“Hysteria” and the Strange History of Vibrators

While it may look a little intimidating, it’s all for a good reason; it’s been ergonomically designed to stimulate the G-spot and clitoris simultaneously, with 12 intensity levels. Similar to the BumpHer above, this is a silicone pad that can be used to cushion the impact of strap-on sex and also works well as a standalone grinder pad. However, this one was developed specifically to be useable even when you’re dealing with vulva pain, whether from a chronic illness like vulvodynia, from an acute condition like bacterial vaginosis, or recovering from childbirth.

To figure out which one to buy, take a moment to consider what kind of pleasure you enjoy, as well as what kind of play you’d be interested in exploring. From there, peruse the different types of vibrators to determine which toy genre best fits your wants and needs. There might be an obvious winner, or a few toys you’re tempted to try. And it’s really no problem if you find yourself in the latter category—after all, you can always buy more than one. This Kandi Kisses lipstick-shaped vibrator looks just like your average tube of lipstick but is actually a secret toy with three adjustable settings. So sneaky you can throw it in your purse, just don’t confuse it with your actual makeup.

The Pulse Solo Essential is the most pared-down model the brand makes, but if you want a version with a few more cool features (like a remote control) check out the Pulse Duo Lux instead. That’s why the Lelo Ina Wave 2’s game-changing Wave Motion technology makes this rabbit one worth writing about. Mashable culture reporter Jess Joho called the toy “the best that rabbit vibrators have to offer,” and that’s because the internal part of the vibe actually moves inside you, replicating a “come hither” motion. And as gimmicky as it sounds, it actually works pretty freaking well in providing internal stimulation. Thanks to the compact design , it’s ultra discreet and will fit into the palm of your hand nicely – a particularly popular feature among our testers. One of our panellists noted that it didn’t look like a sex toy, so you can easily carry it around with you.

If you’re regularly able to orgasm in other ways, you may find your orgasms to be much more intense when they’re coming from a vibrator. There are women out there that just aren’t big vibrator fans (nothing wrong with that), but most women enjoy the sensation. If you always feel a little nervous firing up your noisy vibrator, Womanizer has the toy for you.

Generally, you can count on high-quality vibrators to land somewhere between $50 to $150. Make sure that regardless of price point, the vibe you’re buying is made of body-safe materials like platinum-grade silicone. No matter what, the general consensus among experts is that your toy should be phthalate-free, Howard says. Phthalates are a group of chemical plasticizers typically used to make plastics softer, so you usually spot them in jelly-like toys.

Consult the user manual that came with your device or look for instructions online. If you’re unable to find any information, it’s worth contacting the brand to request help. Most of our panel said they achieved a more intense orgasm with this toy and it was quicker than normal, too. With an overall satisfaction rating of 8.4 out of 10, this vibrator is certainly a welcome addition to the bedroom. At just four inches, it can easily slip into most bags (ideal for travel) and there is a healthy selection of speed settings to flit between. There were mixed reviews on how loud it was, with some finding it too noisy, but it still left a string of satisfied customers in its wake.

If you’re looking to treat yourself in the bedroom there are millions of sex toys to choose from, but one of the greatest things about masturbating is you’re totally in control. Ensure that it’s wide, narrow vibrator, or long enough to align with the circumference of your clit, advises Stone. If you want to pair the panty vibe with tighter clothing, it’s best to avoid “bullet-vibe-lookin’ bulges,” says Queen. One of the biggest benefits of panty vibrators is their discretion and versatility.

Our favorite is this one from Le Wand, which sports a head made from silky soft silicone and a handy travel lock. This powerful pick also has 10 vibration speeds and 20 patterns, which you can cycle through easily using three buttons. “Do you want a toy that really targets just the head of the clitoris—or the whole vulva?

Made to fit perfectly in your hand, this the Empress Tidal is ideal for solo or partnered fun, with the added bonus of being 100 per cent waterproof. Working out which vibrators are best is fun, of course, but it also involves rigorous testing. It’s not just about whether or not a vibe will get you off, too — stimulate yourself enough and you’re all but guaranteed to get some kind of orgasm out of the deal. There are certain boxes a vibrator needs to check and while I looked into those myself, I also reached out to sexologists and sex educators for input. “Vibrators are often the primary option for anyone who’s not in a sexual relationship, though they can be used in coupled sex, too,” she said. “Many women find it more difficult to achieve orgasm over time, and a vibrator can be helpful in providing the necessary stimulation.”

You’ll also want to make sure that you cover your chosen object with a condom. And, again, once you start using it for sexy purposes, it gets retired from it’s initial function. Not only do they help keep your teeth clean, they’re great for masturbation as well! In fact, they’re so commonly used that some sex toy providers have started selling attachments meant specifically for use with an electric toothbrush.