Fact or Fiction: Can Your Clit Get Sore or Desensitised From Overusing a Vibrator?

For many vulva owners, clitoral stimulation is the easiest and most tantalising way to get to orgasm. 

And in fact, did you know that the clitoris serves just one purpose? Pleasure! Yes, indeed! The clitoris is loaded with sensitive nerve endings, making it a hotspot when it comes to reaching orgasm. 

So, if you’ve ever felt ashamed or any kind of guilt surrounding pleasure, you can find comfort in the fact that your clitoris was made for the sole purpose of feeling intense sexual bliss.

On the other hand, there are other things that may concern vulva owners when it comes to clitoral stimulation. And that is, wondering whether the clit can get sore or desensitized from using a vibrator. 

This is a very valid concern. And one that deserves an accurate and correct answer. So, let’s dive in… 

The Truth About Vibrator Usage: Can Overstimulation Lead To Clitoral Soreness or Desensitisation?

Essentially, this question is loaded and multi fold. But in short, using a vibrator (or “overusing” a vibrator) cannot desensitize your clitoris long term. 

But, of course, there’s a lot more to be said about this topic. 

First of all, is it possible to “overuse” a vibrator? Well, yes and no. According to psychologist Dr Lori Buckley, “A vibrator can be a wonderful thing because for many women, it’s the only way they can have an orgasm. But like ice cream, too much of a good thing isn’t always good.”. 

Essentially, there’s no measurable way to tell if one is overusing their vibrator. But, if a vulva owner finds it difficult to respond to subtler stimulation, such as with your or your partner’s fingers, you may be overusing your vibrator.

Then, moving onto our next question: can your clit get sore from using a vibrator? Yes it can. 

If you use a speed or vibration intensity that is simply too much for you, you can get sore from using a vibrator. But, this is only temporary. 

If you take a break, or change/lower the intensity, you’ll be able to feel pleasure once again. If this is not the case however, you should seek professional help.

And finally, the question: can your clit become desensitized from using a vibrator? This is one of the most common questions asked, so let’s take a look at the facts vs fiction.

Can vibrators cause loss of sensitivity or pain?

“There is no empirical evidence that vibrator use can cause a lasting desensitisation of the clitoris,” says Nan Wise, a sex therapist and neuroscientist.

What exactly does that mean? Well, it is possible for the clitoris to be desensitized temporarily. This comes in the form of numbness. 

This fact was solidified in a 2009 study that found that 16 percent of vulva owners felt numbness or less sensitivity, and of that 16 percent, only 0.5 percent experienced this side effect for one day or more.

One way to look at this experience would be when you sit on your leg for too long and feel your foot becoming numb. After a while, the numbness goes away.

Onto another question that many may have: will using a vibrator cause nerve damage? No. A vibrator cannot cause nerve damage, no matter how strong the setting is. 

What is "dead vagina syndrome"?

Having said all of the above, there is a term floating around that has made many people concerned. That is, dead vagina syndrome.

Dead vagina syndrome is characterized by a vulva owner permanently losing sensitivity in their clitoris from overstimulation.

Is dead vagina syndrome a real thing? No, dead vagina syndrome is absolutely false. 

“The idea that you could end up numbing the nerves in your vagina and be unable to have an orgasm is absolutely false,” says Leah Millheiser, M.D.. “That is a made up sensationalized headline and it’s not backed by science,” she says.

How to tell if you should be concerned?

Because we’ve established that dead vagina syndrome is a fake phenomenon, there are not that many reasons to be concerned when you feel desensitized or numb. All that is required is for a vulva owner to take a break, and they’ll notice that their sensual feelings of arousal will return and orgasm can be reached.

If, for some reason, you still cannot feel any sensation when using your vibrator after a few days or weeks, it is worth it to visit a healthcare professional. 

Choosing the right vibrator for you

We know that it takes time to connect with and get to know your body. If you’re new to using vibrator, but you have experience using your or your partner’s fingers, or have received oral sex, you may know what kind of stimulation you like. And this is super important when it comes to choosing the right vibrator for you. 

For example, if you find that touching your clitoris in a certain way creates arousal and possibly orgasm, then you’ll probably love an external sex toy that’s for clitoral use. Essentially, there are three types of clitoral sex toys: one that uses air technology to suckle on your clit, one that mimics oral sex (aka being licked), and one that simply uses vibrations. 

And then, you may find that you gain immense pleasure from internal stimulation. In that case, you may love a G-spot vibrator. There are many shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from, depending on how deep or hard you enjoy your stimulation. Go for a smaller toy if you’re not a fan of deep penetration, or go bigger if it’s fullness you crave. 

Additionally, there is such a thing as a dual vibrator. This is when there is clitoral and G-spot stimulation at the same time. This beautiful sex toy can result in blended orgasms which can be more powerful than another kind. 

And lastly, there are anal vibrators, anal beads, and butt plugs for those who fancy a bit of anal play. This kind of play takes time and patience, but believe us—it is well worth the wait,

Our recommendations

Gentle Vibrators 

	Dame Pom Silicone External Stimulator  Elegance encapsulated, the Dame Pom is a gorgeous external stimulator made for delicious clitoral stimulation. It has a soft and flexible body, and a powerful motor to deliver all kinds of sexy sensations throughout the body. It also has five different vibration modes, intuitive controls, and is perfect for beginners or regular players.
	LELO Sila Cruise Sonic Clitoral Massager The LELO Sila Cruise is similar to that of the LELO Sona Cruise, except it’s more gentle. So if you’re someone who fancies soft and sweet caresses on your clitoris, then the Sila Cruise is the one to call. This smart piece of sex tech uses Cruise Control, which means that the harder you press, the more intense the stimulation. So, have it your way with the magnificent LELO Sila Cruise.
	Deia the Feather Vibrating Tickler An upgrade to your regular teasing and pleasing, this tickler actually vibrates! Yes, indeed! The Deia Feather Vibrating Tickler is a versatile pleasure product to have tons of fun with in the bedroom. Use its flexible tip to sensually touch your erogenous zones solo, or enjoy it during your bouts of foreplay with your lover.
	LELO Dot Clitoral Pinpoint Vibrator  The latest clitoral sex toy to hit LELO’s shelves is the LELO Dot Clitoral Pinpoint Vibrator. It’s an external pleasure product that has a soft and bendable tip as well as elliptical motions. And because of its pinpointed tip, you can be sure to tickle and tease your clitoris with exact precision.

Strong Vibrators

	LELO Sona Cruise 2 Clitoral Sonic Massager Clitorally mind blowing, the LELO Sona Cruise 2 Clitoral Sonic Massager is one of the most popular clitoral vibrators on the market today. It uses SenSonic technology which absorbs some of the sonic waves and transmits them back into your body (around the clitoris) for deeper sensations. Not just that, but it stimulates more of the clitoris than we can see, making it an absolute must-have for vulva owners.
	Doxy 3 Die Cast Massager A magic wand that is smaller in size but much bigger in pleasure. It’s a powerful body massager that induces relaxation and erotic stimulation, making it a multi-faceted treasure. The Doxy 3 Die Cast Massager comes with a three metre long cord, a removable silicone head, three easy-to-use buttons, and various speeds and intensities.
	We-Vibe Tango X Powerful Bullet Vibrator Petite yet powerful, the We-Vibe Tango X has a delightful pinpoint that stimulates the clitoris with intense accuracy and bliss. It’s whisper quiet, waterproof IPX7, has a nifty travel lock for impromptu adventures, and seven different vibration modes. Enjoy this soft silicone treat against your sweet spot for hours of uninterrupted pleasure!
	Nu Sensuelle Trinitii Flickering & Suction Clit Massager Want to be treated like royalty? The Nu Sensuelle Trinitii is a 3-in-1, giving you all the good vibes you deserve. One, it vibrates! Two, it sucks! Three, it licks! All that’s left to do is pick your poison and enjoy a thrill of a lifetime.
	Fantasy for Her Ultimate Pleasure Gold Luxury Edition Vibrating Pump Absolute luxury! This vibrating pump comes in a sleek gift box, has a 24K gold-plated accent, and mimics the feeling of oral sex in such a way that is almost like the real-deal (if not better)! That’s because it has a tongue-like contraption that moves just like a real tongue. This pleasure product also vibrates and sucks, creating even more lustful sensations. Choose between different speeds and settings and enjoy your favourite oral sex anytime, sans a lover.

Gel Stimulation for Extra Sensitivity

	Viamax Sensitive Gel for Women Arousal For a sexy addition to your play time, the Viamax Sensitive Gel not only increases sensitivity but also promotes blood flow to the clitoris and moistens the area. A handy little treat for any tryst, either solo or with a partner.
	Bijoux Indiscrets Slow Sex Clitoral Balm Feel the sensual and arousing effects that the Slow Sex Clitoral Balm by Bijoux Indiscrets brings. It’s a delicious balm, fast absorbing, and contains the patented molecule Thermolat. This molecule gives off a warming effect for more sexual bliss. But that’s not all. This balm also makes your clitoris more sensitive and promotes blood flow—a recipe for amazing orgasms.
	Intimate Earth Intense Clitoral Stimulation Arousal Gel If you’re looking for an extra boost during clitoral play, the Intimate Earth Intense Clitoral Stimulation Arousal Gel will definitely deliver. This magical gel contains a concentration of natural Japanese peppermint oil that makes the clitoris more sensitive and more susceptible to absolute euphoria.

Summary

In summary, there really is no reason to be concerned if your clitoris feels less sensitive or numb while or after using your vibrator. It can happen, and it’s not something to be concerned about. 

And there’s no such thing as your vibrator causing any nerve damage! So, our suggestion? Have as much fun as you fancy, and just take a break if things become a little less arousing.