‘Are Strong Vibrators Bad For Women?’ — Ask Dr. Harry Fisch

My wife uses a pocket rocket that's more just rocket. If she uses a really strong vibrator, can it make it harder for her to orgasm from sex?' -- Jon, 31, Las Vegas

Most women need some kind of direct stimulation of the clitoris to have an orgasm. Sex alone — meaning vaginal penetration — doesn’t usually cut it.

Vibrators certainly can be effective at clitoral stimulation and, for that reason, they’re used for both masturbation and as sex toys used with partners. The “strength” of a vibrator isn’t the issue—vibrators typically either work for a woman or they don’t…it’s a matter of the type and style of vibrator and what a particular woman enjoys.

Generally speaking, using a vibrator shouldn’t make it harder for a woman to orgasm with oral or manual stimulation—in fact, it may make it easier because she’ll learn precisely motions or stimulation turn her on best.

Dr. Harry Fisch is a board certified urologist. He’s here to answer reader questions in an effort to get guys to “man up about health.”