Sex machine toy

When vibrators are mentioned in popular culture, they're often discussed as masturbation AIDS -- things that people (especially women) use to masturbate. You don't usually see people throwing in couples' sex scenes.

But in fact, vibrators are often used when partners are having sex, and they may provide a more satisfying sexual experience for everyone involved. With advances in sex toy technology, it's easier than ever to incorporate vibrators into partner activities.

Among heterosexual couples, however, men are sometimes particularly reluctant to use vibrators and other sex toys. For example, some men find vibrators threatening or deterring because they think they can satisfy their partner with their penis alone -- but research suggests that men who feel this way may be missing out.

In a study published in the journal Men and Men, 49 heterosexual men in committed relationships were given couple vibrators so they could try them out with their partners. Over a period of two months, participants were asked to engage in sexual intercourse a certain number of times with or without a vibrator, and were given detailed instructions on how to use the toy (note that this is a wearable vibrator for couples designed to provide feelings and stimulation to both partners during insertions).

Participants were surveyed several times about how they felt about using vibrators. The majority (71 percent) said it enhanced pleasure, and the vast majority (88 percent) planned to continue using the toy after the study ended, the researchers found.

The main benefits of using this couple vibrator are as follows:

1). Physical pleasure

Most men said they felt good about using the device. For example, many people enjoy the extra sensation of vibration, while others enjoy being able to free their hands so they can explore other types of stimuli.

2). Appreciate your partner's happiness

Most men said the vibrator enhanced their partner's pleasure - for example, it made it easier for their partner to orgasm, sometimes with more intensity. A man's own pleasure also increases with his partner's satisfaction. This was evidenced by comments from some participants: "I enjoy sex more when my partner is satisfied."

3). Novelty and variety

Many men find the vibrator itself interesting. It adds an element of novelty and excitement to sex. Many people also say that using a vibrator can make foreplay last longer than usual.

4). Shut down

Finally, most men said using a vibrator increased intimacy and made them feel closer to their partner. For example, some say it makes sex more "couple centered," in part because it helps both parties reach orgasm at the same time.

Of course, it would be nice to have data from both sides, which is an important limitation of this study. While men clearly believe that using vibrators benefits their partners (by facilitating orgasms, for example), it would be useful to see if women report unique benefits that men do not. It is also worth exploring the benefits of vibrator use among sexual and gender minorities.

Taken together, the results of this study tell us that vibrators used by couples can potentially enhance sex in several ways. And the taboo against men using sex toys may prevent men from releasing more pleasure for themselves and their partners.