Does your vibrator make your clitoris feel numb? We're here for you.

Vibrator numbness is a real phenomenon. You might be wondering: Is it 'ok' to desensitize your clitoris often? Do vibrators desensitize the clitoris? Is it possible that sex toys and vibrator use have the side effect of making you unable to get off otherwise? Is all that time you've spent socially distanced due to covid leading a lot more time masturbating, and now you're worried you'll never get off with plain-old physical touch?

Or you might have no idea what we're talking about. 

Basically, intense use of sex toys during masturbation or sex can cause a desensitization of the nerve endings in one's clitoris. It's almost akin to how you might feel after your leg falls asleep if you sit weirdly for too long. Luckily, this side effect should be temporary. But there are some methods vibrator users can use to avoid the sensation in their sex lives.

How to avoid Dead Vagina Syndrome in your sex life

Yes, 'dead vagina syndrome' ('DVS) is the real term coined by sexologists for the numb sensation one might feel in their clitoris after masturbation or sex with a vibrator or sex toy. If you've felt the sensation, you've likely wondered whether it's possible that if you use powerful vibrators too often, your clitoris might become unable to respond to anything less than a jackhammer.

The good news: sex therapists and researchers agree that the numbing side effect you might feel after overdoing it with vibrator use should be temporary – your clitoris should feel back to normal within ten minutes. 

In a study done by neuroscientist and sexual psychophysiologist Nicole Prause, Ph.D., the numb nerve endings phenomenon is both confirmed as a real thing and also not a big deal. "What women may notice is that if they try to switch to lower-intensity stimulation after a high-intensity vibratory within the same sex session, yes, that stimulation likely will be less effective for the moment." It's totally normal to feel a little less sensation after extended clitoral stimulation.

So, while you can't permanently scar your sex life or sexual health by pressing too hard on your clitoris, a numb clit can prevent you from orgasming. If dead vagina syndrome bothers you or if it's getting in the way of orgasming, it's worth considering how you can try to enjoy clitoral stimulation without dulling your nerve endings. 

Use gentle sex toys and vibrators that incorporate a wide range of speeds.

We've talked in the past about the storied history of the Hitachi Magic Wand. Intensely powerful, one- or two-speed vibrators and sex toys are the most likely culprits of dead vagina syndrome.

Aim for a more versatile sex toy that can start gentler at first, so you're not immediately hitting your clitoris with a jackhammer. 

Not to toot our own horn (but of course we will), but our product Limon is a really great aid to help you avoid clitoral numbness. This means Limon is excellent at starting slow and easy before building up its intensity to match your orgasm. Best of all? Limon's vibration is entirely controlled by your hand pressure – a responsive feature that makes it intuitive for vibrator users to avoid clitoral numbness. Limon can start at an achingly slow rumble. It's incredible...and sometimes excruciating if one's partner has decided to be a tease... 

Use lubrication.

Decreasing friction from sex toys with lube will decrease your chances of going too hard for too long on your clitoris while masturbating or during sex. We have some recommendations for the best ones to use here. 

Switch up your sex positions.

If you're using a vibrator during partnered sex, try switching up positions more often. This will change your hand placement, and hopefully, the angle at which the sex toy is hitting your clitoris to help you avoid going numb. If your range of motion is limited or you want to maximize your chances of avoiding dead vagina syndrome, you can also take turns with who controls the vibrator – you or your partner. Just make sure you let your partner know first about your discomfort with the sensation and how best to avoid it.

You can also switch up your position while masturbating if you're using a soft silicone toy (like Limon!) that can allow you to masturbate on your back, stomach and side.

Talk to an ob-gyn if it's preventing you from orgasming.

If you're still really bothered by the sensation or if it's affecting your sexual function (aka you're not orgasming), we suggest checking in with your ob-gyn about your sexual health. A decreased clitoral response can sometimes be a sign of menopause, and your ob-gyn might have more fitting suggestions for you.