First of all, congrats! While the reasons for trying a vibrator vary wildly, most of them tend to boil down to some version of “to make sex more fun.” (We all need more fun in our lives!) Whether you’ll be using your vibrator solo or with a partner(s), it’s important to know a few things about vibrators before you decide on which one to buy. After all, the word “vibrator” refers to a huge category of objects, ranging from something you can wear on a finger to things you can sit on—so there’s a lot to consider. 

Having spent the last 15 years helping people purchase sex toys as well as using them myself, I want to share the following points about vibrators that will help you make the right decision for your particular situation. The right decision will always lead to more comfort and more fun!

• Bigger doesn’t mean better. This is especially true for your first vibrator. Smaller toys can be tried in more ways and places on the body. On a related note, unless you simply prefer them, penis-shaped vibes aren’t automatically better.
• Lube matters. Water-based lube is the best kind to get for most toys. Even if using a personal lubricant hasn’t been an issue for you in the past, you will want to get at least a little when you get a vibrator, toys feel better with it and high-speed chafing sucks. Water based lube is preferable for most toys.
• Be anal (toy) retentive. If anal penetration is something you want to try, buy a toy with a flange or large ring that will help you keep it in place. Toy loss is…not fun. 
• Wash before use. This is critical. Do not use any toy until you have washed it. Just like anything else that’s made in a factory, be it a bicycle or a paintbrush, sex toys are not sterile. There’s no special care that goes into keeping them clean before they get to you. That part is your responsibility.
• Don’t spend a lot. If this is your first vibe, it’s safe to say that you don’t know yet what you’ll prefer in a vibrator. This is an experiment, so keep the cost low.
• Avoid watch batteries. Some vibrators are powered by those round alkaline batteries used for watches. Here’s the deal: they don’t last long, they’re expensive, and replacing them is fiddly and annoying. 
• Keep it simple. At this stage, don’t bother with anything fancier than a multi-speed option on a vibrator. Again, this is an experiment to find out what you like, so start basic and you’ll soon know what’s best for you. 

These are just the core essentials to getting started. The only way to figure out what you want in a vibrator is to try a vibrator! So go simple at first, and then once you’ve decided what you like and don’t like, you’ll find the right upgrade. In the next installment, we’ll look at getting the size and shape right for your very first vibe.