Genital vibration for sexual function and enhancement: a review of evidence

ABSTRACT

Vibration, as provided by a genital vibrator, is commonly regarded as a tool to enhance sexual pleasure and in modern day society falls under the category of a sex toy. However, the vibrator was not originally intended to be a toy, and its benefits reach far beyond that of a plaything. This article is a narrative review of the current evidence regarding the use of vibratory stimulation for the treatment of sexual dysfunction and/or sexual and relationship enhancement. The literature indicates that vibratory stimulation has evidence-based support for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and anorgasmia. Vibratory stimulation is positively correlated with increased sexual desire and overall sexual function. It has also shown benefit for sexual arousal difficulties and pelvic floor dysfunction. Though definitive evidence is lacking, genital vibration is a potential treatment for sexual dysfunction related to a wide variety of sexual health concerns in men and women.

KEYWORDS:

• Female sexual arousal disorder
• orgasmic disorder
• sexual physiology
• medical therapy
• retrograde ejaculation

Disclosure statement

The authors report no disclosures.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jordan E. Rullo

Jordan E. Rullo is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Medicine at Mayo Clinic and specializes in sexual health.

Tierney Lorenz

Tierney Lorenz is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and specializes in sexual health.

Matthew J. Ziegelmann

Matthew Ziegelmann is a urologist at Mayo Clinic and specializes in sexual health.

Laura Meihofer

Laura Meihofer is a physical therapist at Mayo Clinic and specializes in sexual health.

Debra Herbenick

Debra Herbenick is a Professor and Director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University, Bloomington and specializes in sexual health.

Stephanie S. Faubion

Stephanie S. Faubion is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Office of Women's Health at Mayo Clinic and specializes in sexual health.