Ever heard of “dead vagina syndrome”? Don’t believe it – it’s just another way of trying to police and limit female self-pleasure (as if we need any more of that).
The term is about masturbating too much with a vibrator, with those talking about it attempting to scaremonger people into believing that it can numb your sexual organs down.
It’s likely this idea came from a corner of society that don’t like the idea of self-identifying women taking control of their sexuality and getting enough stimulation from toys… *sigh*. Will it ever stop?
Thankfully the experts are here to say this idea categorically isn’t true.
Annabelle Knight, sex expert with sexual wellness brand Lovehoney, confirms this: “This is an urban myth – and one that gets perpetuated to shame female sexuality. Typically, diminished sensitivity down there, if it happens at all, won’t last long.
“This is supported by science. A 2009 report published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 71% of women who have used a vibrator have never suffered any side effects – including numbness, pain, irritation, swelling or inflammation and tears or cuts. Of the 16% who had experienced genital numbness, only one 1 in 200 reported that the numbness lasted for a day or more.
“In short, there is no scientific evidence to show that vibrator use can cause a lasting desensitisation of the clitoris.
“The way to think of it is like when you cross your legs for a while and your foot feels numb. That numbness soon goes away if you uncross your legs and shake your foot for a few seconds. If you give your clitoris a little time to recuperate, it will go back to normal very quickly.”
Do you ever need to worry about using a vibrator often?
It goes without saying that toys need to be cleaned after every use for the health of your genitals, but it’s not unhealthy to use one often and it won’t cause you harm… but there is something to keep in mind.
Kate Moyle, sexual wellness brand ambassador at LELO, says: “Using a vibrator won’t desensitise your clitoris, but like anything in life we habituate and get used to a certain type of stimulation or use.
“As vibrators can be a more intense type of stimulation what this can mean is that when we use something that feels other or different is that it might take us longer to reach climax, and this can mean that we start being distracted by thinking or worrying about what that which can further interrupt arousal and desire.”
So too much of a good thing might have an impact on you, but it’s nothing dangerous. Rather, it’s just something to keep in mind when having sex with others if you’re putting pressure on yourself to climax in the same way.
Annabel adds: “People who use vibrators regularly do get used to climaxing quickly and dependably.
“This can create unrealistic expectations around orgasming other ways – particularly during intercourse. Only around a third of women regularly climax through intercourse alone. Most women need further stimulation of the clitoris during foreplay and also during intercourse to orgasm.
“That is why when you are having any kind of sex – masturbating solo or making love with a partner – it is good to change things up by taking different routes to orgasm so you don’t get too reliant on any one way.”
Don’t panic though if you have a set routine when masturbating though. It’s always possible to switch it up.
Kate says you can try different speeds, settings and sensations – this way you will get less used to and reliant on only one way of giving yourself pleasure.
“Think of it like an analogy of getting from A to B using the motorway, it’s fast and efficient and can get the job done, but sometimes the scenic route which is different, slower, longer and offers you a more varied experience can also be what you need – it’s a good idea to try out different ways of getting from A to B,” she adds.
So take this as an opportunity to set aside some time and allow yourself to get into it, being playful with how you get yourself there.
It’ll really annoy the “dead vagina syndrome” club.