52.5% of American Women are Using Vibrators

52.5 % OF AMERICAN WOMEN USE VIBRATORS FOR

 ATTAINING ORGASM 

United States: results from a nationally representative study. 

Herbenick D, Reece M, Sanders S, Dodge B, Ghassemi A,

Fortenberry JD.

INTRODUCTION:

Although vibrators are commonly recommended

by clinicians as adjunct to treatment for female sexual dysfunction,

 and for sexual enhancement, little is known about their prevalence

or correlates of use. AIM: 

The aim of this study was to determine the lifetime and recent 

prevalence of  women's vibrator use during masturbation and

partnered sex, and the correlates of use related to sociodemographic

variables, health behaviors, and sexual function. 

METHODS:

A nationally representative sample of 3,800 women

aged 18-60 years were invited to participate in a cross-sectional

Internet-based survey; 2,056 (54.1%) participated. 

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The prevalence of vibrator use, the relationship between vibrator

use and physical and psychological well-being (asassessed by the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] Healthy Days

measure) and health-promoting behaviors, the relationship

between vibrator use and women's scores on the Female Sexual

Function Index, and an assessment of the frequency and severity of

side effects potentially associated with vibrator use. 

RESULTS:

The prevalence of women's vibrator use was found to be 52.5% 

(95% CI 50.3-54.7%). Vibrator users were significantly more likely

to have had a gynecologic exam during the past year (P < 0.001)

and to have performed genital self-examination during the previous

month (P < 0.001). Vibrator use was significantly related to several

aspects of sexual function (i.e., desire,arousal, lubrication, orgasm,

pain, overall function) with recent vibrator users scoring higher on

most sexual function domains, indicating more positive sexual

function. Most women (71.5%) reported having never experienced

genital  symptoms associated with vibrator use. There were no

significant associations between vibrator use and participants' scores

on the CDC Healthy Days Measures.

CONCLUSIONS:

 Vibrator use among women is common, associated with  health-

promoting behaviors and positive sexual function, and rarely

associated  with side effects. Clinicians may find these data useful in

responding to patients' sexual issues and recommending vibrator

use to improve sexual function. Further research on the

relationships between vibrator use and sexual health is warranted.