Is It Possible to Get Addicted to Your Vibrator?

Dr. Kate is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City and she answers your medical questions on EMandLO.com once a week. To ask her your own question, click here.

Dear Dr. Kate,

I use my vibrator pretty much every night, and the vibrations are incredibly intense (it's an external, clitoral vibrator). Are there any risks with doing this? Lack of sensitivity, nerve-damage, addiction, etc…?

- Turned On

Dear T.O.,

As long as you're never in pain, there shouldn't be any damage done to your clitoris or vulva, no matter how often you play. Pain is your body's way of saying that things aren't right and need to change…so no pain means you're not hurting your body. If something hurts, then stop. Remember that booze and drugs cloud your judgement in this regard. [Aside from Em & Lo: Friends don't let friends diddle drunk!] And I've never heard of someone developing a callous on their clit, or about developing lack of sensitivity.

Your genitals might feel temporarily numb after using a particularly strong vibe or pressing down hard with a buzzing toy. If this is the case, you could try a toy with a more subtle vibe, or use your vibrator over a blanket or jeans.

I think the only downside of frequent vibrator use is that because the orgasms come so quickly, a gal may lose patience with her partner. Even a great lover needs to take his or her time to get their girlfriend off, and they are rarely on-point and as fast as a vibrator. So as long as you aren't feeling frustration during sexual encounters with another person, you're probably good to go. If you are, mix up your masturbation routine a bit to teach your body some new tricks.

- Dr. Kate
Gynotalk

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