Willingness to use Vibrators to Improve Sexual Function Among Urogynecology Patients

Objectives: Vaginal vibrators improve sexual function. Patients presenting for urogynecologic care were surveyed about knowledge of and willingness to use vibrators as well as the impact of vibrator use on sexual function. We hypothesized that younger women (aged < 65) would be more familiar and more willing to use vibrators than older women (aged >65) and that women who report sexual activity and had utilized a vibrator would report better PISQ-12 scores than women who had not used vibrators.

Methods: Patients completed an anonymous survey which included patient characteristics, PFDI-20, PISQ-12, and vibrator use questions. Our primary outcome compared vibrator use between older and younger women regardless of sexual activity status. We assumed that 30% of patients would decline to complete the survey, and that 60% would report sexual inactivity. We powered our survey sample size on our secondary outcome comparing PISQ scores between women who reported sexual activity and used a vibrator versus those who did not. Assuming dropouts, we asked 213 patients to complete the survey.

Results: Of 213, 165 (77.5%) surveys were completed and analyzed. Of these, 104 (63%) participants were aged < 65 years and 61 (37%) were ≥ 65 years. By design, mean age of younger patients was 51.1 ± 10.2 years, while the older patients’ average age was 73.1 ±6.2 years. Race, ethnicity, religious status, household income, education level, and PFDI-20 scores were not different between groups (all p > 0.05). Patients ≥ 65 were less likely to be sexually active with a partner (36.1 vs 61.5%, p =0.002), participate in masturbation (23 vs 51%, p= < 0.001), or had used a vibrator (29.5 vs 64.4%, p= < 0.001). Most patients (76.4%) thought physicians should discuss vibrators with patients who would like to improve their sexual function without differences between groups (70.5 vs 79.8%, p=0.17). Older participants were less receptive to personal vibrator utilization (41 vs 73.1%, p= < 0.001). Next, we aimed to investigate patient receptivity to vibrator utilization to improve sexual function. On univariate analysis, younger patients who were college educated, sexually active with a partner, participate in masturbation, and had a history of vibrator use were receptive to vibrator utilization to improve seuxal function. A multivariable analysis was then performed to adjust for potential confounders. Patients who reported masturbation (OR 13.8; 95% CI 2.80-67.71), vibrator use in the past (OR 24.4; 95% CI 6.65-89.53), and who believed physicians should discuss vibrators in a clinical setting (OR 11.66; 95% CI 2.9-46.81) were receptive to vibrator use to improve sexual function. Surprisingly, age did not influence receptivity. PISQ-12 scores were not different between sexually active patients who utilized a vibrator and those who do not.

Conclusions: The majority of urogynecologic patients think providers should discuss vibrator use with patients who wish to improve sexual function regardless of religious affiliation or sexual activity status. Providers may consider including counseling on vibrator use among patients with sexual function concerns.