How to Use a Vibrator: 10 Tips

Hot off the press: There's no one way to use a vibrator. Sex toys are tools for the exploration of your body and what excites it. How to use a vibrator depends on your tastes and preferences — and exactly what gets you tingling.

Curious how to use a vibrator to reach peak pleasure? An exciting journey awaits you. So what’s the buzz? Let’s dive in.

In this article: 📝

The history of vibrators

The vibrator has had many uses throughout history. It started its life as a medical tool — but what exactly it was used to treat has recently been the subject of some debate.

The commonly told story has been that vibrators were, controversially, first used to treat hysteria. By giving women orgasms.

Wow.

But this has been thrown into doubt. [1]

Recent research into its complicated past has revealed that the vibrator may have had different beginnings. It may have been used as a remedy for all sorts of things, from erectile dysfunction, to constipation, to, interestingly, diabetes. [2]

Luckily, we live in an age where the vibrator has come to have quite a different use — and any taboo that was once there is fading away.

Now, using a vibrator as part of a sexual relationship with your partner or as the ideal prop for your one-woman show is delightfully ordinary. [3]

They’re so commonplace, in fact, that vibrators may even be the new celebrity fragrances, with famous women making them part of their brand.

But what if vibrators are new to you? How do you even get going?

Don’t worry. We’re going to take you through it. Hold on to your seats because it’s quite a ride.

How does a vibrator work?

First, the basics.

Without being too much of a buzzkill, what even is a vibrator, actually?

A vibrator is basically an appliance — like your blender or hair dryer — but with a far more intimate function: your pleasure.

They come in silicone, stainless steel, and glass.

(They also come in PVC, sometimes referred to as “jelly,” or rubber — but those might be best to avoid as they might contain toxic ingredients.) [4]

There are internal vibrators and external ones–and ones that serve as both at the same time.

There are vibrators for the anus and vibrators for the penis.

They can come in different speeds, sizes, and shapes.

There are also suction vibrators that create a pulsating sensation around your clitoral area.

The one thing they all have in common? The vibration. It’s generally constant and high-frequency, regardless of the type you’re using.

And where does this vibe come from? A motor. (It looks something like this when taken apart.) And the real magic is that, unlike other kinds of motors, you really want these to whir and spin. You’d be worried if your blender was striving for this kind of rattle.

And what powers that motor? Well, that depends on the type. While some need to be plugged in, battery-operated is the most common. Portability is a serious factor in this arena.

So how do you even get started? We’ll take you through the ins and outs.

Tips on using a vibrator

Whether you want to know how to use a rabbit vibrator (yep, this is the sex toy Charlotte made famous in Sex and the City), how to use a bullet vibrator, or how to use a massage wand, many of the basic principles are the same.

Underlying them all? Your pleasure.

Here are our top tips:

1. Shop till it drops

Look for the vibrator that works best for you.

If you’re after one that is shaped like a penis, consider which option really does it for you.

Do you want internal or external stimulation, or a combination of both? Pocket-sized? Wearable?

There’s really something for every preference.

2. Date your toy

Before jumping in, get to know your vibrator.

Read its instructions.

Play with the settings.

Figure out how to turn it off if you need to.

That way, by the time you get going, you’ll feel confident that you are in charge of the situation.

3. Foreplay matters — even with vibrators

Go slowly. Explore your body.

Make time to be alone with it. Figure out what you like.

And there are no wrong answers here.

This is all about you and your exploration.

That way, if you add a partner to the relationship between you and your vibrator, you’ll already be empowered by knowing what you really enjoy.

4. Find your spot (or spots)

There are many ways to find your bliss.

For some women, placing a vibrator on the labia — those are the lips at the entrance to your vagina — does the trick.

Others enjoy direct contact with the clitoris. And others love vaginal or anal penetration.

You might like one or a combo of all of these.

5. Love your lube

Feeling moist in all the right places can really add to your experience with a vibrator — and it might take you a little time to get there on your own.

Enter lube. Water-based lube is generally the best options when it comes to sex toys as it doesn’t destroy the materials.

(Silicone on silicone can cause your toy to disintegrate.)

6. Experiment with different positions

Play around, moving your hips up and down until you find what works for you.

You might find that lying on your back is the surest way to peak pleasure.

Or you’ll want to straddle a surface. Or you’ll want to straddle a person.

You do you.

7. Stop if it hurts

Whether you’re with a partner or alone, it’s always important to pay attention to the signals your body is giving you.

This is supposed to feel good. If it doesn’t, stop.

8. Avoid using your toy in the shower or tub

As tempting as this might be, the motor and the water might not be too into each other.

9. Clean your toys

It’s important to keep things clean, so you put nothing contaminated on these sensitive areas of your body.

Infections and irritations can arise if sex toys are not kept clean.

Soap and water do the trick in most cases.

10. Store your toys safely

After cleaning, put your toy to bed somewhere clean and dry.

It’s best to create a specific spot for your toy to live in — like a storage bag or box — where it won’t come into contact with anything that might contaminate it.

What's the best vibrator?

Well, we all have different tastes when it comes to sex.

But one of our favorites (and a favorite of our Peanut community) is the KURVE.

With its soft-pressure tip and innovative curve, you can reach your G-spot with ease.

And if you find some vibrations are too intense (or not intense enough), there are 25 treble and bass speed combinations to choose from, so you can pick whatever works for you.

Sex toys can be a great way to explore your body.

Unless you have been told otherwise by your doctor, you should be good to go — but if you’re worried, check-in first.

Wishing you a blissful journey.