Can Using Sex Toys Lead To ‘Dead Vagina Syndrome’? An Expert Weighs In

Sex is all fun and games, until we have to deal with the painful side of the pleasurable act. Sometimes, there’s a sudden throbbing headache right before things start getting hot and happening. Other time, we end up with sore breasts and vaginal tears if things get too intense and rough in bed. But there’s another sex affliction doing the rounds on the Internet these days–the ‘dead vagina syndrome’.

It’s a slang term to describe the inability to experience the magic ‘O’  due to numbness down there. Several women have opened up about their tryst with this condition on social media and chat rooms. And people are blaming it on excessive use of sex toys. 

But hey! Don’t part with your toy-friend just yet. We got in touch with Dr Rana Choudhary, Consultant Gynecologist, Masina Hospital, Mumbai to get to the bottom of this. Here’s everything you need to know about the ‘dead vagina syndrome’:

What Is It?

Back in 2013, American author Dan Savage coined the term ‘death-grip syndrome’ (DGS) to describe the adverse effects of aggressive masturbation in men. According to him, it could result in dissatisfaction during sexual intercourse or premature ejaculation. This was soon followed by the circulation of the term ‘dead vagina syndrome’ for women on the Internet. Apparently, this condition is responsible for sexual dysfunction and it holds our good-old sex toys responsible. 

“Vibrators/self-stimulators are small electrical or battery-operated devices that can be set at various speeds and intensities for sexual pleasure. They can be used to stimulate the vagina and other genital areas like clitoris and anus,” explains Dr. Rana. “Some women claim that excessive vibrator use can ‘deaden’ the vaginal nerve endings, leaving them unable to experience an orgasm,” he adds.

Is It Real?

Luckily, we were assured that the dead-vagina panic is mostly overblown. So, you don’t have to worry about it while enjoying your date with your sex toy. “Using a vibrator is a safe and effective way to masturbate,” says Dr Rana. “Most information about the ‘dead vagina syndrome’ is limited to viral stories on the Internet. The condition has not been medically proven,” he adds. 

What To Do If You Experience Numbness Down There?

According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine 17% of women experience decreased genital sensitivity after using a vibrator. However Dr. Rana points out that it’s generally temporary. 

“Taking a break from using the vibrator is all that is needed. The sensation returns to normal in a short while,” he says. “If numbness continues, you should see a healthcare professional and check for any underlying conditions,” he adds.

Additionally, you can also use a lubricant like Sirona’s Moisturising Lube Tube while inserting a sex toy into the vagina to prevent this condition. Packed with the goodness of natural ingredients like Tasmanian pepper fruit, it decreases friction during penetration. It also relieves vaginal dryness and keeps vaginal cuts and tears at bay.

All in all, sex toys can be a lot of fun. But you’ve got to practice caution and be careful not to hurt yourself!

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