Are vibrators the secret to later-in-life intimacy?
In spite of what Sex and the City may have tried to convince you, vibrators aren’t just for those solo sessions you indulge in while canceling your social plans or the tools of an especially raunchy escapade—and they’re certainly not just a tool for anyone young and single. The allure of vibrators extends to those in their 50s and beyond, thanks to their very real health benefits (and impressive mood-boosting powers, too).
It’s never too late to pick one up for the first time, either, and even if you’ve never waded into the waters of vibrating stimulation, there are plenty of reasons to take charge of your sexual health and satisfaction and lean into the buzz.
Doctor’s orders
Many doctors have started prescribing vibrators to their older patients—in particular Dr. Barb DePree, a gynecologist who specializes in menopause. As she told the Huffpost in 2017: “When your vision started to fail, you didn’t give up reading. You went out and bought yourself a pair of readers. Same thing is true about sex.” Vibrators, in her expert opinion, are the perfect tool for those who might have trouble reaching orgasm, especially later in life: Sometimes, you need a little extra helper to get to where you want to be.
Gynecologist Dr. Pamela Gaudry also recommends them as a means of stimulating blood flow to the vagina, keeping lubrication glands in good working order so that sex is less painful. And Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Yale University’s Cancer Clinic, prescribes them for the same reason, though specifically advocates for their benefits to cancer patients, who experience early menopause and stress.
Get back in the mood
Menopause doesn’t just have the potential to make sex painful, but it can also reduce libido—after all, when sex isn’t comfortable, you’re far less likely to be in the mood. Yet a 2016 study showed that women who had a hard time getting aroused were able to increase their sexual desire—including their vaginal lubrication and likelihood of orgasm—after using a vibrator for just three months. When you’re engaging comfortably in sexual activity, you’ll also reap even more benefits—like reduced stress and strengthened immunity.
Time to reconnect
Plus, a vibrator can help you feel closer to your significant other: A 2019 study of women with male partners showed that vibrator use during partnered activity resulted in greater sexual satisfaction than vibrator use alone—though using it alone is still perfectly beneficial. Older couples of course engage in sexual activity—and a healthy sex life is important for their general quality of life—though it may look and feel different from sex in their 20s. Even if intercourse isn’t on the menu, a vibrator is a great tool for foreplay that can leave you both satisfied. Just consider all the ways you can partner up.
