Intimacy and empowerment in urogynecology: a qualitative exploration of vibrator use

Vibrators can help treat sexual dysfunction, but views and experiences with vibrator use in the urogynecology population is unknown.

To explore and describe the views and experiences of urogynecology patients with sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor disorders with scheduled vibrator use.

We performed a secondary qualitative study on individuals participating in a randomized controlled trial investigating the impact of vibrator utilization on sexual function and pelvic floor disorders. All participants had Female Sexual Function Index scores ≤26.5, indicating sexual dysfunction. Participants completed interviews which were recorded, deidentified, and transcribed. Transcriptions were coded for major themes and subcategories using grounded theory methodology.

Twenty participants with mean age 60±12.4 years were recruited and interviewed. 12/20 (60%) were sexually active with a partner. Thematic saturation was reached and 7 major themes emerged: Feelings on Self-Pleasure, Public Perceptions, Sexual Activity Barriers, Partner Influences, Positive Experience with Device, Barriers to Device Use, and Role for Future Use. Participants viewed vibrator use and self-pleasure as a natural process. Some participants expressed guilt with vibrator use from generational, religious, or cultural influences. Participants with partners expressed that their partners were supportive of vibrator use. Positive experiences with scheduled device use included improved self-confidence, elevated mood, improved sleep, and increased relaxation. Participants reported more positive perceptions of sex in general, increased libido, and orgasms. They also reported improvements in urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, and pelvic pain. Barriers to device use included difficulty finding time or privacy. All participants believed that providers should recommend vibrators as a treatment option for sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor disorders.

Scheduled vibrator use in urogynecology patients with sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor disorders was associated with positive experiences in sexual function, pelvic floor health, and mood. Patients consider vibrators to be a beneficial, therapeutic intervention and should be included as an option for addressing sexual and pelvic floor dysfunction.