Vibrators - It's a Big Subject - Let's Break It Down!

What is a Vibrator?

A vibrator (or vibe) is, simply put, any adult toy that vibrates. There are so many different types, shapes, sizes and uses of vibrators that I’m going to break this down into some different categories. Most of them run on batteries of all different sizes and powers. Some use the tiniest of watch batteries and others use the big Double D’s! The toys with the larger batteries generally have more power, however, toys that use several of the smaller-sized batteries can deliver just as much speed and intensity.

In addition, there are “non-battery” vibes that use electricity and these tend to be even stronger allowing us to achieve a deeper, more intense experience.

When trying a vibrator for the first time, most women start out experimenting with clitoral stimulation, which is how we can get those "almost guaranteed" orgasms.

The amount and intensity of vibration women can handle on their clitoris is very different for each and every woman. Some women are so sensitive that only a small amount of very subtle vibration can give them delicious sensations whereas other women are at the opposite end of the spectrum and need something more powerful to achieve the results they desire. Either way is perfectly normal. Remember, we are all sexually unique and special. What works for you is probably not what’s going to work for your best friend and so on.

Using a vibe can be a unique experience inasmuch as it can arouse or awaken new nerve endings that have never experienced sensation before. This can ultimately make some women more orgasmic (with or without a partner) than they might have been had they never tried an adult toy like this.

The exploration of your body is an essential way to understand where and how your body responds to pleasure. Vibrators can help you with this journey. This awareness of your body will then help you understand how to interact with a partner in ways to make sex more enjoyable for you.

Types of Vibrators

There are vibrators that are made to stimulate every part of the body. Some of them overlap and can be used pretty much everywhere (nipples, clitoris, vaginally and any other erotic spot you find on your body). On the other hand there are some that are made for very specific areas. There are g-spot vibrators (Read here for more about the “G-Spot”), clitoral vibrators, vaginal vibrators, nipple vibrators, and even anal ones.

They come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. There are tiny ones that you can put in your purse or travel bag and there are really large ones that you will want to leave at home in a very special place in your closet or nightstand drawer. They can be shaped like bullets, eggs, balls, animals, flowers, and even tongues. They can be smooth and sleek or they can be bumpy and bendy.

What Are They Made Out of?

Vibrators can be made out of several materials including latex, plastic, jelly, rubber, silicone and even glass. I personally think the best material to look for in a vibrator is a good-quality silicone. These have far surpassed, in quality and popularity, the jellies, latexes and rubbers that lots of adult toys have been made out of for years.

Silicone is non-porous meaning it doesn’t contain the microscopic pores that some of the other materials have. Why is this a good thing? It’s possible for these pores (even though they’re tiny) to harbor bacteria and makes the vibrator more difficult to keep clean and germ-free. If you already have a non-silicone vibrator and you find yourself getting vaginal infections even though you’re sure you cleaned it last time you used it, this could very well be the reason for your discomfort.

Silicone vibrators are easy to keep squeaky clean with a good anti-bacterial, anti-fungal adult toy cleaner. No worries about those nasty bacteria being pushed up into the microscopic pores because a good-quality silicone vibrator doesn’t have those.

Also, importantly, a good quality silicone vibrator will be “Phthalate-Free”. What are Phthalates you ask? They are chemicals that plasticize and soften the vinyl that is used in everything from home goods, building materials, children’s toys, tubing and even clothing. And yes, they are even used to “soften” plastic adult toys to make them more pliable and lifelike. Phthalates are cheap and easy to use. Vibrators with phthalates are “porous”, meaning they can break down over time and release these chemicals into your body.

Is this harmful? As of now, studies are still inconclusive. Some studies have shown harmful effects in laboratory rodents, but only when they were given very large doses of the chemicals. Other studies have shown no adverse health risks from them at all.

What is my theory? Better safe than sorry! Personally, I think that, just to be on the conservative side, buy adult toys without Phthalates while the studies are still going on and until they scientifically prove something either way. Buy good-quality silicone, Phthalate-Free adult toys and vibrators. Or if you already own a vibrator that is not Phthalate-Free (or you’re not sure), simply slip a condom over it during use to create a barrier between the toy and your body.

You will know your vibrators contain these chemicals if they have that strong plastic smell (like a new shower curtain), especially when you first open the package they come in. Also, if you lick the toy and it causes a tingling sensation on your tongue, it probably has Phthalates. But, again, if you’re not sure, don’t throw the toy away (especially if you like it). Just slip a new condom over it during each use.

Glass is another safe and fun alternative. See My Article on Glass Toys.

Bullet Vibrators

You may have heard of the silver bullet vibrator. There are many versions and variations of this but a basic bullet vibrator can be connected to a battery-pack controller by a wire which gives you different speeds to choose from. There are also wireless bullets which typically use small, flat watch-type batteries. These usually offer only one speed but I’m starting to see some of these that offer several speeds as well. The most popular use for these fun little bullets is clitoral stimulation. Other uses include stimulation of the male perineum spot or they can be placed against the cheek or under the chin when pleasuring your partner orally.

These are the most popular type of vibrator used when a woman desires to introduce a toy into her relationship. They are small and not phallic-shaped, making them very un-intimidating for a male partner. He doesn’t feel like he has competition. This is an issue for some men and others are not affected by this at all. However, it’s a good place to start when you’re just beginning to try new things.

Penetration Vibrators

Some women are looking for the fullness and slight pressure that a phallic-shaped vibrator can give them. Thus, they require something they can use internally. There are vibrators that actually look like penises and some that look nothing at all like a human man’s sex organ. This is a personal choice. Some women don’t want their vibrators to look life-like and others get very “turned on” by something that resembles the “real thing.” Again something that doesn’t look like a penis at all might be just the thing to introduce to a male partner when you’re looking to experiment in your relationship.

Some of these penetration vibrators are rigid and some are soft and bendable. This is also a personal preference. Again, experiment with shapes, sizes, materials and vibration strength to see what your body responds best to.

Note: It’s very important, when using a penetration vibrator, that a good-quality lubricant be used with it. See my article on "To Lube or Not to Lube.

The Best of Both Worlds

Maybe you’re looking for a vibrator that can take care of both clitoral stimulation and vaginal penetration at once. These dual-action vibrators can really put that toe-curling, peel me off the ceiling, experience into your orgasms! Many of these vibrators even have shafts that spin, swirl, go up and down, and sometimes a combo of all three.

All of this while getting clitoral stimulation on the top part of the toy. I tell my customers that these vibes are great for the busy gal on the go because you won’t last much longer than 10-15 seconds before you get there and you’ll be smiling when you do!

You may have heard of the infamous "Rabbit". This is the vibrator that Charlotte, from "Sex and the City" was addicted to for awhile. She wouldn't go to lunch with the girls, shopping or even leave her house because she was having obsessive fun with her new "friend." This is an example of a dual-action vibrator. But there are many to choose from.

I hope you have a great time exploring, experimenting and most of all enjoying! It’s so much fun to have all these possibilities at your disposal. The adult toy world is unique and exiting all at the same time. Have fun!