Love + Sex

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

New study: Vibrators are as common in households as coffee makers

Getty Images

Getty Images

According to two new national surveys from Indiana University, 53% percent of women have used a vibrator. Perhaps even more interesting is that 81% of these ladies have used the device with a partner. We've come a long way since Alfred Kinsey's studies in 1953 Shere Hite in 1976. They found that vibrator use was “not appreciable” and “less than 1 percent” admit to using them.

“What this tells us is we’ve reached a tipping point,” said Debby Herbenick, an author of the studies. “Something once regarded as exotic has become commonplace.” Sure, talking about vibrators still may make us blush or feel slightly uncomfortable, but the truth is, more women than ever have them in their homes. With "massagers" sold online and in a wide variety of stores like Brookstone, CVS, Wal-Mart and even 7-Eleven, you no longer need to enter a sex shop to purchase vibrators. “You can now buy your toothpaste, shampoo and vibrator at the local convenience store,” Dr. Herbenick said. “They’re not hidden in a dark corner of some adult store.”

Women with kids under 18 had no shame about having vibrators in their homes either. Dr. Hebernick claims this is because, “A lot of these are very discreet — it’s not all the Hitachi magic wand. They’re so innocuous, even if children saw, they wouldn’t know.” Vibrators have also proven to be recession-proof: Jim Daniels, the vice president of marketing for Trojan says sales are up 20% in the last year. It's good to know that during a tough economy, orgasms are still free. [NY Times]

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From the Community…

Comments 11-20 of 71
  • Cheryl L.'s Avatar
    Posted by Cheryl L. Tue Jun 30, 2009 5:41pm PDT

    I have never bought or used one. But since I haven't been sleeping well lately, I've been thinking about getting one as soon as I get another job. However, if that's what most of them look like, then I would be afraid to come home and see my kids using that for Kareoke. It looks like a microphone. LOL

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  • justme66's Avatar
    Posted by justme66 Tue Jun 30, 2009 5:44pm PDT

    I love my vibrator more than my coffee maker.

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  • ladybella04's Avatar
    Posted by ladybella04 Tue Jun 30, 2009 5:48pm PDT

    I started out with a rabbit and now have 3, including a waterproof one for bathtime. They are stored in a locked bag. I know that some vibrators are designed so that at first glance you wouldn't know, but I prefer to lock mine away when not in use. I'm not a fan of the incognito vibrator. No need to display it next to the good china, no matter how artfully designed it may be. I don't want it falling into the lasagna. I don't want the dog chewing on it. I don't want to roll out my pie dough or make a frothy cappacino with it. I don't need a lava lamp that doubles as a sex toy. I don't want it anywhere near household germs, food, salad tongs, the living room recliner with cat hair on it, the back porch, the kitchen table...you get the idea. Better to store it properly.

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  • Juscallmebounkie's Avatar
    Posted by Juscallmebounkie Tue Jun 30, 2009 5:52pm PDT

    I bought a massager at Brookstone because it was cheap. Well, actually all they had (like the image above) was the demonstrator and I got it for $25 compared to $75 for a new one. As a massage therapist I was ecstatic when I tried it on my shoulder so I just had to buy it, til I got home and my wife thought of new ways we could use it. Let me tell you it's more powerful and much better than a vibrator, plus we don't even hide it. It just sits next to our bed where anyone can see it. I highly recommend it to couples.

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  • maggggiieee's Avatar
    Posted by maggggiieee Tue Jun 30, 2009 6:23pm PDT

    i want one

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  • karen w's Avatar
    Posted by karen w Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:35pm PDT

    wow i have that exact one in the pic!and i've bought one like it by conair from walgreens,the one i have in the pic basically stays plugged in by the bed at all times and my boyfriend knows it,its used when he's not here and i think he feels a little threatened

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  • mel's Avatar
    Posted by mel Wed Jul 1, 2009 12:25am PDT

    my best friend got me a jackrabbit for xmas. i love it! little did i know that by june i would be dating my best friend. now i wonder if he would be interested in......

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  • 中's Avatar
    Posted by Wed Jul 1, 2009 2:15am PDT

    dont hide your longing and buy one whenever your body need it.

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  • 中's Avatar
    Posted by Wed Jul 1, 2009 2:15am PDT

    dont hide your longing and buy one whenever your body need it.

    Report Abuse
  • 中's Avatar
    Posted by Wed Jul 1, 2009 2:15am PDT

    dont hide your longing and buy one whenever your body need it.

    Report Abuse
Comments 11-20 of 71

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