Life

They Best Moments In Vibrator History

by Kristine Fellizar

It’s the month of May, and if you didn’t already know, that means it’s National Masturbation Month. Whether you’re in a crazy sex-filled relationship or going at it alone, there’s no doubt that everyone can reap the benefits of masturbation. After all, it’s known to produce very positive results such as boosting your overall physical and mental health. According to LifeStyles’ SKYN Sex Survey, nearly 68 percent of men and 43 percent of women masturbate at least once a month. Studies show that 75 percent of women require direct stimulation to achieve orgasm and only 25 percent of women are able to climax from sex alone. Because of that, it’s not such a stretch to believe that one in three American women have fessed up to owning at least one vibrator. Better yet, women who use vibrators report sexual enhancement in both solo and partner sex.

So, in honor of this glorious month of self-loving, here's a quick history lesson on every girl’s favorite buzzworthy BFF thanks to LifeStyles infographic (below).

Pre-Vibe Era

Back in the day, there was "no such thing" as a woman’s sex drive. If you were a lady living before the 20th century and were experiencing feelings of anxiety, irritability, nervousness, heaviness in the lower abdomen, wetness between the legs, and erotic fantasies, doctors would diagnose you with “hysteria.”

In order to “cure” hysteria, doctors would apply vegetable oil to a woman’s genitals and message them until the woman suddenly felt a sense of relief. Or in other words, doctors treated hysteria with hand jobs. Because many doctors experienced chronic hand fatigue – achy, cramped fingers – from all the massaging they were doing, maintaining long-term treatment was difficult.

Because of that, physicians experimented with mechanical substitutes for their hands. Thus, the vibrator was born.

History of Vibrators

In 1883, the first electric vibrator used for medical purposes was created by Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville.

In 1980, Dr. Macaura Pulsocon invented the Hand Crank, a hand-powered device that resembled an egg beater.

Speaking of kitchen supplies, we may know Hamilton Beach for their range of appliances that fill our kitchens from slow cookers to blenders to coffeemakers. But did you know Hamilton Beach actually patented the first electric at-home vibrator in 1902?

In 1954, the first electric vibrator that didn’t require a user’s manual was invented.

In 2010, LifeStyles released it’s a:muse Personal Pleasure Massager which featured five different rhythms of vibration.

But before then, here are six other facts about vibrators that you may want to know:

1. Vibrators aren't strictly regulated by the government.

So be smart and make sure that the companies you're buying from online sell sex toys that are 100 percent safe.

2. Religion and vibrators don't mix

It's been reported that women who were more religious were less likely to use a vibrator.

3. In Texas, it's illegal to own more than six dildos. In Alabama, sex toys are banned from stores.

4. Wyoming, Alaska, and North Dakota are the top three states for sex toy purchases.

According to a survey done by Adam and Eve, the top ten states include Montana, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, West Virginia, Idaho, and South Dakota. Bigger, more liberal states like New York and California didn't even make the cut.

5. Vibrators are the most popular sex toys

According to the same Adam and Eve survey, vibes make up the most popular sex toys at 19.2 percent, followed by rubber penises (16 percent), lube (14 percent), anal beads (12 percent), and penis rings (11.8 percent).

6. The most expensive vibrator will set you back one million dollars.

The Pearl Royal has one thousand gems including a variety of sapphires, pearls, white, and pink diamonds.

Check out the infographic below for more information on vibrators.

Images: Instagram; LifeStyles Condoms; Giphy(7)