Do you suffer from "dead vagina syndrome"?

“Dead vagina syndrome”, also called vaginal death syndrome, refers to desensitization of the genitals following prolonged use of sex toys. Is this a myth or a reality? We disentangle the true from the false!

"Dead vagina syndrome". It is a name to say the least frightening, the result of a clearly insufficient reflection on the part of scientists quick to create more anxiety than we already experience. It has recently flourished on the internet and has terrified more than one. But no panic, there is no question here of burying our sex life.

What is dead vagina syndrome?

If you are affected by dead vagina syndrome, don't panic, it doesn't mean it is dead for real. It is actually an insensitivity of the clitoris. This phenomenon should naturally have been called "dead clitoral syndrome", but it seems that once again science has forgotten the existence of the clitoris. The vaginal death syndrome would indicate a significant loss of sensitivity, at the level of the genitals, caused by an abusive use of vibrators and other sextoys …

This insensitivity is defined by a feeling ofnumbness of the clitoris after having stimulated a little too much this small organ entirely dedicated to pleasure. With sex toys going at over 10,000 revolutions per minute, the clit is indeed much more stimulated than with the fingers or the mouth! Should we then draw a line on sextoys?

Can a sextoy desensitize the clitoris?

Asked by the American version of HuffPost, Nan Wise, neuroscientist and sexologist, is categorical: "There is no empirical evidence that the use of vibro can cause long-term desensitization of the clitoris". Figures from a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2009 come to support these remarks. 16% of women surveyed have already experienced clitoral numbness. In only 0.5% of them this sensation lasted for more than a day. Nothing to be alarmed about then. 71% of women have never experienced the slightest side effect linked to too much or too much use of their vibrator.

Putting the clitoris at rest

If you experience loss of feeling or numbness, your best bet is to let your body rest and let go of sex objects for a few days. Lowering the intensity of your vibrator seems a good idea, too. If the problem persists, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

"If the temporary numbness bothers you, you can always put the vibrator on a lower setting, use it over your underwear or find another less intense toy.", recommends Nazanin Moali, sex therapist contacted by HuffPost. So enjoy without panic: "Using a vibrator can be the most effective way to have an orgasm", recalls Sherry Ross, gynecologist, to the Health site, who concludes: "There is no real abuse possible". However, try taking other avenues to orgasm and experimenting with different masturbation techniques. People who use sex toys regularly can get used to cum quickly and every time, which could create unrealistic expectations of achieving orgasm by other means. So vary the pleasures, you might be surprised!

See also: Why sleeping in panties is a bad idea

Video by Benjamine Rombhot