Vibrator Use for Female Sexual Dysfunction

Overseen By Erin Deverdis, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Albany Medical College

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

84 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether using a vibrator can improve sexual function and pelvic floor health in women with certain urogynecologic issues, such as pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence. Participants will either use a vibrator (intervention group) or not (control group) to determine its effectiveness. Women diagnosed with these conditions, who are willing to try a vibrator and have not used one in the last three months, may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance the quality of life for women with these conditions.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that vibrator use is safe for improving sexual and pelvic floor function?

Research shows that vibrators can be a safe and effective tool for women's sexual health. Studies have found that many women use vibrators and often experience positive effects on their sexual well-being. Side effects rarely occur. Women who use vibrators report better arousal, more satisfying orgasms, and overall improved sexual satisfaction. Vibrators can also aid pelvic floor muscle function and may relieve vulvar pain. Overall, vibrators are considered a proven option for enhancing sexual function, with a strong safety record. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike most treatments for female sexual dysfunction, which often involve medications or hormone therapies, this approach uses a vibrator to address the condition. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it offers a non-invasive, drug-free option that can be easily used at home. This method directly stimulates blood flow and enhances arousal, potentially leading to improved sexual satisfaction without the side effects associated with traditional medications.

What evidence suggests that vibrator use is effective for female sexual dysfunction?

Research has shown that vibrators can improve women's sexual health and pelvic floor strength. Studies have found a link between vibrator use and better sexual desire, arousal, and orgasms, resulting in greater overall sexual satisfaction. Vibrators are widely used and generally associated with healthy behaviors and few side effects. Women who use these devices have reported significant improvements in their sexual experiences. In this trial, participants in the intervention arm will use vibrators to assess their effectiveness for female sexual dysfunction. These findings suggest that vibrators could be a helpful option for women facing sexual difficulties. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for women over 18 who visit a urogynecology clinic and have been diagnosed with conditions like pelvic organ prolapse or various types of incontinence. They should score below 26.55 on the FSFI, indicating sexual dysfunction, not currently use a vibrator, be able to read/write in English, and consent to using a vibrator.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to provide informed consent

I am a woman, 18 or older, seeing a urogynecologist.

I am willing to use a vibrator.

Exclusion Criteria

Currently using a vibrator or has used a vibrator in the past 3 months

I am not comfortable using or refuse to use a vibrator.

I am unable to understand or sign the consent form.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants use vibrators as a therapeutic tool to enhance sexual and pelvic floor function

12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Vibrator

Trial Overview The study is testing if vibrators can help improve sexual and pelvic floor function among women experiencing sexual dysfunction related to urogynecologic issues. Participants will receive an instructional handout and use a vibrator as part of the therapy.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention arm Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Group II: Control arm Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Albany Medical College

Lead Sponsor

Trials

96

Recruited

12,700+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Vibrators are recognized as an effective treatment for various sexual dysfunctions and can enhance sexual experiences, but there are currently no standardized best practice guidelines for their use.

A multidisciplinary team has developed recommendations focusing on safe usage and patient counseling for vibratory stimulation, highlighting the need for further research on effective counseling methods and cleaning practices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Genital vibration for sexual function and enhancement: best practice recommendations for choosing and safely using a vibrator. Rullo, JE., Lorenz, T., Ziegelmann, MJ., et al.[2020]

Vibratory stimulation, often associated with sex toys, has evidence supporting its use in treating various sexual dysfunctions, including erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and anorgasmia.

The use of genital vibrators is positively correlated with increased sexual desire and overall sexual function, suggesting they may be beneficial for a range of sexual health issues in both men and women.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Genital vibration for sexual function and enhancement: a review of evidence. Rullo, JE., Lorenz, T., Ziegelmann, MJ., et al.[2020]

The review highlights the growing recognition of female sexual dysfunction and the increasing acceptance of sex therapy as an effective treatment option.

Despite the potential of psychotherapy for addressing female sexual dysfunction, the article points out significant methodological issues in existing studies, suggesting a need for improved research standards in future investigations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychotherapy for female sexual dysfunction: a review. O'Donohue, W., Dopke, CA., Swingen, DN.[2019]

A significant portion of heterosexually identified men in the U.S. (43.8%) have used vibrators, primarily during sexual interactions with female partners.

The high percentage of vibrator use during sexual play (94%) and intercourse (82%) suggests that incorporating vibrators into partnered relationships can be beneficial, supporting recommendations from therapists and educators.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Vibrator use among heterosexual men varies by partnership status: results from a nationally representative study in the United States. Reece, M., Herbenick, D., Dodge, B., et al.[2015]

The clitoral vacuum suction device (CVSD) was found to be safe and effective in treating orgasmic dysfunction in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injury (SCI), showing significant improvements in various sexual function measures after a 12-week trial.

While vibratory stimulation (V) also improved orgasmic function, its benefits were only observed during the treatment period, making CVSD a better option for women with multiple sexual dysfunctions or those who do not respond to V.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized Trial of Clitoral Vacuum Suction Versus Vibratory Stimulation in Neurogenic Female Orgasmic Dysfunction. Alexander, M., Bashir, K., Alexander, C., et al.[2018]

Approximately 40% of women aged 18-59 report significant sexual complaints, primarily low sexual desire, with few effective pharmacological treatments available; a vacuum erection device has been FDA approved to enhance blood flow to the clitoris.

While high doses of testosterone have been shown to increase libido in postmenopausal women, the long-term safety of such treatments is uncertain, and lower doses have not demonstrated benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Emerging therapies for female sexual dysfunction. Segraves, RT.[2019]

In a 16-week study involving over 256 women aged 21 to 65 with sexual disorders, Zestra, a topical botanical preparation, was found to be well tolerated and effective in improving sexual desire, arousal, and treatment satisfaction.

The only notable safety concern was mild-to-moderate genital burning experienced by 14.6% of Zestra-treated participants, indicating that while generally safe, some users may experience discomfort.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel design trial of the efficacy and safety of Zestra in women with mixed desire/interest/arousal/orgasm disorders. Ferguson, DM., Hosmane, B., Heiman, JR.[2015]

Over half of the women surveyed (52.5%) reported using vibrators, indicating that vibrator use is common and often linked to positive sexual function, including higher scores in desire, arousal, and orgasm.

Vibrator users were more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors, such as having recent gynecologic exams and performing genital self-examinations, while most reported no significant side effects from use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prevalence and characteristics of vibrator use by women in the United States: results from a nationally representative study. Herbenick, D., Reece, M., Sanders, S., et al.[2015]

In a study of 70 women with sexual arousal and orgasm disorders, the use of a genital vibratory stimulation device led to significant improvements in sexual function and satisfaction over 3 months, as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Participants reported increased genital sensation and decreased sexual distress, with no major adverse events noted, indicating that this device is a safe and effective option for enhancing sexual health in women.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effects of a Genital Vibratory Stimulation Device on Sexual Function and Genital Sensation. Guess, MK., Connell, KA., Chudnoff, S., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11150285/

The Role of Vibrators in Women's Pelvic Health In limited studies vibrators have been shown to improve sexual function and pelvic floor health; however, there are even fewer studies on the effect of ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1743609515325856

Prevalence and Characteristics of Vibrator Use by Women ... Vibrator use among women is common, associated with health-promoting behaviors and positive sexual function, and rarely associated with side effects.

3. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/jsm/article/20/Supplement_2/qdad061.048/7165566

(052) Are Vibrators Equally Effective Among Women Engaged ... Vibrator therapy results in significant improvement in desire, arousal, and orgasm domains, as well as total score among women in partnered ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06677541

NCT06677541 | Vibrator Use to Improve Sexual and Pelvic ... This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of vibrator use in improving sexual and pelvic floor function in urogynecology patients who report sexual dysfunction.

5. contemporaryobgyn.net contemporaryobgyn.net/view/a-deep-dive-into-devices-for-sexual-health

A deep dive into devices for sexual health Women using genital vibratory stimulation devices demonstrated substantial improvements in arousal, orgasm, sexual function, and satisfaction.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7678780/

Genital vibration for sexual function and enhancement Vibrators are an evidence-based treatment for a variety of sexual dysfunctions and sexual enhancement; however, the use of a genital vibrator lacks best ...

7. everydayhealth.com everydayhealth.com/sexual-health/it-healthy-use-vibrator/

Is It Healthy to Use a Vibrator? Vibrators not only enhance women's sexual pleasure but can improve pelvic floor muscle function and treat vulvar pain.