Ever wondered about the statistics on vibrator use? How many people use them? Where are they most popular? Are they mostly for single women?

There have been various theories and beliefs about vibrators over the years, but a few surveys have been carried out by universities, sex toy companies, and researchers. These are just some of the interesting results:

According to a study in 2009 carried out at Indiana University, around 50% of people reported that they had used a sex toy, 52% of these were women, so there were nearly the same amount of men! Previous studies back up these results, one finding that 33% of women and only 20% of men had used the sex toy. Another showed 24% – 21% respectively.

Hopefully this will dispel the common myth that vibrators and other sex toys are just for women!

The big difference is in how the sexes use a vibrator, with women using theirs mostly during masturbation (46%), and men using it mostly during intercourse or foreplay (40%). Other data showed that men were more likely to use a vibrator ‘for fun’ or to help their partner achieve orgasm.

Women in a relationship are more likely to have a vibrator than those who are single. Looking at this in conjunction with how men and women prefer to use vibrators, maybe couples buy their toy together to use together!

The research did find a positive link between vibrator use and health. Users were more likely to perform regular self examinations and also more likely to have attended their doctor or gynecologist within the previous year.

Vibrator users also reported fewer sexual health problems, related to satisfaction, erectile dysfunction, orgasm, lubrication, pain and libido. A possible explanation is that people who are more self aware and comfortable with their bodies are more likely to use a sex toy, and those that use a sex toy are likely to become more comfortable and self aware!

An overwhelming 71.5% of females said they had never experienced side effects, with slight short term numbness of the genitals being the most popular concern for those reporting a side effect. No long term or serious side effects were reported at all.

Other studies have shown that the most popular age to first begin using a vibrator is 20-30 years old, with 50% of those surveyed. Only 8-10% started using one after the age of 40.

An astonishing 14% of women and 20% of men report never cleaning their toys!

Thankfully most people do though, and habits vary from cleaning before and after every use to cleaning before or after.

Xandria Collection’s Toys in the sheets survey showed that a vibrator user was typically a white Christian, republican, married woman in her thirties. This may seem ridiculous at first glance, but most studies have agreed that most vibrator users are white and aged 30-40.

Durex conducted their own research, which highlighted Australia as the vibrator capital of the world, with 46%, and unsurprisingly India, with its strict laws against sex toys, ranked lowest with only 3%.

Professor John Michael Bailey teaches the popular human sexuality class at North Western University in America. This semester 622 students have signed up for his class, and sometimes additional after class activities are offered as optional extras. The 21^st of February was particularly special.

The students were told at the end of the usual class that they could stay for an additional optional class, and around 100 stayed.

The class that day featured a guest lecturer Ken Melvoin-Berg, who is the co-owner of Weird Chicago tours. Mr Melvoin-Berg discussed various alternative sexual practices, such as bondage and fetishes. The class also watched a video of the female orgasm. This video was criticised as being unrealistic, and it was due to this that a couple decided to perform a display for the students.

Mr Bailey maintains that all of the students were repeatedly warned that the display would be graphic and a few students left the room. Most however, stayed to watch, and were rewarded with a live demonstration of a couple using the sex toy. It was Faith Kroll and her fiancé Jim Marcus, who stripped off to put on the performance, and Faiths’ subsequent orgasm was watched by everyone in the room. Faith Kroll later told the ‘Chicago Tribune’ newspaper that she had enjoyed the attention as she is an exhibitionist.

The president of North Western University, Morton Schapiro, takes a dim view of these events and issued a statement saying “I simply do not believe this was appropriate, necessary or in keeping with Northwestern University’s academic mission,”.

It is unclear how many official complaints have been received by the university, but Mr Schapiro is likely to ask many questions about the nature of Professor Baileys funding from the university’s College of Arts and Sciences department, as well as his payment to Ken Melvoin-Berg of $400 for his appearance as guest lecturer. Neither Jim Marcus nor Faith Kroll were paid for their part in the lecture.

The Northwestern University charges students more than $40,000 per year, and draws its students from a wealthy area. Students are said to be split in opinion of February’s events.

However, the same cannot be said about the male masturbation aid, and often a man who uses any sort of toy or masturbator can expect to be ridiculed or made the subject of gossip. Men who admit to using a blow up doll or fleshlight run the risk of appearing weird or desperate.

Why shouldn’t men be afforded the same rights as women to masturbate in whatever way they want? And how can women, who enjoy their own sex toys so much, dare to criticise or stereotype men who do exactly the same thing?

Sometimes it can be the fact that most masturbators are made to look like a real- life vagina, anus or mouth that gives the impression they are strange or disgusting. Add that to the idea of someone taking the trouble to blow up a life size doll to cuddle up to or bend into certain positions and this is where the idea of a desperate man alone in his bedroom begins.

Maybe society feels threatened by the idea that a relationship can so easily be replaced for some men. This could explain why masturbation aids are associated with loners and societies rejects. The truth is these men are simply replacing their hand, not a partner!

Another cringe factor for most women is the idea that men use a toy, and then forget to wash it. The mental image of repeated use of a germ ridden toy doesn’t bear thinking about, and can give the impression that the user is dirty or unhygienic. In fact any toy can be kept clean easily and doesn’t pose any risk of infection or illness.

Homosexual men are less stigmatised in this respect, and most women don’t find the idea of them using toys as cringe worthy as straight men. Maybe this shows that they really feel threatened by their silicone replacements, and are worried about being replaced by masturbators.

If you are a secret toy user or just considering buying your first masturbator, don’t be put off by social convention. It really doesn’t matter what other people think, and nobody needs to know what you use to achieve climax. Men are well known for using visual stimulus, and seeing your penis actually penetrating a lifelike orifice is the best visual stimulation available.  As technology moves forwards, it is certain that masturbation aids will become more sophisticated. Maybe one day the conventional blow up doll will be replaced with a silicone life size robot!

Article by Susan Wilkinson

If you are considering purchasing a sex toy, it is important to choose the right toy for you. So here’s a handy guide:

Do you have a fantasy? Or fetish? Think about what your ideal sexual scenario would be. Maybe you will be surprised!

Which erogenous zone do you want to be stimulated? Is it clitoral, penile, vaginal, anal or any other area? Also decide whether you are looking for a toy for penetration or external stimulation.

If you are looking for penetration, are you looking for a toy with a narrow or wide girth? And what sort of texture are you looking for? It helps to know that there are toys designed specifically for anal or vaginal use. Most toys for anal insertion tend to be slimmer and smoother, as this helps with easy insertion. Toys for vaginal stimulation are more likely to have a textured surface, with ridges, bumps or even spikes!

Consider whether you want a certain style of toy. Are you looking for a toy with modern super sophisticated looks? Do you want a replica of a realistic penis? It is important to feel at home with the toy, and not be distracted because you don’t like the way it looks.
What functions do you want the toy to have? A lot of vibrators have variable speed or different settings, but this can also mean the shape of the toy. Are you looking for something discreet to fit into a handbag, or something that performs a few jobs at once? What are your specific requirements? It is important to think of where the toy will be kept, and consider the practicalities. Buying a huge dildo or life size masturbator will not be ideal if you need to store it in a shoebox.

Consider materials, do you have any allergies to rubber or latex? There is a large range of glass toys available if so. These could also be ideal for environmental reasons as they will last for a lifetime. Are you worried about harmful chemicals in sex toys? Glass toys would also be an ideal solution in this case.

Most toys have an indication of how noisy they are in the product description. Some people don’t care if their toys are heard by neighbours or flatmates, whilst others are embarrassed by the thought that other people may know what they are doing.

Careful planning is the best way to make a great choice that is right for you.

With an added finger ring attachment for added control during use, the wand can be positioned and repositioned for exactly the right angle. This is an important feature as anal vibrators can be hard to handle, especially once coated in lubrication.

The wand is one of the best looking and most functional toys currently available for men. The main body of the toy has a smooth jelly like texture, in a cool translucent grey, with a silver and grey control unit adding to its modern, technological look. Featuring four different vibrate functions, to make any prostate shiver with delight!

The silky outer texture makes this toy ideal for anal play, and we recommend Moist Silicone Lubricant to make insertion even easier.

Everyone is different and this toy caters for everyone, covering four unique erogenous zones and offering an intense and tailored way to climax for any man.

One of the great advantages to this toy is the fact that it leaves the penis available for play, either alone, with a partner or using a more traditional male masturbator.

For those lucky enough to have a partner the wand can be controlled by another person during oral play, sexual intercourse or masturbation. It can also be used during foreplay, and in particular as a precursor to anal sex, by massaging the anal muscles. The vibration settings are ideal for this, and the tapered point is engineered for easy insertion.

Many men already experiment with prostate massage and anal toys, and the experience can be liberating. The satisfaction of anal penetration is an experience that many men find incomparable, and completely fulfilling.  Remember it is not only gay men who appreciate anal play, and all men can expect any form of prostate stimulation to intensify their climax and create a new level of arousal.

For males who cannot achieve climax thought penile stimulation for any reason, either physical or medical, this toy could provide an alternative form of release and may help to rebuild sexual identity. (This should ideally be discussed with your medical practitioner prior to use)

Batteries are required and always remember to keep any toy clean and hygienic.

Our Accessory Pack One is ideal with this toy as it contains our recommended lubricant, toy cleaner and batteries.

Sometimes a couple who have been together for a long time can become stuck in a rut, with the same routine every time they have sex and one or both partners feeling bored and unexcited. Adding a sex toy can bring a new lease of life to even the oldest relationship, and choosing a toy together or surprising your partner with something you know they will love is a great way to spice things up.

If you are in a new relationship, buying toys together can help you to really explore each others desires and find out what your new partner is really turned on by. Maybe you will get a nice surprise, or get involved in something you never expected to like! Try our Fetish Range for an exciting new hobby for grown ups.

There are many reasons why some couples don’t already own their own toys. Some people can feel threatened or bemused by sex toys, but most people will want to experiment once they have a toy and can feel the texture, shape and  turn on any vibration or function. Many people are embarrassed by the mention of vibrators or toys, but are actually privately very curious.

A lot of straight men feel anxious about their partner having a vibrator or dildo, because they are concerned that their partner will prefer it to them, and replace them. This perception that a wife or girlfriend will decide to use a toy from now on instead of wanting intercourse with their partner is often to do with size, and feelings of inadequacy by the man. Most men will come round to the idea if the partner asks them to help use the toy, and are aroused by the process of using it on their partner. Maybe in this situation a phallic shaped toy isn’t the ideal beginners item, and choosing something with a different shape altogether may open the door to future exploration. The Floating Mood Light Massager is a non threatening way to introduce a more reluctant partner to try new things. Simply add it to a romantic bath and see where the mood colours take you……

By using a low level electrical current to stimulate the genitals or muscles, orgasm can be enhanced for both partners, and the new toys will keep you entertained for hours. Trying new ideas and techniques is always good for any relationship and will help to keep the romance or lust alive!

Our range of ElectroStim sex toys are controlled by a Electro Sex Pack control box, available for just £99.00, which comes with an initial two sticky conductive pads. The idea is that each person would stick one pad to their bottom or upper thigh, and as they have intercourse or physical contact the electrical current will flow between them, making the genitals a point of contact for both partners. It is this electrical current which is thought to contract the muscles in the genitals and improve the orgasm for each partner. Clitoral orgasm is usually achieved by contractions of the muscles attached to the clitoris, and it is not difficult to grasp the concept of Electro-Stim. Once you have mastered to basics, there is a ‘program’ feature which undulates the current and makes the experience last longer. Variable speeds and a digital display unit make this unit ideal for sexual play.

There are various attachments which can fit onto the Electro Sex Pack and include clitoral, vaginal, anal or penile toys. An ideal toy for masturbation is the ElectraProbe Radial Dildo, with its twin band stainless steel, and Bi-polar current, it is ideal for use on its own or teamed with the Electra Rings.

The Mini Electro Butt Plug is an ideal first anal toy, with its small size and the option of using it alone or with a partner. It can be attached to either one wire or two, making it either uni-polar or bi-polar. This just means that the current will run alone for masturbation and stimulate only the user, or run to another toy attached to any sexual partner.

Some attachments are designed for men, but have the added bonus of stimulating any partner simultaneously. The Electra Rings and ElectraBands – cock and scrotum restraints, made of smooth metal or soft fabric, conduct a stimulating electrical charge through the base of the penis. This current can be picked up by another attachment used by a partner or just used for masturbation.

The Electra Clamp is a popular choice and can be used for the clitoris or any other genitalia. The current runs through the end of the clamp, making it ideal for nipple or clitoral stimulation. This is a popular choice for fetish fans, and provides intense sensation.

Realistic Penis styles are still popular, such as the 6″ Realistic Black Cock, or larger than life Bam 13″ Realistic Black Cock.

Glass Dildos are popular and are lovely to look at. Clear glass decorated with swirls or spots of colour make these dildos look more like an ornament or sculpture! They can last a lifetime and don’t need batteries. They wont break down as they have no mechanism and can be used underwater if desired. Glass can be heated or cooled by leaving in water for a few minutes and are very easy to clean. The Dotted Knight Glass Dildo is a beautiful toy which has raised spots for added stimulation. Perhaps the prettiest glass dildo is the Rainbow Twirl Glass Dildo, which has beautiful colours and a slight bend for your pleasure.

If you are looking for something to replace an absent partner, or even the perfect saucy gift, try the Clone-a-Willy Kit which offers the opportunity to make a copy of any mans penis for use when he is not around! The rubber moulding kit also contains a vibrator system to make the clone into a fully working vibrator.

If you are looking for a double ended dildo there are a few available, and come in flexible rubber, most at 18″ long. The Junior Double Header 12″ is the exception and is just £22.95, making it a cheaper option. Double ended dildos can be used either by two people simultaneously or by a woman for vaginal and anal penetration.

All of our dildos are top quality and available either online or in one of our sexy superstores.

If you are thinking of trying any type of anal sex or insertion it is vitally important that you take things slowly and use plenty of lubricant. Some form of foreplay is also advisable, such as a slimline sex toy or finger. Some anal sex toys are designed for beginners, with a smaller girth and most do feature a tapered end for easy and gentle insertion. When choosing a toy think about the texture of the surface and avoid anything with rough or sharp edges. Anal beads are ideal, as are very slim vibrators. Butt Plugs are popular because they have a conical form with a pointed end, and a wider base so they help to ease the muscles wider.
Try using the tip of the toy or a finger (make sure you have very short fingernails for this!) to massage a little lubricant into the anus to begin with, and work from there.

Very gently increase the amount of the toy or finger that you insert and do stop or use more lubricant if you feel any pain at all. The Lube Shooter is ideal for this process. The gentle movements and lubricant help to relax the tight internal muscles, and once loosened it should be easy and satisfying to use any anal toy or perform anal sex. Vibrators are ideal for anal play as the vibrations help to ease the muscles into a relaxed state quite quickly. Most people will benefit from some form of relaxation or arousal first, which can also help to relax tense muscles.

Do not be put off anal play or sex by other peoples horror stories. Many people are put off anal sex or play by a bad first time experience. This is usually because they have not relaxed the anal muscles enough for penetration, and as a result feel pain or discomfort. there is no reason why this should happen if you have enough foreplay.

Many people prefer to use an anal douche to make sure they are as clean as possible prior to any anal play. This is widely regarded as the best option. Remember it is a good idea to have cleared your bowels well in advance of any contact and make sure you have not just had a large curry!

Do you have any questions for our sex experts? Submit your question to us anonymously for it to be featured today!

The Rock Chick has a formed handle for better grip and is designed specifically for G Spot stimulation. Some are attached to straps and designed to fit the female genitals externally, like the Butterfly Obsession.

Some vibrators such as the Black Realistic Cock Vibrator are designed to look and feel like a real penis. There are many of these available in all colours, shapes and sizes.

Modern technological advancement means that new ideas and creations such as the Bendable Vibe . More flexible silicone rubber or new ideas about vibration or movement mean that the sex toy industry is always changing and checking regularly with Pulse and Cocktails will keep you up to date.

Anal Vibrators are becoming more popular and we offer a great range of purpose built toys such as Black Cat Dual Rotation Butt Plug. Whether you are thinking of trying anal for the first time or are an old hand, lubrication and foreplay are always recommended and buying a suitable slimline or tapered toy is ideal for this.

Rabbit Vibrators are extremely popular, and feature the traditional dildo shape with the added benefit of a small bullet at the base for clitoral stimulation. These tend to appeal to women and are effectively satisfying.