Welcome back to the SSIS column, where we answer any and all of Brandeis students’ questions about sex, sexuality, identity and relationships. If you have a question you’d like answered in our next column, email ssis@brandeis.edu or leave a question in the Google Form link on the Student Sexuality Information Service Facebook page. Any and all questions are welcome: there are no bad, stupid or weird questions! 

(Note: These answers are good-faith attempts by SSIS to be helpful to the Brandeis community, and are by no means exhaustive or to be taken as universal. If these answers don’t resonate with you, either pay them no mind or reach out to us with suggestions for improvement!)

I know that I want to buy a vibrator, but there are so many options! What kinds does SSIS sell, and are they the best?

This is a great question! Congratulations on your decision to buy a vibrator. When choosing a vibrator, there are definitely a lot of options, and it can be overwhelming. Ultimately, there is no “best” vibrator because it’s a matter of personal preference. There are three main types of vibrators: external, internal and combination.

External vibrators are designed to stimulate parts of the body that are on the outside, for example nipples, clitoris, frenulum, labia, balls, etc. There are external vibrators that vibrate, produce a sucking or licking sensation as well as vibrators that can be strapped on. At SSIS, we sell one vibrator that is marketed for external stimulation called the Eden Bullet Vibe for $5. 

Internal vibrators stimulate parts of the body that are on the inside, such as the g-zone and prostate. In order for a vibrator to be safe for anal stimulation, it must have a flange, or flaired base (if you’re unsure if your toy has a flange, feel free to ask SSIS). There are internal vibrators that vibrate, and there are also internal vibrators that thrust or rotate. At SSIS, we sell two internal vibrators, the Aria for $15 and the Neon Luv Touch for $5. 

Combination vibrators are exactly what you would expect—vibrators that are designed to stimulate both internal and external parts of the body. Most commonly, these are called “rabbit vibes.” SSIS does not currently sell any combination vibrators. 

There are other factors to consider, as well: Do you want a vibrator that plugs in versus one that takes batteries, one that looks like something particular, one that vibrates consistently versus one that vibrates in a pattern, or a buzzy versus rumbly vibrator? 

If you’d like to discuss your options with a trained SSIS peer educator, feel free to come into our office hours (in person or virtual) or text us at 586-ASK-SSIS.