You might be alarmed if you typically use a sex toy and find other methods of masturbation or sex with other people just can't measure up. Perhaps you've heard about so-called addiction to sex toys or you're worried that you've somehow broken yourself. Rest assured that this myth, while common, is unfounded. You can't become addicted to your sex toy. And there's no good reason why anyone should make you feel bad for owning and using one!
How Sex Toys Change the Game
Still, even if you can't actually become addicted to your sex toy, you can certainly get used to it. Essentially, you've trained yourself to experience pleasure and orgasm in one way. This can make it more difficult for you to experience pleasure or orgasm via other means, including someone's hand or penetration. You may be able to reset yourself by only using your hand, for example, during masturbation. Ostensibly, the longer you go without using a masturbator or dildo, the easier it becomes to get off in some other way.
However, the fact that some people can only have an orgasm or consistently have orgasms with sex toys such as vibrators is a double-edged sword. There's nothing wrong with using your sex toy if it's the only thing that works for you. Just don't become so focused on the end game--an orgasm--that you overlook the excitement of the journey or get stuck in a routine. Make sure to switch things up from time to time. Remember that masturbation and sex can be incredible even without any orgasms!
When Sex Toys Are the Answer
There is one notable exception: if you need clitoral stimulation to have an orgasm and only get that while using sex toys. It's not uncommon for many people to need or simply prefer clitoral stimulation to orgasm. Yet intercourse often misses the mark for many bodies. You're definitely not alone if you fall into this group.
Fortunately, the solution is as easy as incorporating clitoral stimulation into partnered activities. You can either do it yourself or ask your partner to focus on your clit. Their tongue and fingers are two great tools that get the job done. On the other hand--no pun intended--many sex toys work just as well when playing with a partner as they do during a solo session. Small clitoral or bullet vibes, for example, work well for this. Why not invite your partner to go vibrator shopping for you and pick out some other goodies you can use together?