Help -- I'm Addicted to My Vibrator!

Question: "The only thing that got me through a recent sex drought was my vibrator. Now that I'm dating again, the real thing doesn't hold a candle to my AA-powered little friend. Could I be hooked on it?"

Answer: Although it's unlikely that you're actually addicted to your vibrator, you may become hooked on the fast and easy orgasms that only electricity can deliver. Try to give your flesh-and-blood partner a fighting chance -- you may be self-conscious, which is common at the start of a new relationship. Once you let go of some inhibitions, you'll likely have an easier time reaching orgasm.

If quitting cold turkey seems drastic, slow down your solo bedroom time.

Try It: Try using your vibrator on a lower setting or through your underwear to decrease direct contact and delay climax, says Logan Levkoff, a sexologist in New York City. But remember that about 70 percent of women don't have orgasms from intercourse alone.

If you require extra stimulation, you can have a threesome with Mr. Vibe; if you're not comfortable with that, be more vocal with your real-life guy about what you want in bed, says Levkoff. He'll most likely appreciate the feedback, and you'll save on batteries.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, June 2006.