The History of the Vibrator

Vibrators.

We all use ‘em. You may not admit it, but you do. Don’t worry; I won’t tell.

Yet, considering how many are sold in the world every year (like a bajillion), there are very few women who actually know their history. I was quite curious to discover the origins of my favorite piece of technology (yes, I love it more than my iPOD) so I did a little research.

Turns out, the vibrator has a long and interesting history.

Back in the early 1800’s, doctors discovered that hysteria in women could be treated by increasing blood flow from the uterus to the brain. Their tactic? Bringing women to orgasm…by hand.

Well, shockingly, the doctors got pretty popular. Apparently hysteria was spreading. The doctors got quite tired “treating” the women, so some invented a machine that would do all the work for them. Thus, the vibrator was born.

When the 1900’s rolled around, entrepreneurs realized the potentially huge market for handheld vibrators. Women suffering from hysteria (or from inexperienced lovers…like most of the boys I’ve met in college) could save a lot of money treating themselves at home versus seeing their doctor weekly.

In 1902, the vibrator was only the fifth take home appliance ever invented. The sewing machine came before it. The iron came after. In fact, the vibrator was the catalyst to the creation of the small electric motor used in most small appliances today. Had women not had the urge to pleasure themselves, we may have never had blenders!

By 1917 there were more vibrators in American homes than toasters. They were being advertised in women’s magazines – like Knitting Monthly – across the country. And no one ever even considered them sexual in any way.

But the fate and image of the vibrator changed in 1920 when it had a cameo in a naughty flick. And sheltered women and men around the country began to realize what had been in front of them all along: not a medicinal tool, but a fabulous sex toy.

The vibrator took a small sabbatical for a few years, but came back full force in the early 90’s thanks to a health conscious Reagen administration. In order to thwart the spread of AIDs in America, alternate/safe sex methods were presented to the public. On it: the vibrator.

And that, my friends, is how and why we are able enjoy ourselves whenever and however we want to.