Is “dead vagina syndrome” a real medical condition?

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Some women claim that vibrator use causes their vaginal nerve endings to “deaden,” leaving them unable to reach orgasm.

However, most information about “dead vagina syndrome” is limited to viral stories on the internet. The condition has not been widely researched by scientists, and claims are not substantiated by medical studies.

Vibrators are popular sex aids used by both men and women. These small electrical devices can be set to vibrate at various speeds and intensities for sexual enhancement. Some women insert penis-shaped vibrators into their vagina. Vibrators may also be used to stimulate other genital areas, like the clitoris or anus.

Many women reach orgasm more quickly when they use a vibrator. They may also become better lubricated while using a vibrator, making penetration more comfortable.

Sometimes, women notice some decreased genital sensitivity after using a vibrator, but the effects are generally temporary.

In 2009, the Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study of 1,059 women who had used vibrators. About 17% of them did report some genital numbness at times, but for most of them, the numbness went away within an hour. Only one half of one percent said their numbness lasted longer than a day.

Usually, taking a break from using the vibrator is all that is needed, and sensation returns to normal. If numbness continues, women should see their doctor.

Vibrator use can have other side effects as well. In the 2009 study mentioned in Slide 3, approximately 3% of the women had experienced pain at least once, 10% had had irritation, 8% had had swelling or inflammation, and 1% had had tears or cuts.

The women rated the severity of these side effects (including genital numbness) on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most severe rating. The overall average score was 3.58, with numbness receiving the highest rating of 4.04. Tears or cuts received the lowest rating of 2.36.

Women who experience side effects from a vibrator or another type of sex toy should talk to their healthcare provider.

Resources

Glamour.com

Weiss, Suzannah

“Is ‘Dead Vagina Syndrome’ a Real Thing?”

(June 6, 2016)

https://www.glamour.com/story/dead-vagina-syndrome

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

Herbenick, Debra PhD, MPH, et al.

“Prevalence and Characteristics of Vibrator Use by Women in the United States: Results from a Nationally Representative Study”

(Full-text. July 2009)

https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(15)32585-6/fulltext