Sex Toys are Not a New Phenomenon - Page 2

In Victorian England, sex toys as well as books that discussed human sexuality were taboo, but people were still sexually active and looking for unconventional ways to release their sexual tensions. During this time period, mid-19th century, rubber dildos, butt plugs, and vibrators were created.

Vibrators were sold as massagers. Day spas offered classy variations for an orgasm by way of steam-powered vibrating devices and water jet massages. Needless to say, these spas were very popular. Butt plugs were to help prevent losing sperm through ejaculation, while vibrators were to calm “hysterical” women, meaning an orgasm would mend the imbalances of sexual fantasies and anxiety.

In 1907, the Penis Stiffener was patented to aid in erection for those with dysfunctions. This was the first time a toy was created to help a male with an erection problem. Women were obtaining sexual help at spas, and now men were getting some help of their own. The mid 1920s brought KY jelly and the strip tease. Strip-tease clothing became popular and caused fans, furs, capes, and feather boas to become sexual accessories. By 1930, vibrators were advertised and sold to everyone.

In 1948, a sex survey, “The Kinsey Report,” showed that 94 percent of men and 40 percent of women sexually pleasured themselves to orgasm. The most shocking information from this book was that sex occurred more often when people were alone. Today, the same survey shows that men and women of all ages — single, married, divorced or widowed — sexually pleasure themselves, often with the aid of a sex toy.

1953 was a proud year for Hugh Hefner and the premiere of Playboy magazine, which is still very popular today, thanks to the E! show, Girls Next Door. Although some claimed Playboy was pornography, others said they read it for the articles. Playboy brought sex back into the open and into homes. Because of Playboy, other publications were made. Playboy helped pave the way for the sex toys of today.

Sex toys in all sizes, colors, types, and brands are now easily obtained through the Internet and specialty stores like Fascinations, Christie’s Toy Box, and Castle Boutique. Sex toys enhance sexual arousal, and sex toy parties are the new Tupperware parties. Passionparties.com products are designed to promote intimacy and communication between couples.

Sex toys have changed throughout the years, but they still serve the same purpose of enhancing the sexual experience. While sex toys have evolved over the last 30,000 years, popularity has remained high, and sex toys are easily accessible.

Article Author: Kendal Tate

I am a senior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Professional Writing.

Visit Kendal Tate's author page — Kendal Tate's Blog