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You may have heard of them, or have even tried a few. Sex toys often bring out the mischievous side of people as they imagine different ways of using them. A visit to a sex store reveals that people are extremely inventive when it comes to creating unusual sex-related items.
Dildos (objects resembling a penis) may have been part of human history since the Upper Paleolithic period some 30,000 years ago. The first dildos were made of stone, tar, wood, or any material that could be shaped like a penis and remain firm enough for penetration. The oldest dildo is a siltstone 20-centimeter phallus found near Ulm Germany.
The commercialization of electricity during the 19th century prompted the invention of the vibrator. Joseph Mortimer Granville, an English doctor, was able to use this new technology to create the first electric vibrator in 1880.
During the Victorian area, it was believed that if a woman had symptoms such as irritability, depression, or confusion she might be suffering from hysteria. The cure was digital external pelvic massages (i.e., stimulation of the clitoris) by her family doctor. The stimulation provoked local spasms called “hysterical paroxysms†or what we refer to today as an orgasm.
External pelvic massages were regarded as non-sexual because intercourse was considered the only way a woman could be sexually satisfied. Doctors did not enjoy these treatments because they were time-consuming and labour-intensive.
The electric vibrator allowed for faster and more effective pelvic massages by the doctor. These devices were only used externally and looked like a modern massager. Vibrators were perceived as medical devices and were advertised in women’s magazines for home usage; it wasn’t until vibrators were used in pornographic films of the 1920s that the public started to view the vibrator as an instrument of pleasure.
Presently, there are five categories of sex toys: vibrators, penile toys, nipple toys, anal toys, and penetrative toys. These objects can be made from silicone, jelly rubber, CyberSkin (resembles real skin), latex, stainless steel, and hard glass. I will highlight some of them.
Vibrators are vibrating devices that can stimulate the vagina, the anus, the G-spot, the clitoris, or other areas of the body. Their shapes and sizes vary greatly, which enables the user to simulate a specific body part. Vibrators need a power source (batteries or a cord plugged to an electric outlet) and can be water-resistant. Some examples of vibrators are the Hitachi Magic Wand and the Rabbit Have It (see pictures below).
Penile toys are designed to stimulate the penis. This category includes artificial vaginas, cock rings, triple crowns, cock harnesses, ball locks, penis sleeves, penis extension, and docking sleeves.
Artificial vaginas are designed to be penetrated by a penis and simulate intercourse. Cock rings withhold the blood inside the penis and/or scrotum and prolong male erection. Penis sleeves are soft rubber cylindrical toys that are placed on the penis to increase stimulation for the wearer and the person being penetrated. Penis extensions are partially hollow devices placed on the end of the penis to increase its length. Some examples of penis toys are the Roller Ring and the 3†Latex Extension (see pictures below).
Anal toys include butt plugs, anal beads, and prostate massagers. General penetrative toys include Ben Wa balls, Kegel exercisers, and the Horseshoe torture.
A butt plug is a short dildo with a flared base that is inserted into the anus. Anal beads are balls on a string that are inserted into the rectum and then slowly removed. Prostate massagers are curved devices designed to stimulate the prostate gland through the rectum. Some examples of anal toys are the Dolphin and the Steelies or Anal Beads (see pictures below).
Ben Wa balls are hollow metal balls inserted into the vagina that can enhance orgasms. The Kegel exercisers are vaginal barbells that improve the muscle tone of the pelvic floor. Finally, the Horseshoe torture is a device made of soft plastic that is put in the vagina and the anus at the same time. Some examples are Krystal’s Futurotic Orgasm Balls and the Stainless Steel Kegel Exerciser (see pictures below).
People should not share their sex toys, and the toys need to be properly sanitized/sterilized before the next use. It is very important to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer because you could damage the device or put your health at risk if you sanitize/sterilize incorrectly. Sex toys containing phthalates should be avoided because this substance may cause cancer and other health problems.
The bedroom can be a place where we can express our creativity. Sex toys can be fun, pleasurable, and sometimes plain silly. Although there are countless different models of these devices on the market, let’s not forget that nothing substitutes the human touch.
Literary Truths
It is always a good idea to consult knowledgeable friends and sex store personnel before you purchase a sex toy. Here is a checklist to guide you in the process:
- Budget limits: Sex toys can range from $10 to well over $200. You need to determine how much you are willing to invest. Of course, sex toys cannot be returned to the store — even if you are unsatisfied.
- Vibration options: Dildos are simple insertion of sex toys. Vibrators produce vibrations of different speeds, intensity, and direction.
- Material preferences: Sex toys can be made of silicone, latex, stainless steel, hard plastic, Cyberskin, jelly rubber, and glass. Keep in mind any allergies you may have and the type of lubrication you want to use (i.e., water-based versus silicone-based).
- Frequency of usage: Sex toys made of some materials (i.e., soft plastic) have a short lifespan compared to toys made of stronger material (i.e., stainless steel). Also, you need to know how to properly sanitize/sterilize your sex toys appropriate to the material of which they are made.
- Plug-ins or batteries: Vibrator plug-ins can limit your range of movement. Batteries are more convenient but over time may cost more. Rechargeable batteries could be the best option. Make sure you use the type of batteries recommended by the manufacturer.
References
Horowitz, Rosemary. “The Technology of Orgasm: ‘Hysteria,’ the Vibrator, and Women’s Sexual Satisfaction.” NWSA Journal 12.3 (2000): 201.
Lindemann, Danielle J. “Pathology full circle: a history of anti-vibrator legislation in the United States.” Columbia Journal of Gender and Law 15.1 (2006): 326.
Malan, Mark Kim. “The enlightenment as genesis of 18th-century masturbation degeneracy hysteria.” The Journal of Sex Research 41.3 (2004): 313.
Marrazzo, Jeanne M., Patricia Coffey, and Allison Bingham. “Sexual practices, risk perception, and knowledge of sexually transmitted disease risk among lesbian and bisexual women.” Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 37.1 (2005): 6.
Patrick, Lyn. “Thyroid disruption: mechanisms and clinical implications in human health.” Alternative Medicine Review 14.4 (2009): 326.
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Ting, Keh-Chuh, Modan Gill, and Orlando Garbin. “GC/MS screening method for phthalate esters in children’s toys.” Journal of AOAC International 92.3 (2009): 951.
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