How To Use A Vibrator On My Penis? TIPS from a Sex Toy Tester!

Media and social media have positioned vibrators as tools for vagina-havers — and they are not wrong! — but people with penises can enjoy these sex toys as well. Read on to learn more about vibrators that can be used by all genders, and even some that are designed especially for penises.

Besides the obvious, there are good reasons for people with penises to engage in this kind of sexploration and sex play.

• The penis contains nerve cells (Krause corpuscles, for those who really want to know) that respond specifically to vibrations. These cells feed into an area of the spinal cord near the spinal ejaculation center. They respond to even weak mechanical stimulation, but they really fire up in response to vibrations between 40 Hertz and 80 Hertz. Most vibrators on the market today start around 40 Hertz.
• Mechanical vibrations are also a recognized treatment for erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and anorgasmia. Using a vibrator can improve erectile function by stimulating fibers in the cavernosa and pudendal nerve. Vibrators can also be used to treat both premature ejaculation and delayed ejaculation, as well as inducing ejaculation in men with certain types of spinal cord injuries.

I’m Curious!

If you are intrigued by the idea of using a vibrator on your penis, you are not alone. But if you are also intimidated by the idea, you are also not alone. While society has pretty much accepted that ladies love their pleasure products, there is not nearly as much buzz about men using them. We’re here to walk you through the basics.

One thing to remember is that a vibrator is just another toy in the adult toy chest. Sex toys don’t demand monogamy! You can still enjoy sex with your partner as well as your preferred methods of masturbation. But you can also learn new ways to pleasure yourself, and that’s never a bad thing.

Another thing to remember is to start low and slow. Vibrators can be very intense, and penises can be very sensitive. Get to know your vibrator’s control panel; most allow you to adjust the speed as well as the patterns. Test it out on the lowest setting, and then adjust it until you find your sweet spot. Use plenty of good-quality water-based lube with your vibrator.

Penis-Friendly Vibrators to Pick From

If you and your penis are new to the world of vibrators, you may find the selection slightly overwhelming. The truth is that whatever looks tempting to you is worth a try, but we are also here to give you a primer on the possibilities.

All vibrators operate on batteries, but some take disposable/replaceable batteries and some have internal batteries that recharge through a cable. Generally speaking, vibrators that take disposable batteries are less expensive to purchase but more expensive to operate since you will have to replace the batteries on a regular basis. They’re also usually a bit noisier.

• Bullet Vibrators: Bullet vibrators are small and have either a pointed or rounded tip. Their small size makes them easy to store discreetly and easy to tuck into a travel bag. They also tend to be relatively inexpensive, which makes them a great starter toy. Bullet vibes are especially good for targeted stimulation, which many men enjoy around the penis head and frenulum.
• Wand Vibrators: Wand vibrators are larger and they usually have a handle. Their larger size means that they can pack larger motors, so they offer vibrations that are deep and rumbly (as opposed to bullet vibes, which are often “buzzy”). Controls are usually located on the handle, and some users find them easier to access that way. You can use the head of the wand on the head of your penis and your frenulum, as described above, and you can also use the wand at the base of the shaft.
• Ring Vibrators (“Cock Rings”): These are worn at the base of the penis, and they provide a steady vibration that you can pair with manual or oral stimulation if you choose. You can also wear them during partnered sex; if things line up just right, the vibrating cock ring may also stimulate a female partner’s clitoris. Note: most vibrators are one-size-fits-all, but some cock rings are sold by size (girth). This is not the time to exaggerate your endowments, since you will get much more pleasure if your toy fits properly.
• Perineum Vibrators: These little vibrators are designed to allow you (or a partner) to stimulate the perineal area. This is usually not enough on its own for most men to reach orgasm, but it can definitely add to your experience during masturbation or partnered play.

From the Top: Penis Head and Frenulum

For many men, the penis head and frenulum (which is a narrow area on the underside of the penis, just below the head) are some of the most sensitive areas. This makes stimulation very pleasurable, but it also means that you should start slowly and gently, especially if you are new to this kind of play. Turn your bullet vibrator or wand vibrator on at the lowest setting and hold it to the head of your penis. Keep it there and let the sensations build up before you experiment with the settings. You can also move it around the head and press it (softly) against your perineum.

Exploring the Shaft and Base

The shaft and base of the penis may not be as sensitive as the head, but they still deserve some of the fun! The deeper vibrations from a wand vibrator are often welcome here, and since the wand has a larger surface area, it can provide stimulation along the entire length of the shaft. You may also be able to experiment more with speeds and patterns here — the head is often too sensitive for more than the lowest/slowest settings.

This is also where you can experiment with edging, which is where you build up until you are near orgasm and then back off, slow down, and start all over again. Not only does this produce a very intense orgasm, but it may help you learn to last longer during partnered sex if this is a concern of yours. Stroking a wand vibrator up and down the shaft is an excellent way to edge yourself.

Down Under: Testicles and Perineum

These areas are highly underrated pleasure spots! While most men cannot climax from testicle and/or perineum (the area between the scrotum and the anus) play, they are still very sensitive and receptive to stimulation. You can use a wand vibrator or a bullet vibrator directly on your scrotum, or you can hold the vibrator in your hand so that your hand vibrates and then cup your testicles. There are vibrators designed specifically for perineal stimulation, but you can also use a bullet or small wand vibrator here.

The Back Door

Women have a G-spot and an A-spot; men have a P-spot and that is the prostate! Men who are able to achieve a prostate orgasm report that it is intensely powerful, but even if you do not orgasm that way, prostate play is still very pleasurable for many men.

Vibrators designed for prostate massage are usually slender and curved so that they can target the prostate gland, which is located a few inches inside the rectum. Controls are usually in the handle so you can reach them easily while you are using the toy. (Pro tip: many vibrators that are engineered to reach a woman’s G-spot also work very well here as long as they have a flared base for protection.)

Other anal vibrators can include beads and plugs, and they can be used by all genders. Be sure that anything that goes in the anus has a flared base or handle for safety — not all sex toys are safe for anal use. Anal toys should also be fully waterproof or submersible so that they can be thoroughly cleaned.

As we mentioned above, you will want to be generous with water-based lube whenever you are playing with a vibrator, but especially during anal or perineal play. Be sure to clean your vibrator well after each session, dry it thoroughly, and store it in a soft storage bag.

A Few Extras

As you will soon realize, vibrators are lots of fun on their own, but there are a few ways that you can enhance the experience even further.

If your vibrator is waterproof (most are, but you should check the user manual or manufacturer’s website for confirmation), you can run it under hot or cold water to experiment with temperature play. Most wands and some bullets are silicone, but some bullets are metal, in which case you should be careful not to make them too hot.

One reader, Jake from Oregon, reports, “It’s all about layering the sensations. When I added a bit of warmth, it felt like a whole new experience.” He is absolutely right that these little extras can make a huge difference.

Also, did you know that changing your position can create new and different sensations? Try:

• Lying Down: This allows you to relax fully, which can make your erogenous zones more receptive.
• Standing Up: This gives you the most control over pressure and positioning, so you can find your sweet spot.
• Kneeling or On All Fours: This adds tension and intensifies the sensation as the vibrator moves with your body.

Using a Vibrator For Partnered Play

You are now learning all that vibrators have to offer, and if you have a female partner, there’s a good chance that she already knows too. But vibrators are not just for solo play! There are plenty of ways that you and your partner can play together.

As with all forms of partnered sex, communication is paramount here. Invite your partner to share what works for them, to share in what works for you, and to learn together what works for both of you. Some of our suggestions are:

• Guided Exploration: Take turns exploring each other’s pleasure zones. Let your partner control the vibrator and use it on your body, and then switch roles. We do recommend establishing a “safe word” first, because even with the best of intentions, vibrator play can go from just right to painfully intense very quickly.
• Blended Stimulation: You can use a vibrator on your partner (or she can use it on herself) while she is performing oral sex or pleasuring you in other ways, or vice versa.
• Hands-Free Fun: If you place a ring vibrator at the base of your penis and turn it on, this not only pleasures your penis but it effectively turns your whole penis into a vibrator that you can then use to pleasure your partner.
• Oral Sex: The giving partner can hold a wand vibrator under their chin (use water-based lubricant on the vibrator) while performing oral sex. This intensifies the sensation for the receiving partner! It works no matter which gender is giving and which is receiving.

Aftercare For You and Your Toy

Especially if this is your first time using a vibrator, give yourself time to come down and relax. Vibrators stimulate your nerve endings and using a vibrator can feel very intense, so honor your body and brain with some downtime.

Then take care of your toy. Clean it thoroughly, especially if you used it with a partner or used it internally. After it is dry, check the batteries or recharge the vibrator so it is ready for the next use. Store it in a clean, soft storage bag to protect it from dust and scratches, especially if the exterior is silicone (scratches or scrapes in silicone can harbor bacteria).

Happy vibing!

Tim

Tim is our male sex toy expert, and he has reviewed close to a hundred products. He also worked as an English teacher in Japan throughout his twenties, where he gained extensive knowledge of Japanese sex toys and Shibari. He has been featured in Vice.com, among other things.
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