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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

... to not consider vibrators "mainstream"?

144 replies

PavlovsDoggie · 25/06/2021 21:08

In the sense that most of us have them, etc.

They're advertised on MN, but the reality is you never see them mentioned in mainstream books, movies, TV, etc.

Silly thoughts on a train passing time on a Friday evening!!

YABU - no of course they are mainstream, most of us have them

YANBU - yes, they are niche, just see ads for them on MN, but not much out there in the team world


If you've found this page in search of vibrators that have been tried and tested by fellow Mumsnet users, you might find our guide to the best vibrators useful. Hope this helps! MNHQ 💐

OP posts:
Sillyduckseverywhere · 26/06/2021 09:51

@Pinchoftums

It would take me ages of hand action to come otherwise and neither I nor DH can be arsed. If you can do it quickly lucky you, crack on but it's 20 minutes of slog on the old clit (after a bit of foreplay and sex) or 3 minutes to heaven. 😁
Basically this! Both have merits and flaws and the boyfriend loves watching
Naunet · 26/06/2021 10:00

They're advertised on MN, but the reality is you never see them mentioned in mainstream books, movies, TV, etc

Women’s sexuality has never been mainstream, I mean women actually used to be sectioned for a bit of self pleasure! And that’s because men have always held the narrative - doesn’t make them right.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 26/06/2021 10:15

I’ve read in some classical Greek play (5th century BC-ish) of ‘ladies’ six inch leather comforters’ so hardly a new thing,

It was a comedy (forget which) and in case anyone thinks I’m bragging about my language skills, I read it in an English translation.

Not that I’m saying that every other woman has one in their bedside drawer, probably far from it.

2klightyears · 26/06/2021 10:19

I think @Naunet makes a very relevant point. In porn, and I’m no expert, it seems that the cumshot is what it’s all about. There is little attention to the female experience, and that often extends to female sexuality in popular books and movies too.

MindMyRead · 26/06/2021 10:52

First I'd ever taken note of them was with an episode of sex in the city. After that I'd assume they were fairly mainstream, if you were of a certain age.

It's also not always a solo thing either. While since partners might feel threatened, some just love to watch.

JustLikeSugar · 26/06/2021 11:00

What's mainstream changes over time. If you are 20, 30, 40, etc then i think you might see things differently.

When my dsis had a girlfriend, it was a really difficult time for her. Now she is happily married, times had changed but she has not.

Lots of sex related topics would have been niche 30 years ago are part of mainstream now.

TheFutureIsUncertain · 26/06/2021 11:06
  1. I've seen a few posters over the years on MN where partners did not like them using vibrators.
  1. It's acceptable that all men masturbate. It seems much less acceptable for women? (But I'd assume we all do so in private)

Both these points relate to @naunet post above on lack of attention to female sexuality in media.

anyhue · 26/06/2021 11:12

They are absolutely mainstream. But something being mainstream media doesn't necessarily mean widespread use.

For example, while I'd assume that basically all women masturbate (age limits of course), we are aware of vibrators due to mainstream media, but not so many people use them in reality? That could also be the case.

Bells3032 · 26/06/2021 11:15

My adverts are for videogames....

I think fairly mainstream. Got first one in mid 20s on advice of my physio as I was having pain during sex (thankfully mostly sorted now).

Tbh now married and don't tend to use them as vibrstors. But I do have a g spot one and it is such an amazing deep tissue massager. Great for getting under shoulder blades!

cocoloco987 · 26/06/2021 11:16

You can buy them in Poundland so definitely mainstream

akitamiss · 26/06/2021 11:17

Mainstream for sure. But that doesn't mean that something happens or is used all the time.

I have a coffee machine, and use it a few times every day. I have scented candles and use then every few months. I have a Hitachi magic wand and won't share what I do with that Grin

Hallyup6 · 26/06/2021 11:23

Definitely mainstream. I did have an advert for one the other day though and thought wtf?

My husband has a website selling them.

Wizzbangfizz · 26/06/2021 11:25

Very mainstream I'm pretty sure all my friends have them!

TakeUsHome · 26/06/2021 11:28

Mainstream 100%

I had one and used it twice a day for several months a few years back. My DH used it on me too.

I should clarify that was in relation to a shoulder injury for cycling.

The shoulder is much better now :) But DH still likes to use it with me Grin

TableFlowerss · 26/06/2021 11:32

I think they’re mainstream. Most women will have a vibrator in this day and age! Judging by the 82% vote I think this illustrates the point nicely

SoftParade · 26/06/2021 11:45

It is mainstream in that they are sold and marketed to us and generally available.

While all women masturbate, I'm not so sure most have bought or used a vibrator. Maybe that’s the limited aged 50s perspective. Might be different for the younger crowd?

Inthe60s · 26/06/2021 11:52

Culturally they are mainstream. Most people would have purchased and tried it, as part of experimenting.

Lots of gadgets are inclined to be under used and gather dust.

However, our hands are always there, no batteries required, etc. It something we all discovered as teens, and know how to do.

VeganCheesePlease · 26/06/2021 11:55

I would have thought they are fairly mainstream. If its not your thing that's OK.

BarefootHippieChick · 26/06/2021 11:57

I had one and used it twice a day for several months a few years back. My DH used it on me too.

You must have been worn out by the time the shoulder healed 😁

myfuckingfreezer · 26/06/2021 11:58

@OverByYer

They are selling them in Sainsbury’s now. I was looking for Sudafed the other day and looked up and saw some on the top shelf next to the condoms. I was a bit shocked if I’m honest
The sainsburys ones are awful. Don't buy them!
NekoShiro · 26/06/2021 12:07

Ann summers on every high street, I search for halo top ice-cream on Tesco and a gal bullet vibrator is a returned result. It's mainstream, I can say Ann summers rabbit, or Hitachi wand and a lot of people know the reference

oooff · 26/06/2021 12:10

I wonder if this is what it means when young people say they are vibin?

zingally · 26/06/2021 12:35

Like all things, they only seem mainstream to you if you and your immediate peers have one!

I've had one for years!!

Pinkdelight3 · 26/06/2021 12:42

My friend used to sell them online. They sold LOADS. Like, amazing business - constant high demand. So yeah, I'd say they're mainstream.

PavlovsDoggie · 26/06/2021 16:31

FOMO, Fear of missing out, after a quick research, I've taken the plunge and just ordered the magic wand.

It doesn't look like I expected actually but will see. It does indeed look for like something for sports injury.

Amazon Prime, DH account :;

OP posts: