I've used vibrators for the past 6 years and I assure you that you shouldn't be worried that they'll "ruin" you for sex with a partner! Using a vibrator is a great way to find out what gets you excited and to get an idea of what you like!

Nope, no harm at all! As long as you use a little lubricant and be patient and slow with yourself, vibrators are intensely pleasurable, and will not desensitize you at all; and in fact will help you better discover what your body likes, as Toure said above.

I would recommend you try a phthalate-free vibrator, or better yet a silicone one, as these are body safe materials and are the best to use.

They won't completely desensitize you! But I've found they can make it harder for you to be able to orgasm from manual stimulation. I remember a summer day where all I did was use toys while my husband was away at work. I played HARD with a very powerful vibrator for a few hours up to when he got home. When we had sex I had a hard time being able to have an orgasm from mine or his fingers alone and wasn't able to cum at all. I shrugged it off and the next day we had sex I was able to orgasm manually with no problems. Most people will tell you that vibrator desensitization is an urban myth but just know that there is no evidence suggesting that vibrator use leads to vaginal or clitoral desensitization. In fact, a study conducted by Syracuse University suggests the use of sexual aids has "no long-term negative effects on sexual stimulation" whatsoever.

Once again I agree completely with the previous posters. Nothing about a sex toy is going to hurt you. Just remember to keep it clean! Never share Jelly toys because they are porous and never put anything in your butt without a plug on the end! Oh, and don't store jelly toys with other jelly toys. They will melt each other. As long as you keep your toys clean and don't share jelly toys, you will be just fine! Enjoy!

She's probably just concerned and didn't know how to react, so she threw some words in to make you second guess yourself. At least, my mum did that kind of thing all the time. (okay, still does.) I'd say to talk to her about it. She more than likely just doesn't like the idea and/ or doesn't have the facts.

To me vibrators can be a healthy alternative, at times. It can reduce the number of partners and be a good form of birth control