Can using a vibrator take sensation away from my clitoris?
January 8th, 2010
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This may be one of the saddest scenarios I’ve ever had to contemplate. Imagining the clitoris—the only organ dedicated to pleasure—injured or unable to feel sensation because of a vibrator practically brings tears to my eyes! I suppose you could lose sensation if you were to use some of the barbaric torture devices, I mean vibrators, we featured a few weeks back. But luckily, modern technology can allow me to confidently answer your question by saying, “Aw, hell to the no!” to quote the unflappable Whitney Houston. No matter how much you use them, vibrators simply cannot take sensation away from your clitoris.
Think of a vibrator as a wonderful sidekick. A Robin to your Batman, a Laverne to your Shirley, a Cheech to your Chong…except in a non-cartoony, non-Milwaukee brewery, and non-pot smoking kind of way. Okay, so maybe those were terrible examples.
My point is that a vibrator is a fabulous assistant in reaching orgasm. It’s not going to cause you nerve damage, or hinder your chances of having an orgasm over time. In fact, 70% of women need clitoral stimulation to reach orgasm, and intercourse alone doesn’t guarantee it for some women. So a vibrator can be a tremendous supporter in the quest for the big O.
As you know by asking this question, the clitoris is a very sensitive organ. It responds well to all kinds of touch—not just vibrators. Fingers can easily arouse and heighten sexual desire. If clitoral massage is done well, the feeling can be a sensational as receiving oral sex. Light touch, slow circles, side- to-side strokes, and listening for moans of pleasure are some instructions you should pass on your partner. Orgasm can also be achieved when your clitoris is rubbing up against your partner’s pubic bone.
Occasionally there are women that get hooked on their vibrator and end up believing it’s the only way they’ll have an orgasm. This usually isn’t true. But, for variety’s sake, we suggest having several different ones on hand. Dodson & Ross have some excellent sex toy suggestions.
So, enjoy the pleasures your vibrator provides and don’t worry about losing sensation. It won’t happen.
And check out this great video from Dan Savage, as he bluntly answers the question, “How can I get a woman to orgasm without resorting to clitoral stimulation.”
Planned Parenthood of northern New England’s Education Department carefully selects all weekly questions. All questions are actual inquiries made to PPNNE by college-aged students.
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nice article, my girlfriend loves to use vibrators, she was never thinking about this but it gaves her a couple of good ideas
If anything, using a vibrator gently on the clitoris then building up to the vibration level that suits you, will enhance clitoral sensations. Enjoying good sex more often usually boosts the female sex drive, whereas a lack of orgasm, mundane sexual experience and ignorance of female pleasure by her partner causes a drop in libido and desire. Stimulation feels so good and vibrations help so much, that you cannot fail to want more, and more often…