(051) Can Vibrator use Improve Well-being?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sexual, pelvic, and mental health are important and interconnected components of overall health and well-being. As such, the function of one area of health can affect health in general. It has been shown that vibrator use improves sexual function in females. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of regular topical vibrator use on sexual, pelvic, and mental health and overall well-being. Methods We performed a prospective pilot study among women aged 18 and 99 years recruited from our urogynecology clinic. Study participants were instructed to use a vibrator for five to ten minutes two to three times a week for three months on their external genitalia with a focus on the duration of application. Demographics, pelvic floor function, and mental health were assessed at the initial and 3- months follow-up appointments using physical exams and validated questionnaires. To determine the effect of vibrator use on pelvic and mental health, statistical analysis was performed with paired t-tests (continuous data) or McNemar’s test (dichotomous data). Results Of 79 women enrolled in the study, 57 (72.2%) women completed the study. The mean age of participants was 54.7 years (range 19 – 80 years), and most were Caucasian (74.7%), menopausal (60.8%), and not on systemic hormone replacement therapy (79.7%) or vaginal estrogen therapy (79.7%). Half (53.2%) of the participants were engaged in partnered sexual activity, and 49.4% used or had used vibrators in the past. Sexual function domains such as arousal (p=0.007), orgasm (p=0.018), and satisfaction (p=0.027) were significantly improved after the completion of the study, as well as genitourinary pain scores (p=0.037). However, symptoms related to pelvic organ prolapse (p=0.59), urinary incontinence (p=0.15), and fecal incontinence (p=0.15) were not significantly improved. Rates of depression significantly decreased (p=0.020), while health-related quality of life significantly improved (p=0.014). Conclusions Vibrator use was associated with improved sexual health, genitourinary pain, and health-related quality of life. Depression was subjectively improved, along with a positive trend in depression scores. Recommendation of regular vibrator use should be considered for certain conditions as it might have a significant influence on women’s well-being. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Abbvie, Coloplast.