We’re finally starting to recognize the huge impact hormone cycles have on our bodies. TikTok nutritionists and fitness influencers will loudly proclaim the importance of adjusting your workouts and meals depending on what phase of your cycle you’re in. Skincare girlies will proudly explain why you need even more products to match the different periods of your period — sorry, I had to do that at least once.
But seriously: you’re told to use more gentle, hydrating products during your menstruation phase, and stronger peels or exfoliators in the follicular phase. We’re adjusting all the time — seasonally, hormonally, emotionally. Heavier moisturizer in winter? Obviously. Light skincare for sweaty summer? Duh. Bigger jeans for bloat week? You know the drill. Certain bralettes only make an appearance in July. Some panties are strictly for bleeding and bleeding only. We adapt without even thinking about it.
And yet… the one place we seem to completely ignore this logic is self-pleasure.
Not to call you out, but I’m willing to bet there’s a single trusty vibrator living in your nightstand. When it runs out of battery, you don’t grab another. You just wait impatiently for it to charge, half-heartedly try the ol’ manual technique, and then go to bed frustrated. Babe, I’m not judging. I was you. I, too, believed the myth that one vibrator was enough.
But let me ask you this: Do you only need one little black dress? One pair of cunty boots? One type of face mask? One perfume?
No. And you don’t need just one vibrator either.
You Don’t Use Just One Moisturizer, Do You?
Your gorgeous face — yes, it’s gorgeous, I assure you — has different needs. Sometimes it needs damage control. Sometimes it needs exfoliation. Sometimes you’re on vacation and you need extra SPF and no retinol. Sometimes you have a period breakout and you’re reaching for the pimple patches.
Well, your body deserves that same thoughtful treatment.
Different vibrators for different needs: Stress relief. Quickies. Edging. Partner play. Shower fun. Period horniness. Ovulation horniness. Breakup horniness. Ex tried to slide back into your DMs, and you realized you still win horniness.
So why stick to just one?
I spoke to April Maria, sexologist at Hot Octopuss, about why switching up your toy game might actually be the key to better pleasure.
“Hormones, stress, energy levels, and even your relationship with your body can influence what kind of stimulation feels good,” April explains. “One week, you might crave deep rumbly vibrations, another week you might want a lighter teasing touch, or even no toy at all. Switching up your toy is a way of staying in tune with your body rather than sticking to a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Your skincare shelf is allowed to be full of potions. Your shoe rack is allowed to look unhinged. Your sex toy drawer deserves the same energy.
Do Different Sex Toys Suit Different Times of Your Cycle?
Let’s get specific: hormone cycles. Everyone’s obsessed with them right now — and for good reason. We’re finally talking about how sex and orgasms shift across our menstrual phases. Like how some people swear orgasms help with cramps. How our boobs never look better than during ovulation. How our skin looks fantastic for about two days.
“During your cycle, hormonal fluctuations can affect sensitivity, arousal, and the type of touch you prefer,” April says. “Around ovulation, you might feel more sensitive and prefer softer touches. During the luteal phase, when libido dips, you may need more warming up—think slower build-up, softer toys, or ones that stimulate multiple erogenous zones.”
Samantha Marshall, Head of Brand and in-house sex educator at Smile Makers Collection, agrees: “Some people find internal stimulation uncomfortable during their period and prefer to switch to an external vibe.”
Wait, What Is Cycle Syncing Again?
You might already be doing it without realizing it. But just in case, Emily King, sexologist at SheSpot, gave Betches the lowdown on syncing your solo play with your cycle:
“Cycle syncing is becoming increasingly popular, with women aligning their exercise schedules and diets with the various stages of their menstrual cycle to regulate their hormones, optimize their energy and manage stress,” Emily explains. “But what about your sex life? As energy fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking during ovulation when estrogen is at its peak and dropping during the luteal phase as progesterone rises, it’s normal for your sexual preferences to ebb and flow too.”
Emily breaks it down like this:
- Menstruation = Winter
- Follicular phase = Spring
- Ovulation = Summer
- Luteal phase = Autumn
“What feels exciting in ‘summer’ may not appeal in ‘winter.’ Ovulation is a great time to embrace novelty. Menstruation is a time to prioritize comfort—and remind yourself that orgasms provide natural pain relief.”
And if one phase has you opening your vibrator drawer more than usual? Dr. Laurie Mintz, LELO Sexpert and certified sex therapist, says that’s totally normal.
“You may be especially horny around ovulation, so you might want to pleasure yourself more during that time,” Dr. Mintz explains. “Also, orgasms can relieve menstrual cramps. Just remember that natural lubrication might be lower during your period, so using lube can help avoid discomfort.”
For this, you can’t go wrong with LELO’s personal moisturizer.
How Do You Know When You Need to Switch It Up?
IDK about you, but unless someone explicitly tells me how often to change something, I will not do it. Like, “wash your sheets once a week”? Got it. “Replace mascara every three months”? I’ll try. I really will.
So when do we switch up the vibe?
April shares three key signs it’s time to pull a new Avenger from your pleasure drawer:
- You’re zoning out or feeling numb during use
- It’s taking longer than usual to orgasm
- You’re bored or relying on the same routine to get off
Is This Big Vibe Conspiracy?
Look, someone had to ask. But Emily King says it’s not about buying more sex toys — it’s about getting creative with what you already own.
“You can get creative with your current vibrator by using it on your nipples before your clitoris, or as a massager around your labia to stimulate the wider internal clitoral structure — not just the external glans.”
I’m not going to say you HAVE to buy more sex toys. But maybe buy smarter toys, with multiple settings, or try to use them in different ways. Also, you can get more than one vibrator, sorry. If you can have three different denim jackets, you can have at least two ways of getting off solo.
Build Your Vibrator Wardrobe Capsule
I don’t personally have a capsule wardrobe (because I’m addicted to leopard print and gained weight on SSRIs lol), but I do believe in a vibrator capsule collection. Here are what I’d include:
Types of toys to consider:
Bullet vibrators: Small, simple, and quiet. Great for travel or stealthy quickies. Can feel intense — good for low-sensitivity days.
Clit vibrators: Perfect for period horniness. If you’ve got a tampon or cup in, you can still use this without making a mess. Start on low with some lube.
Rabbit vibrators: Ideal when you want a little penetration. Ovulation week, she’s your bestie.
Couple toys: Want to involve your partner in cycle syncing? Remote-controlled vibes or clit stimulators during intercourse can be fun for both.
Your pleasure deserves range. Your needs change throughout the month — why shouldn’t your vibrator selection? Whether you’re syncing with your cycle or just craving something new, giving yourself permission to explore different sensations is the best way to stay connected to your body.
Treat your sex toy drawer like your skincare shelf or your closet: full of options, full of fun, and always there for you — no matter what phase you’re in.
