How Vibrator Use with a Partner Relates to Women’s Sexual Satisfaction (Study review)

Does using a vibrator solo versus with a partner make a difference in women’s sexual well-being? A new study suggests it might.

The study by Gauvin, Yessick, and Pukall (2019) explores the implications of discrepant vibrator use on sexual functioning and well-being in women with male partners.

Key takeaways:

• The study surveyed 488 women with male partners.
• Women were categorized into three vibrator use groups:
  • Non-discrepant (used vibrator solo & with partner): 187 women
  • Discrepant (used vibrator solo only): 83 women
  • No vibrator use: 198 women
• Non-discrepant vibrator users reported significantly greater sexual satisfaction scores compared to discrepant users (25.88 vs 23.52 on the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction scale).
• Non-discrepant users also reported a significantly higher sexual rewards-to-costs ratio compared to discrepant users (3.92 vs 2.67) and non-users (3.92 vs 3.00).
• Non-discrepant users had significantly higher sexual communication scores than discrepant users (66.31 vs 58.53 on the Dyadic Sexual Communication Scale).

Researchers surveyed nearly 500 women in relationships with men about their vibrator habits – whether they used them during solo sessions, with their partner, both, or not at all. Surprisingly, there was no link between what context women used vibrators in and aspects of sexual function like desire, arousal, and pain.

However, the results tell a different story when it comes to sexual satisfaction. Women who incorporated vibrators into both solo and partnered play reported feeling more sexually satisfied compared to those who only buzzed alone. They also felt they were getting more bang for their buck, so to speak, perceiving a better balance of sexual rewards to costs in their relationship.

So what might explain the satisfaction gap? It could come down to communication. The vibe-sharing women in the study also reported better sexual communication with their partners compared to the solo users. As the saying goes, the couple that plays together stays together.

“Promoting the incorporation of a vibrator into solitary and partnered sexual activity could potentially contribute to more sexual rewards,” the study authors note. Of course, every person and couple is different in their toy preferences. But if you’ve been curious about bringing a buzzy friend into the bedroom, it might be worth having a chat with your partner. A little vibration could lead to some very good vibes in your relationship.

Despite the lack of a direct relationship between discrepant vibrator use and sexual functioning, the findings suggest that vibrator use, particularly when integrated into partnered activities, has the potential to enhance sexual pleasure and satisfaction. The authors mention, “Indeed, sex therapists and educators have long proposed the therapeutic utility of vibrators in enhancing sexual pleasure.”

This study sheds light on the complex relationship between vibrator use, sexual satisfaction, and communication within heterosexual relationships, suggesting that more open discussions and flexibility regarding sexual preferences could enhance sexual well-being.

References

More statistics on vibrators use.

Gauvin, S., Yessick, L., & Pukall, C. F. (2019). Picking up good vibrations: Discrepant vibrator use, sexual functioning, and sexual well-being in women with male partners. Psychology & Sexuality. https://doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2019.1679230