9 vibrator health benefits you may not be aware of, whether you use one alone or with a partner

These days, owning and using a vibrator is nothing unusual. Research suggests that one in three people over 40 have at least one toy and 42% of women say they use one regularly. Few know the benefits of using a vibrator though and what a vibrator does exactly that feels so good! 

Having a pick of the best vibrators and knowing how to use a vibrator has a whole range of benefits - from combating sexual anxiety to reviving your sex life. These leave the bedroom with you though, the same research by the Mayo Clinic explains, as vibrator-induced orgasms have been found to help with conditions such as period pain, menopause symptoms, and stress. 

So, what are the benefits and why do these little mechanical toys work so well? Here, woman&home speaks to sex experts and gynaecologists to reveal all you need to know. 

Health benefits of using a vibrator

1. Help you sleep soundly

While your favourite vibrator isn't something you'd want to cuddle up with at night, an orgasm before bed can do wonders for those who want to sleep soundly, according to a study by Central Queensland University. 

They found that over half of participants reported improved sleep quality post-masturbation with a vibrator, with 47% reporting that they fell asleep quicker after masturbating. 

"Having an orgasm can lead to sounder, better-quality sleep, thanks to the fact that when you climax you produce the sleep-inducing hormone, prolactin," says Annabelle Knight, a sex and relationship expert and bestselling author, who has qualifications in life coaching, couples counselling, and psychosexual therapy. "So theoretically, you should enjoy better and more restful sleep after an orgasm. And, with a good night's sleep under your belt, you'll be better equipped to face the day."

Annabelle Knight

Annabelle Knight is a sex, relationship, dating and body language expert, a bestselling author, a sex toy expert, and a celebrity relationship coach. She is qualified in life coaching, couples counselling, and psychosexual therapy. She regularly appears on television, in the press, and on-air to offer her expertise and guidance on a range of topics and currently is a resident sex and relationship expert for Lovehoney. She has her own range of sex toys, is a published author and was ITV’s flirt expert for Love Island. Also previously, Annabelle co-hosted the popular podcast 'Sex and Other Stuff', and presented Channel 5's 'The Good Girl's Guide to Kinky Sex'. She is also the body language expert for 'It's Ready to Mingle' on ITV and the current sex expert on e4's new dating show, 'Kinky Daters'. Annabelle covers everything from lust, to love, and anything in between.

2. Help you conquer stress

An orgasm can improve your mental health and happiness, thanks to those mood-boosting hormones. As a study from the University of Rome Tor Vergata found when looking at those who were sexually active during lockdown compared to those who weren't, sexual activity and using a vibrator can contribute to lower anxiety and depression scores, thanks to the mood-boosting hormone oxytocin. 

“When you climax, you produce hormones called oxytocin and serotonin,” explains Knight. “These hormones are known as the ‘feel-good’ hormones because they are linked to happiness. Regular boosts of these hormones through orgasms with a vibrator can contribute towards feeling less stressed and more positive.”

The good news is, it doesn't matter what type of vibrator you use to reap this benefit. One of the best wand vibrators can be a great choice for those who love clitoral stimulation, for instance, while bullets are smaller and often more affordable. Those who want to experiment with a partner might prefer one of the best sex toys for couples. 

3. Aid heart health

No doubt monitoring your cholesterol levels and exercising regularly will do more for your heart health in the long term than any of the different vibrator types, but research from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey argues that masturbation can be beneficial for improving the health of your heart. 

During orgasm, our heart rate shoots up at the beginning and gradually goes back to a baseline level at the end. While using your pick of the best bullet vibrators won't have the same effect as a HIIT workout, the research found that it was comparable to walking on a treadmill at 1.7mph at a 10% gradient. 

Other research from Michigan State University also found a link between sexual activity and improving heart health for those in rewarding sexual partnerships. They discovered that those in relationships where the quality of the sexual experience was high had a lower risk of hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, which in turn reduced their risk of a heart attack or stroke.

4. Keep your vagina healthy

With age, vaginas become less elastic, shorter, and narrower because the lack of estrogen causes the tissue to constrict, Dr Alex Eskander, consultant gynaecologist at The Gynae Centre, says. It's just one of the many reasons that some choose to undergo hormone replacement therapy as the first symptoms of perimenopause begin.

However, Dr Eskander says, "This often means less pleasurable sex but regular sexual activity can actually help prevent these changes." 

This is because, when aroused, the lining of the vagina produces secretions that help to provide moisture to the area. “This helps to increase vaginal elasticity, which is one of the ways our vaginas stay healthy,” says Knight. 

5. Help reduce pain

“Lots of women report that regular orgasms aid in the relief of period pains and cramps,” says Knight. And there's plenty of research to back up this claim, as the area of the brain involved in pain reduction is highly activated during arousal. 

Endorphins are 'feel-good' hormones that are produced and stored in the pituitary gland before being released during pleasurable acts⁠ - like exercise, laughing, and satisfying sexual activities, according to research in association with Harvard Medical School. They naturally soothe nerve impulses that cause migraines and joint pain, among other conditions. 

To test the theory, sex toy brand Womanizer asked people to trade pain medication for masturbation to deal with period pain. The study, in association with Menstrubation, found that 70% of those who switched said that masturbation relieved the intensity of the pain, and 90% said that they would recommend the technique to a friend to combat period cramps in the future.

6. Expand your pleasure horizons

Just want to have some fun? Using a vibrator will definitely help, Knight says. “A vibrator is a great way to expand your pleasure horizons, especially if you choose one with different settings and modes that you haven't tried before." 

The best rabbit vibrators are great for trying something new, for example. “They’re one of the only sure-fire ways to enjoy stimulation both internally and externally," she says. "They'll increase your chances of hitting all your hot spots, resulting in mind-blowing pleasure and intense orgasms aplenty.” 

7. Have better bladder control

Pelvic muscles contract and release during orgasm, giving that distinct feeling of letting go that comes with climaxing. But it's not only orgasms that these muscles are involved in - they also play a prominent role in helping to maintain bladder control, according to research by the University of New Mexico. That's why many of the best pelvic floor trainers look like vibrators.

“When you orgasm, your vagina contracts. Think of it as a mini-workout for that entire area,” explains Knight. “An orgasm exercises your pelvic floor muscles, too, meaning better bladder control. A strong pelvic floor can also lead to stronger, more intense orgasms.” 

8. Help you work through sexual issues

Using a vibrator can also benefit your sexual health and wellbeing overall. There are multiple conditions associated with pain during sex - including vaginismus. “This is a condition whereby the vaginal muscles spasm, which causes penetration to be extremely difficult or even completely impossible,” explains Knight. 

A sex toy can be a great vaginismus treatment, she says. “Dilator kits can help with this condition in some cases. Just start with the slimmest toy and, when your body is comfortable and accepting of the width, you can move onwards and upwards."

If you think you have vaginismus or are experiencing other issues that are affecting your sex life, speak with your doctor or a sex therapist for advice. “There are also fabulous online hubs to support women with this condition, such as The Vaginismus Network,” says Knight.

Using a vibrator can also help you overcome any sexual anxiety you're experiencing, and help you get more comfortable with your body.

9. Boost your sex life

If you're looking to learn how to revive romance in a relationship and spice up your sex life or get to know your own pleasure more deeply, a vibrator can help. "Experimenting with a sex toy, such as a vibrator, may help you to explore further than manual female masturbation alone,” says Knight. “As a result, you’ll widen the range of sensations you experience, meaning you may find new and exciting pleasure points. This can be communicated to your partner for a more enriched and satisfying sexual experience.”

What does a vibrator do? 

There are many types of vibrator but most toys work by producing a vibration or suction that triggers or enhances arousal when placed around the clitoris, vagina, penis, or anus, causing a flow of blood to the surrounding pelvic muscles. This surge in blood flow is what feels good when using a vibrator, often producing a tingling and pleasurable effect. 

As well as improving arousal, vibrators can speed up the delivery of orgasms - which can be hugely useful to those who don't know how to have an orgasm or struggle with so-called 'performance anxiety' in the bedroom. They can also help many people to have multiple orgasms.