Vibrator FAQs

Vibrators were traditionally sold only through sex shops and mail order, but today the internet is without a doubt the best way to buy. The option to purchase vibes discreetly is perhaps the primary reason for the big increase in sales in recent years. There are many online shops that offer discrete packaging, from dedicated sex shops like Babeland to famous retailers like Walgreens.

Like everything else, it varies. Simple plastic or jelly vibrators often cost less than $10, while designer vibes with advanced features (rechargeable battery, remote control, etc.) can cost well over $100.

It depends on what you like. Before you think about different brands, consider what sort of stimulation you like. This will help you decide what type of vibrator to get, which narrows things down.

We cover this in more detail elsewhere, but in a nutshell, the most popular types of vibrators are:

• Traditional (basically a vibrating dildo)
• Bullet (small vibe that specializes in external/clitoral stimulation)
• Rabbit/Dual Action (stimulates your clitoris while penetrating)
• G-Spot (a curved vibe designed to stimulate your G-Spot)

That’s really just a start, and there are new designs coming out all the time.

Many state and local governments have laws prohibiting the sale of sex toys to minors, but even when it’s not a matter of law, most shops have a policy of only selling vibes and other sex toys to adults.

If you’re shopping online, you obviously have to be old enough to have a credit card to make the payment. Most sites will also force you to verify that you’re at least 18 before completing the order.

Very carefully! But seriously, each toy is different. Just about every vibrator can be used to stimulate the clitoris, which is probably the most common use. Other vibes may be used for penetration. Do what feels good to you, but be sure to follow the directions.

A lot of couples give their sex lives a turbo boost by adding vibrators and other toys to the mix. Reasons you might want to use a vibrator on a women: 1) you have erectile problems, 2) you’re a woman, and 3) it’s fun as hell.

The best advice is to watch your partner use the vibe on herself first before taking over. Simple observation is a great way to learn how she likes to be stimulated with the toy. But if you can’t do this homework for whatever reason, just take it slow and feel your way through.

You bet your prostate there are! First off, most vibrators can be used effectively on the penis, making them great toys for couples. There are actually a few toys that are specially designed for this purpose, such as the masturbation attachment for the Hitachi Wand.

There are also lots of vibrators designed specifically for anal stimulation, which are enjoyed by both gay and straight men. Some refer to the prostate as the male G-Spot or P-Spot. Vibrators that target this area can produce a – shall we say – intense result.

Masturbation with or without a vibrator is a safe and healthy sexual outlet. But there are a couple of caveats if you’re using a toy.

First, it’s got to be a safe toy. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of government oversight in this area. There are concerns about the use of phthalates – a potentially harmful industrial substance – in vibrators and other sex toys. Cheapo toys made of jelly material may also break down and pose a risk.

Secondly, you must use the toy safely. This means following the directions, yes – but it also means practicing safe sex if you’re sharing it with a partner. You can get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if you don’t take precautions.

To be safe, you can always put a condom over the vibrator. Otherwise, buy toys that are phthalate-free and made of hard material, and don’t share. For more info, see this article.

It’s generally safe to use a vibrator while pregant. However, in some rare cases, sexual activity, including the use of vibrators, may not be recommended. If you’re unsure, do the safe thing and check with your doctor.

Follow the instructions that came with your toy. The usual recommendation is to wash it with mild soap and water. Better yet, there are cleaners made specifically for sex toys. But again, you should always defer to the specific instructions included with the product – that’s the best information you can get.

This is a myth perpetuated by the anti-sex crowd and perhaps by some people who are insecure about their partners using sex toys. It’s true that you might not feel very receptive to stimulation right after orgasming with a vibrator (duh), or for a while after using a toy a little too vigorously. But in the long run, it’s likely to improve your sex life by introducing you to new sensations.

If you still have concerns, check out this Go Ask Alice article on the subject. It should put you more at ease.

It’s a sign of how mainstream vibrators have become that you can now advertise them on television. You may have seen advertisements for the Trojan Vibrating Twister late at night on cable TV. While the playful ad spots featuring couples are vague about what they’re talking about – trust us, it’s a vibe.

Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of unbiased and reliable information for the Trojan Twister because it’s not available on Amazon.com or other retailers that make customer reviews available. What we can tell you is that this adjustable “intimate massager” costs about $60 and sells through Trojan’s online store. If we were rating it for this site, we would classify it as a G-Spot vibrator based on its curved shape and bendy nature.

If you want to learn more, check out the official website.