Genital vibration for sexual function and enhancement: a review of evidence

Sex Relation Ther. 2018;33(3):263-274. doi: 10.1080/14681994.2017.1419557. Epub 2018 Jan 2.

Abstract

Vibration, as provided by a genital vibrator, is commonly regarded as a tool to enhance sexual pleasure and in modern day society falls under the category of a sex toy. However, the vibrator was not originally intended to be a toy, and its benefits reach far beyond that of a plaything. This article is a narrative review of the current evidence regarding the use of vibratory stimulation for the treatment of sexual dysfunction and/or sexual and relationship enhancement. The literature indicates that vibratory stimulation has evidence-based support for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and anorgasmia. Vibratory stimulation is positively correlated with increased sexual desire and overall sexual function. It has also shown benefit for sexual arousal difficulties and pelvic floor dysfunction. Though definitive evidence is lacking, genital vibration is a potential treatment for sexual dysfunction related to a wide variety of sexual health concerns in men and women.

Keywords: Female sexual arousal disorder; medical therapy; orgasmic disorder; retrograde ejaculation; sexual physiology.