Genital vibration for sexual function and enhancement: best practice recommendations for choosing and safely using a vibrator

ABSTRACT

Vibrators are an evidence-based treatment for a variety of sexual dysfunctions and sexual enhancement; however, the use of a genital vibrator lacks best practice recommendations. This aim of this article is to provide current, best practice recommendations regarding the use of vibratory stimulation for the treatment of sexual dysfunction and/or sexual or relationship enhancement. A multidisciplinary team of sexual health specialists collaborated to develop best practice recommendations based on a narrative literature review. Recommendations for the use of vibratory stimulation for the treatment of sexual dysfunction are provided, with special attention to counseling patients on choosing and safely using a vibrator. Further study is needed to determine the most effective methods to counsel patients on vibrator use and to provide evidence-based cleaning recommendations.

KEYWORDS:

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

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jordan E. Rullo

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

Tierney Lorenz

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

Matthew J. Ziegelmann

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

Laura Meihofer

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

Debra Herbenick

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