room immediately. Having a blocked bowel is a serious health condition. -Top-
Is it safe in a bath, hot tub, or shower?
Never use a battery-powered vibrator in the bath or hot tub unless the package says it's waterproof and can be submerged in water. If it's not waterproof, getting it wet will probably ruin it.
Never, ever use an electrical (plug-in) vibrator in the bath or hot tub. You will be risking electrocution. -Top-
Is it safe to use someone else's vibe?
If you use someone else's sex toys, always make sure to clean and disinfect them first or cover them with a condom to avoid transmitting germs or STDs. -Top-
Can a hard plastic vibe break and injure me?
Although it's rare, there have been reported cases of vibrators breaking and causing internal injuries, and older, dildo-shaped vibrators with hard plastic cases are likely to be more prone to crack. Plastic becomes brittle with age, and the prolonged stress caused by vibrations can cause it to fatigue and fracture.
If you are concerned about this, examine your vibrator for cracking, especially at the tip, base, and along any seams. Look for discoloration, fading, or chalky appearance. Check for unusual noises like rattling, both when it is shut off and when it's running. Don't use a plastic vibrator that has been dropped on a hard floor or otherwise damaged on a hard surface. If you hear it go crunch consider it a lost cause and replace it.
Even better, replace it before it breaks with a newer model with a casing made of an unbreakable material likesiliconeor jelly rubber, or trade up to an electrical model. If the vibrator in question is really old, consider donating it to the Antique Vibrator Museum...unless it's a family heirloom. -Top-
How long will my vibrator last?
A vibrator's durability depends on its quality, type, and what it's made of. A vibrator's lifespan can be anywhere from a few months to several years. In general, don't keep an inexpensive plastic or rubber vibrator for more than 3 years. More expensive electrical vibrators can be used until they quit working. -Top-
Are there signs of impending breakdown?
Many vibrators will just quit working one day for no apparent reason. You flip the switch and...nothing. Even fresh batteries will fail to revive it. If it does whir back to life after a few whacks or shakes, consider yourself warned that it may be on the way out. Erratic behavior, stopping and starting for no apparent reason, and failure to respond correctly to the controls are all signs that something is amiss with your vibe. Rattling in the motor or other unusual noises can also signal an immanent vibrator breakdown. If the motor heats up, or produces an acrid or burning odor, these are also signs that your vibe may be breaking down or wearing out.
In multispeed or multifunction vibrators, or vibrators with more than one vibrating component, one motor may quit working independently of the other, or the vibrator may get stuck on one speed. Although the vibrator may continue to operate well otherwise, you'd do well to keep an eye on it for other malfunctions.
If your vibrator is rattling or making a strange noise, or if the motor is overheating or smells like it's burning, you should put it to rest. If it's under warranty, you may be able to get it replaced by the manufacturer. Otherwise it's time to start shopping for your next toy. -Top-
Vibrating Sex Toys
What is a vibrating butt plug?
A butt plug is a small conical plug, usually made of rubber or silicone, that is inserted anally and held in by the rectal muscles. It stimulates the anal area and prostate during sex or masturbation. A vibrating butt plug contains a small vibrator to intensify the stimulation. -Top-
What is a vibrating dildo?
At one time, there were plastic, phallic-shaped vibrators for stimulation, and there were rubber dildos for penetration, and the two were separate entities. At some point in the evolution of sex toys, someone got the bright idea of combining the two, and they began to merge, and thus begat a myriad of offspring of every imaginable color and size, including the jack rabbit vibe and the vibrating double dong.
Since technically, a dildo is any phallic-shaped device meant for sexual insertion, smooth plastic vibrators do still qualify as vibrating dildos. But when most people associate the word dildo with something that looks more like an actual dick. There are some extremely realistic looking dildos that vibrate, as well as some extremely unrealistic looking ones. While most of these toys have the vibrator integrated into the dildo itself, there are also dildos available with removable egg or bullet vibrators.
Vibrating dildos can be used either to stimulate just the clitoris and external labia, or they can be used for penetration as well, with or without the vibrator turned on. Many women enjoy using a vibrating dildo in both capacities, to stimulate their clit as well as the vagina, often alternating the two. Vibrating dildos with built in clit stimulators, like jack rabbit type vibrators, stimulate both the clit and vagina simultaneously.
Vibrating strap-on dildos are worn by one person, attached with a harness or elastic straps, and are used to penetrate another person either vaginally or anally. Vibrating strap-ons can be stimulating for both the wearer and the person being fucked. The vibration often transfers back to the person wearing the harness, and in some cases, there is a small vibrators positioned to stimulate the clit or balls of the person wearing the strap-on.
One thing to take into account with vibrating dildos is that the dildo material itself will absorb some of the vibrations. For this reason, vibrating dildos made out of softer materials like jelly rubber and cyberskin, which is flesh-like, may have somewhat dampened vibrations. More solid materials like hard rubber, vinyl, plastic, and silicone transmit vibrations better. -Top-
What are vibrating nipple clamps?
Nipple clamps provide sustained nipple stimulation by applying constant pressure to the nipples in a vice or clamp-like device. Although they are often classed as a bondage or sadomasochism-type toy, they can be used by anybody who really enjoys having their tits played with. Nipple clamps provide constant, hands-free stimulation.
Vibrating nipple clamps have miniature bullet-shaped vibrators suspended from them to intensify the stimulation. They can be used with or without the vibrators turned on. The vibrators add some weight to the clamps and will swing as you move, providing extra sensation as they pull on the clamps.
Because clamps restrict blood flow, they should never be used for more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. When applying clamps, never allow them to "snap" shut on the nipple; instead, release them slowly, applying steady pressure. Nipple clamps may smart a bit at first, but should become pleasurable within a few seconds. Remove at once if they cause prolonged discomfort, swelling, or discoloration of the skin.
Vibrating nipple clamps can also be used on the clitoris or labia. They can be clamped directly onto the clit or pussy lips. Additionally, you can make your own vibrating panties by clamping one strategically to the inside of your underwear. -Top-
What are vibrating anal beads?
Anal beads stimulate the anus by popping in and out of the sphincter, and vibrating anal beads add to the fun by vibrating while inside the rectum. Traditional anal beads are basically a series of balls strung on a cord that are pushed one by one into the anus, and then pulled out, often at the moment of climax for maximum effect. Another version of this toy is a series of balls that are stacked or connected by a solid piece of material. In either case the effect is similar, creating a rippling effect as the balls move in and then out of the anal sphincter.
Vibration augments the anal stimulation provide by this toy, especially when the balls are held inside the rectum. The anal nerve ending are extremely sensitive, and the smallest movement becomes greatly magnified. The addition of vibrators in the beads also increases their weight, which produces sensations that some people find pleasurable.
When purchasing vibrating anal beads, consider the construction and location of the vibrating element. If the vibrator wire and extraction cord are one in the same, you can expect that they probably are not going to hold up very long due to the stress of repeatedly pulling on the wire. -Top-
What is a vibrating anal probe?
Vibrating anal probes, alien abductions aside, are sex toys meant to stimulate the ass, usually through depth rather than girth. Anal probes are usually quite slender, although some have beads or bumped surfaces to provide extra stimulation. Vibrations can greatly enhance the value of this toy, since the rectum is so sensitive that the smallest sensation is greatly amplified.
Many probes feature multifunction vibrations, meaning that the vibrations pulse in different patterns or run up and down the shaft of the probe. Given the sensitivity of the inside of the ass, these sensations can actually be quite erotic, as can probes with bumps and beads. Although these toys are not quite as versatile as vibrating dildos, if you enjoy anal stimulation but have a low threshold for anal penetration or don't want to get too stretched out, an anal probe may be right up your alley. -Top-
Types of Vibrators
What are multifunction vibrators?
"Multifunction" is a frequently used term when it comes to vibrators. Basically it just means that the vibrator can produce stimulation in more than one way. This might mean that it simply produces more than one type of vibration; some vibrators pulse or throb as well as vibrate steadily. Some multifunction vibrators have a component that rotates, either a rotating shaft or head, or a compartment of beads in the shaft that turns. One of the most familiar examples of a multifunction vibrators are rabbit vibrators. It has multiple sources of stimulation (the rotating pearl beads in the shaft, and the vibrating rabbit at the base) and stimulates both the vagina and the clitoris at the same time.
Some multifunction vibes get very elaborate, with a lot of moving parts, multiple speeds, even flashing lights. While more is more, it isn't always better when it comes to vibrators. Be cautious of vibrators that seem like they're trying to do too much and remember that the more parts something has, the more there is that can break. On the other hand, if you enjoy high tech gadgets with lots of bells and whistles, there are plenty of these toys to keep you entertained. -Top-
What is a Swedish massager?
Swedish massagers are strong electric vibrators designed for use on the back and large muscle groups. They strap onto the back of the hand to facilitate a rubbing and patting motion with the palm during massages. Although somewhat heavy and clunky, they can also easily be used for masturbation, by placing your hand over your genitals or touching them with your fingers while wearing the massager on your hand. The nice thing about a Swedish massager is that it combines vibration with manual stimulation by transmitting the vibrations through your hand.
Swedish massagers have powerful motors, which make them rather noisy. Another possible drawback of Swedish massagers is the intensity of their vibration. Some people find their genitals become desensitized after using a really strong vibrator over time. Also, if you use one for too long during one session, your hand may actually start to go numb. If you find the vibration level provides too much stimulation on your genitals, try using the massager through your clothing, or through a towel or blanket. This is sometimes preferable anyway, as pubic hair can get caught in the hand straps. -Top-
What is a coil vibrator?
Coil vibrators usually look something like a hair dryer. They have a grip with a switch, and a vibrating head that comes out at a 90 degree angle. They are marketed as massagers, rather than as sex toys, and Wahl is probably the best-known and most reliable maker of this type of device.
Because they use spinning electromagnetic coils to create their vibrations, rather than a motor, they run very quietly and smoothly, and usually have a couple of speeds. They produce a very concentrated, or localized vibration, so if you like a lot of direct and intense clit stimulation, a coil vibrator may hit your happy spot. They usually come with attachments that can disperse the vibrations somewhat, and dildo or twig-shaped silicone attachments are available through some sex toy outlets. If you buy insertable attachments, make sure they are specified as fitting coil or "Wahl-type" vibrators, as many similar attachments are made for the Hitachi Magic Wand.
The drawbacks of the coil vibrator are that it may be too intense for some people, and it can get hot if used for a prolonged period of time. However, mechanically, they are very dependable and can last a very long time, tending to break down and wear out less often because the coil mechanism has fewer moving parts and less internal friction than a motor. -Top-
What is the eroscillator?
An Eroscillator is a specially designed vibrator that looks a bit like an electric toothbrush. It has a small head that moves from side to side. This is the vibrator endorsed by Dr. Ruth Westheimer. -Top-
Questions about Batteries
What are the best batteries?
Alkaline batteries last the longest, but most consumer tests don't show a significant or consistent difference in life from brand to brand, so buy whichever is cheapest or on sale. Alkaline batteries designed for high-performance use will give you a few more hours of life for a slightly higher price. If your device uses watch or hearing aid batteries, use the lithium-ion type.
Rechargeable batteries also perform well, and have the benefit of reducing environmental toxins and waste. They are slightly less convenient than disposables, as they take time to charge, and they require the initial investment for a set of rechargeable batteries and a recharger. Note: Do not attempt to recharge standard disposable alkaline batteries; they may explode. -Top-
How long will batteries last?
Depending on the device and what kind of batteries you're using, you could get anywhere from 50 hours of use to just 10 hours. Smaller devices with smaller motors drain less current. Larger vibrators or ones with multiple moving parts will drain batteries more quickly. If you have a high-drain vibrator that you use frequently, it might be worthwhile to invest in some rechargeable batteries. They don't hold a charge as long as disposable batteries, but you also won't have to spend five bucks every time they're used up. You can extend the life of your vibrator's batteries by removing them from the toy when it is not in use and storing them separately. -Top-
Are there rechargeable vibrators?
Yes, there are a variety of rechargeable vibrators and massagers on the market. You can even get a rechargeable jackrabbit vibrator. -Top-
How do I silence noisy batteries?
Some battery-powered vibrators come with a foam, rubber, or cardboard insert that fits in the battery compartment to keep the batteries in place and prevent them from rattling. If the insert was cardboard, you may have accidentally discarded it while unpacking the vibrator or changing the batteries. If necessary, you may be able to improvise a new one by cutting a piece of scrap cardboard to fit inside the compartment. -Top-
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