Love + Sex

Saturday, November 7, 2009

New study: Vibrators are as common in households as coffee makers

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Getty Images

According to two new national surveys from Indiana University, 53% percent of women have used a vibrator. Perhaps even more interesting is that 81% of these ladies have used the device with a partner. We've come a long way since Alfred Kinsey's studies in 1953 Shere Hite in 1976. They found that vibrator use was “not appreciable” and “less than 1 percent” admit to using them.

“What this tells us is we’ve reached a tipping point,” said Debby Herbenick, an author of the studies. “Something once regarded as exotic has become commonplace.” Sure, talking about vibrators still may make us blush or feel slightly uncomfortable, but the truth is, more women than ever have them in their homes. With "massagers" sold online and in a wide variety of stores like Brookstone, CVS, Wal-Mart and even 7-Eleven, you no longer need to enter a sex shop to purchase vibrators. “You can now buy your toothpaste, shampoo and vibrator at the local convenience store,” Dr. Herbenick said. “They’re not hidden in a dark corner of some adult store.”

Women with kids under 18 had no shame about having vibrators in their homes either. Dr. Hebernick claims this is because, “A lot of these are very discreet — it’s not all the Hitachi magic wand. They’re so innocuous, even if children saw, they wouldn’t know.” Vibrators have also proven to be recession-proof: Jim Daniels, the vice president of marketing for Trojan says sales are up 20% in the last year. It's good to know that during a tough economy, orgasms are still free. [NY Times]

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Comments 1-10 of 71
  • Jupman's Avatar
    Posted by Jupman Tue Jun 30, 2009 11:54am PDT

    yes i guess it's very discreet now. Though sex toys are very female centric I don't even know why sex shops still are around you can order everything online now.

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  • tiffini_leigh's Avatar
    Posted by tiffini_leigh Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:12pm PDT

    I DONT HAVE EITHER IN MY HOUSE BELIEVE I HAVE LOOKED SO THEY ARE NOT THAT COMMAN I HAVE CLEANED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM ALL MY FAMILIES HOUSES BECAUSE IM A CLEAN FREAK AND THERE ISNOT ONE IN ANY OF THEM!!!!

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  • InLove's Avatar
    Posted by InLove Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:43pm PDT

    My husband and I actually bought one together and we both enjoy it. Definately worth getting! I actually think they're more common once you reach the late 20s or 30s.

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  • Ahleah G's Avatar
    Posted by Ahleah G Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:57pm PDT

    I'm not surprised by this at all. A large percentage of women cannot orgasm from vaginal stimulation alone, so this is one way to help that even if a partner is involved. And it has in general become more acceptable to know your own body and learn what pleases you so that you can communicate it to a partner.

    Jupman, I don't think toy shops will become obsolete. Yes, you can order everything online, but it's 'safer' is some respects to check things out in person before you buy them. Some of the better stores have demo models so that you can see how they work and test the intensity (obviously on your hand, not a real test run) so you make sure you are happy with what you get.

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  • mommaofsun's Avatar
    Posted by mommaofsun Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:20pm PDT

    Nothing wrong with having one. Doesn't feel nowhere near the real thing, but, it works in a pinch!! LOL!!!

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  • Kendra's Avatar
    Posted by Kendra Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:59pm PDT

    Now I can sleep soundly knowing that vibrators are "recession proof". LOL!!

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  • Elm's Avatar
    Posted by Elm Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:30pm PDT

    I need one...lol!

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  • Briana's Avatar
    Posted by Briana Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:49pm PDT

    I don't have one in my house, but not because I disapprove or am a prude (hardly). No, the darn things just don't work for me. I have tried many styles and intensities, but mechanical stimulation, no matter how mild or carefully applied has proven to be too excessive, resulting in actual numbness. Sigh. On the other hand, so to speak, intercourse in a variety of positions, without any other stimulation, brings me to orgasm every time, sometimes even multiples.

    As for "sex shops", down on Bourbon Street, in New Orleans, LA (one of my favorite places on earth, and I'm neither a drinker or a party girl), there are fascinating little shops with all sorts of fascinating goodies on display, ready to horribly offend (I delight in watching the righteous stumble red-faced, mortified and promising damnation from the premises) or delight the curious. No peep shows, just exotic and erotic wares on display and for sale. I could easily imagine working in an establishment like that, what fun to help people find pleasure!

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  • martza's Avatar
    Posted by martza Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:51pm PDT

    ive never used one or had one. but ive been waning one. but nnow dat im no longer livin at my parents home i might just buy one.

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  • Vern's Avatar
    Posted by Vern Tue Jun 30, 2009 4:58pm PDT

    To each there own device, so party on, for tomorrow we climax/orgasm.

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Comments 1-10 of 71

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