In today’s post-sexual revolution world, one would think that women would be comfortable with their sexuality. Yet we notice that at the mere mention of words like ‘masturbating’ or ‘orgasm’, women start getting all fidgety, their faces flushed with distress.
As far as the subject of sex toys is concerned, talking about them is a strict no-no. Which is why walking into a shop and enquiring about the trendiest vibrators can be terribly intimidating for most of us. However, just like with all other products, doing your own background research before buying a vibrator is very important.
So whether you’re buying your first vibrator or your 6th, keeping these 6 tips in mind when walking into a sex store will give you a giant, encouraging push towards achieving that elusive ‘Big O.’
1. One Size Does Not Fit All
You’ll be surprised by the number of vibrators out there in the market. Each one is designed for a different purpose. There are vibrators for solo use, there are vibrators that are meant to be used with a partner, there are waterproof vibrators, and then there are vibrators that come with batteries. So figure out what you need from your vibrator before going ahead and buying one. Remember, you don’t have to burn a huge hole in your pocket while buying a vibrator. You just need to get yourself something that gets your job done.
2. Know What Your Vibrator Is Made Of
One of the most important things to affect your chances of reaching an orgasm with a vibrator is the material that it’s made of. The way a material feels against your skin is vital for pleasure. There are some vibrators that feel like jelly, which is luxuriously soft and super flexible. However, these can’t be completely disinfected, so you may have a chance of contracting a vaginal infection of some sort. Plastic is usually the most common material used when it comes to vibrators, but it can feel a little too hard for many people.
Silicone vibrators are usually the best bet for most people, since it’s neither too hard, nor too soft. Besides, it’s very easy to clean, so you can rest assured that inviting weird microbes into your vagina is not part of ‘Operation Orgasm.’
3. Cleaning And Sterilizing
Cleaning: Depending on what material your vibrator is made of, you need to invest in some good cleaning products. Leaving your vibrator dirty after use is the worst thing you can do to your vagina, for it can lead to some seriously painful infections down there that will not only make life super uncomfortable for you but are also pretty hard to treat.
So always look for cleaning instructions and tips on the packaging box when buying a vibrator. If the box doesn’t have any, google the instructions yourself. As a general rule of thumb, soap and water are corrosive to most vibrators.
Sterilizing: Just because your vibrator is new, doesn’t mean it’s squeaky clean. You can really never know how many hands have handled that vibrator you’re about to buy, and what it was doing before it was put into that box. So check your box for sterilization tips. If the material allows it, boil your vibrator in water for 3 to 4 minutes or simply use bleach. Toys made of silicone, Pyrex, glass, and stainless steel can generally be sterilized using boiling water and bleach, while those made of plastic and elastomer are non-sterilizable. For a vibrator that can’t be sterilized, always put a condom or a dental dam over it when using it with your partner. Yes, ladies, safe sex is applicable to vibrators as well!
Also, never buy a vibrator whose box is already open. It’s probably been handled by previous customers like yourself, and you don’t want to go back home with that. Always go for a sealed box. That way you bring down your chances of infection.
4. How Much Noise Does It Make?
Can you imagine a bigger mood-ruiner than your children waking up to a loud buzzing sound and walking in on you with your hands shoved down your underwear? To avoid being caught in compromising situations like this, it’s best you go for a vibrator that isn’t loud. This is why we insist on going to a sex store and shopping for vibrators yourself, rather than ordering one online. That way you can easily test the sound in person to ensure that the people in the adjacent apartment won’t know what you’re up to.
Remember, never trust what the label on the packaging box says, no matter how assuring the words sound. Sex toys never want to advertise themselves as being loud.
5. Do The Sneeze Test
Here’s a quick fun fact: did you know that when turned on and made to gently touch the tip of your nose, a quality vibrator will give you a strong urge to sneeze? It’s true!
So yes, while it may startle the shopkeeper a bit by making you look like you’re trying to dig your nose with a large purple-colored tubular structure, go ahead and do the sneeze-test. After all, you do want your money’s worth, don’t you?
6. Don’t Forget The Lube!
If you’re done picking your vibrator, you may want to rush to the counter and finish the billing procedures – either because you’re super embarrassed and want to get done with it, or because you can’t wait to head home and try your new toy. But you’re not done at the sex store yet! You will want to pick out some lube, which is absolutely vital for maximal pleasure and safety in sexual scenarios, especially with things being inserted into your vagina.
Keep in mind that silicone lube cannot be used with vibrators or other toys made of silicone and that oil-based lubes will cause wear and tear of toys made of latex. If you have these rules memorized, shopping for lube shouldn’t be too difficult.
