What is a Vibrator?

 

There’s no denying it – vibrators are everyone’s favourite sex toy. They’re enjoyed by straight couples, lesbians, solo players, heterosexual men, you name it! There are so many different models of vibrators that no sex toy collection is complete without them. Vibrators are usually battery powered and are able to produce a vibration that is unlike any other sensation experienced during sex or masturbation.

In this article, we will look at the history of vibrator use, the different types of vibrators available and how to follow safe sex toy practices.

What are Vibrators?

Vibrators are devices that create vibrations for sexual pleasure. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be used by both men and women. Some vibrators are designed to be inserted into the vagina or anus, while others are meant to be used on the outside of the body. They are usually battery-operated and create a vibration that stimulates the nerve endings in the genitals, which can lead to intense orgasms. Many people love using vibrators because they provide a different type of stimulation than what you typically get from penetrative sex or masturbation.

Most remote-controlled vibrators have adjustable intensity settings so that you can create different sensations by changing the intensity levels or rhythms of the vibration. Some people prefer a powerful vibration while for others this can be too much stimulation. Using a vibrator with your partner can be a lot of fun because you can experiment with the intensity levels of the vibration to find out what they like. This requires a lot of trust so it can really help take your partnership status to another level in the bedroom.

Why were Vibrators Invented?

The history of sexual medicine is full of bizarre tales but the vibrator origin story is definitely one of the strangest. They were actually invented to help treat women for “hysteria”. This may sound incredible, but it is true! The vibrator was created in the late 1800s as a treatment for “hysterical women”, which was a condition that was believed to be caused by too much sexual desire in women. At the time, there were no effective treatments for this condition but doctors believed it was a functional disorder that could be controlled if women were able to release some of their pent up sexual frustration.

Just think, at a time when female sexuality was seen as something that needed to be repressed so that women could be controlled and moulded into docile wives, masturbation was actually being prescribed by doctors. We don’t know about you, but we much prefer the idea of an hour with our favourite sex toy over a visit to the hospital!

Who Uses Vibrators Now?

Despite these peculiar origins, vibrators are now universally loved. Vibrators are sometimes thought of as being predominantly used for female masturbation and one reason for this is that they are very effective at helping women who have trouble orgasming through penetration to reach orgasm. A vibrator can pleasure a woman in ways that a penis can only dream of and so many heterosexual men use vibrators to pleasure their partners.

There is a rather outdated joke in popular culture about heterosexual males being intimidated by vibrators but in reality, many straight couples like playing with their vibrators together. Indeed, many vibrators and other toys like vibrating butt plugs can provide stimulation for both men and women and really help take your sex life to a whole new level. Who wants to sit through hours of expensive marital therapy when you could spend the same time (and far less money) having orgasm after orgasm with your partner!

What are Vibrators Made Of?

Vibrators are made from a range of different materials including silicone, hard plastic and stainless steel. All of these materials are completely body-safe with each material giving you a different experience during your vibrator use. A silicone toy is softer and more flexible than a hard plastic one while metal vibrators are perfect for temperature play because they can be cooled or warmed in the freezer or in warm water.

All of these vibrators come in different shapes and sizes so you will be sure to find a vibrator that can take your sexual pleasure to another level.

Types of Vibrators

Vibrators come in all colours, shapes and sizes and can be used for both men and women. There really are no limits to the different types of vibrators and other vibrating sex toys available these days but some of the most common are:

Clitoral Vibrator

Most vibrators can be described as clitoral vibrators because they are most commonly used for clitoral stimulation. For the majority of women, the most sensitive area of their body is the clitoris because it has more nerve endings than any other part of the human body. Vibrators are designed especially for clitoral stimulation as they can be used to touch the clitoris directly sending waves of pleasure through the area. Using an electric vibrator as a clitoral stimulator can produce orgasms unlike any that can be achieved with a tongue, penis or fingers.

For many women, vaginal penetration may be pleasurable but the best (or in some cases, only) way for them to orgasm is with clit stimulation. Vibrator use provides the opportunity for sustained and targeted stimulation of the clitoris which can help women to reach orgasm again and again. The term clitoral vibrator is really just a synonym for any vibrating sex toy because as we explained most vibrators can be used in this way, but they all have one thing in common: seriously good vibrations!

Rabbit Vibrator

Rabbit vibrators are some of the most popular vibrators on the market right now. They have a unique rabbit shape that allows them to stimulate both the clitoris and the G-spot at the same time, which can lead to intense orgasms. The g-spot vibrator is a rounded, curved dildo that is inserted into the vagina or anus of a woman (or man…anus that is!). Attached to this part of this toy is a rabbit-shaped part with special “ears” which are able to provide clitoral stimulation at the same time as the g spot is being stimulated through penetration.

Wand Vibrator

Wand vibrators are a type of sex toy that is used to stimulate the clitoris. They look like a large, curved bar with a pointed tip and they typically have a textured silicone head. Wand vibrators work by applying pressure and vibration to the clitoris, which can lead to intense orgasms.

Unlike a rabbit vibrator, wand vibrators are mostly used for external stimulation alone. The shape means that they are not suitable for vaginal or anal insertion but users will tell you that they provide more stimulation than you could ever get from a penis or traditional dildo.

Palm Vibrator

Palm vibrators are small, discreet and powerful sex toys that can be used for solo or partnered play. They are designed to be held in the hand and used as a clitoral stimulator. Palm vibes usually have a single button on the end that controls the power and vibration patterns. Palm vibrator users love these toys because they are so easy to use and provide intense stimulation.

Smart Vibrator

Smart vibrators are the latest development in the world of sex toys. They work by using sensors and motors to create vibrations that target specific areas of the body. These vibrators are designed with a wireless connection which allows them to be controlled via smartphone or tablet. They often come with a companion app that allows you to customize your experience, syncing the rhythms of the vibrations to your movements or your favourite song.

Other Vibrating Sex Toys

In addition to vibrators, there are many other vibrating devices which can be used for a range of sexual activities. Some of the most popular include:

Vibrating Butt Plug

Vibrating butt plugs are sex toys that are designed to be inserted into the anus. They have a flared base and a tapered tip for easy insertion and to stop the toy from being lost inside you. Vibrating butt plugs can provide sexual stimulation for a man’s prostate and a woman’s g-spot as well as stimulating all the other nerve endings in the anus. They can be used for foreplay, to add an extra sensation during sex or can even be left in 24/7 (just make sure your butt plug is made from body-safe material.)

Vibrating Love Eggs

Vibrating love eggs are small, egg-shaped devices that can be inserted into the vagina or anus. They come with a wired controller that allows the user (or their partner!) to vary the vibration speed and intensity. They can be used by both men and women, and are often used during foreplay or masturbation. One really kinky way to use love eggs is to insert the toy when you are out in public and give your partner the remote control. They will then be able to operate the vibrator and give you sexual pleasure whenever they want but you will have to try and hide it from the people around you.

Tips for Using a Vibrator Safely

To get the most out of your toys, it is vital you follow safe vibrator use practices.

1. Keep Your Sex Toy Clean

The first rule for using any vibrator or other toy safely is to keep it clean and hygienic at all times. This means cleaning your vibrator before and after use and using condoms if you are sharing your vibrator with someone else. This is very important because it is easy to spread an STD or another organic disease by sharing your vibrator so always be aware of the risks.

2. Use the Right Lube

If you also want to use your vibrator for penetration, you may need to use lube to enhance your sexual pleasure and prevent any discomfort. It is important to know that certain lubes should never be used with certain materials. For example, you should never use silicone lube with a silicone vibrator or other toy because the lube can actually break down the surface of your toy making it more prone to collecting bacteria.

3. Know Your Limits

Vibrator use varies from person to person. Some people only use their vibrator for clitoral stimulation but others like to use their toy for sexual penetration too. Vibrator use among bisexually identified men and heterosexual men varies but some like to use their vibrator for anal penetration.

As with any toy, it is important to know your limits when it comes to using any toy during sex. Don’t immediately start out with a huge vibrator as it may be painful or cause discomfort. This is particularly true if you are using your vibrator anally. Start small, use lots of lube and work your way up to bigger vibrators.

The Big Climax

Vibrators are incredible devices that can provide the ultimate in sexual sensation. Perfect for both solo play and partner play, a comprehensive vibrator collection is essential for every bedroom. There are many companies and websites selling sex toys including vibrators and other vibrating toys so you are sure to find a device that provides all the right vibes.