Remember that rumor running around on social media that using a vibrator (or just masturbating a lot in general) can cause desensitization of the clitoris? Yeah, that's not true. Using a vibrator on your genitals is completely safe. But it is possible to experience temporary numbness or even soreness during or after sex.

It's called overstimulation — or sometimes clit overstimulation — but it's not just from masturbation, as this feeling can happen during internal (vaginal) sex, oral sex, or any kind of ongoing genital contact. Often, it can feel like you're hypersensitive to touch and have to back off, or you may not feel much of anything. Don't worry too much, though — and don't believe the vibrators-are-bad rumors: overstimulation is normal and typically temporary, usually lasting just a couple of minutes.

If you've experienced overstimulation, it can be frustrating to need to take a break or transition out of sex in the middle of pleasure. It can even be a little nerve-wracking. But there are ways you can avoid overstimulation, and that starts with understanding how it happens in the first place.

Here's what you need to know. Marla Renee Stewart , MA, is a sexologist and sex educator. Sexual Overstimulation, Explained Overstimulation describes what happens when genital contact goes from feeling really great to uncomfortable or numb, says sexologist Marla Renee Stewart, MA, tells PS.

"Overstimulation happens because of high arousal paired with repetitive action," say.