(052) Are Vibrators Equally Effective Among Women Engaged in Partnered Versus Solo Sexual Activity?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Solo sexual activity is solo stimulation of one’s genitals and other body areas for sexual pleasure. Treatment methods for Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD), developed to date are usually assessed in the context of partnered sexual activity. There is a growing need to compare the effect of therapeutic interventions, like vibrators, among women engaged in only solo sexual activity versus partnered sexual activity. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the effect of routine vibrator use on sexual health among women engaged in solo only versus partnered sexual activity. Methods This was a prospective pilot study of sexually active women aged 18 to 99 years who presented for consultation in our urogynecology clinic with pelvic floor and/or sexual health concerns. Women were offered a bullet vibrator and instructed to use it according to the protocol. Participants’ demographics, health data, sexual practices, frequency of solo and partnered sexual activity, as well as Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were assessed at the initial visit and after three months of intervention. We used descriptive statistics and a paired-sample t-test to determine the effect of vibrator use on sexual function. Results Among 61 women enrolled in this study, 60.6% (n=37) were engaged in partnered sexual activity and 39.3% (n=24) were only solo sexually active. Participants were predominantly Caucasian (80.3%), with a mean age of 54.7 ± 16.3. There were no significant differences in demographics and pelvic floor disorders (prolapse, urinary incontinence) between the two groups. Vibrator use among women in a solo group did not show significant improvement in sexual response cycle domains (p>0.05). However, the score statistical trend was noted across all the domains. Women engaged in partnered sexual activity had significant improvement in desire (p=0.03), arousal (p=0.03), orgasm (p=0.05), and the total score (p=0.03) with vibrator use. The study completion was higher among women involved in partnered sexual activity 94.6% (n=35) than women who only engaged in solo sexual activity 58.3%(n=14). Conclusions Vibrator therapy results in significant improvement in desire, arousal, and orgasm domains, as well as total score among women in partnered sexual activity when compared to women with only solo sexual activity. Solo sexual activity needs to be considered when recommending treatments, such as vibrators, for sexual health. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Abbvie, Coloplast.