There are a lot of important firsts in a person’s life. First steps, first words, the first day of school all come to mind. But there is another pinnacle which some women have yet to experience: the first vibrator. Many women are afraid of vibrators for different reasons. Some believe it will affect their sexual enjoyment by damaging their sensitivity, some have sanitation concerns and others are simply turned off by some of the colors, materials, and sizes they’ve seen. But vibrators shouldn’t be feared, they should be celebrated. They add a whole new dimension to the bedroom, whether you are alone or with company. This column is for women who want to know what to look for in their first vibrator, veteran users who maybe want an upgrade, and for generous men who are open to bringing toys into their sex lives and need help finding the right match. To start with the basics, there are two broad categories for vibrators. There are the vibes meant for clitoral stimulation, and those meant for penetration. There are combination vibrators which are outfitted for both simultaneously, and there are many varieties of both kinds. Think about which you would be using the toy for. Are you a virgin? Then it would probably be best if you stuck with a vibrator which is intended for clitoral stimulation, or a smaller than average penetration vibrator. Some virgins do find it less painful during their first time if they have gotten used to the feel of a penetration toy, but this is up to each individual. Nearly all clitoral stimulators are small enough to discreetly carry in your pants pocket, which explains the nickname “pocket rocket”. If you are thinking that you’d like a penetration vibe, then the next thing to decide on is size. There are a multitude of lengths and girths available in the toy market. Shop around and figure out which one is right for you. If you have decided on a penetration vibrator, you may want to look for one with a curved head, because the shape of this toy makes it perfect for G-spot stimulation.
Next, you should think about what you’d like the surface of the vibrator to look like. There are vibrators with ridges covering them, smooth ones, realistic penetration vibrators covered with veins, and clitoral finger vibes with different stimulating attachable heads. Again, this is a time for personal preference. If you are a beginner, think about how sensitive you are normally. Vibrators can be a little powerful while you are getting used to them, and too many nubs or bumps could lead to some after-play soreness. My personal suggestion to women who are buying their first vibrator is to pick something very friendly looking. It makes you much less afraid of the vibrator if it is a non-flesh color and isn’t covered in bulging veins.
One of the last considerations is the material. This goes hand in hand with whether or not you would like your vibrator to be waterproof. I would always push for a waterproof vibrator because for most people shower or bath time is one of the few moments where privacy is guaranteed. Remember, unless the web page or box describing the vibrator says “waterproof toy”, you should assume that the vibrator is not intended for use in the shower. The materials which are most trusted are cyberskin and silicone. Both are very easy to clean by simply using lukewarm water and some hand soap. Cyberskin is more lifelike, but it does creep out some people by just how realistic it feels. Silicone has some give to it, so it will keep its shape well, but not be so rigid that it is painful.
Finally, it is time to think of the almighty dollar. Prices for vibrators range from as low as twenty to over a hundred dollars. Prices can also fluctuate depending on where you buy the toy. Vibrators are usually more expensive when you buy them in a sex shop, so web purchasing can be a plus. Most toy-selling websites offer services which hide the exact item you are buying from your bank or credit card company. (For instance, the package would state that it is from an electronics company rather than spicygear.com.) Also, don’t make the mistake of forgetting to purchase plenty of the right type of battery for your toy. There is nothing more depressing than buying a vibrator and having to postpone the test run because you have to track down some special watch battery. The only other advice that I can offer is to enjoy yourself and remember to clean your vibrator after every use and remove the batteries between uses to help lengthen its life. Now go get buzzed!