Canadian Women’s Vibrator Use: Prevalence & Characteristics
Understanding Sexual Well-being Through National-Level Data
This study, led by Professor Tina Fetner, provides the first nationally representative analysis of vibrator use among Canadian women – an important contribution to sexual health research, public health education, and efforts to reduce stigma surrounding women’s sexual well-being.
Drawing on an anonymous online survey of 1,170 participants, the project examines both the prevalence of vibrator use and the demographic factors associated with it, offering evidence-based insights that can inform health practitioners, educators, and policymakers.
The findings show that just over half of Canadian women (50.6%) have used a vibrator at some point in their lives, and nearly one third (31.7%) have done so within the past year.
Patterns of use varied across demographic groups: younger women, women with higher levels of education, and bisexual women were significantly more likely to report recent vibrator use.
Importantly, vibrator use was not strongly associated with other forms of sexual behaviour – aside from expected correlations with masturbation and the use of other sex toys.
As the first study of its kind in Canada, this research fills a critical gap in national data while aligning with findings from other countries.
By documenting women’s experiences in a rigorous, non-stigmatizing way, the project contributes to a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of sexual health.
Relevant Publication
Researcher
Tina Fetner
PhD
Professor, Sociology
Department Chair, Sociology