If your grandma is anything like mine, she likely owned a sex toy (or two)-- although she'd probably never admit it! I was shocked to uncover the evolution of pleasure-inducing products in this Inverse article about early sex toys used in the 19th century.
Photo credit: Inverse.com
I was slightly to learn that in those times, as the article states, "'Hysteria' (literally translated as 'womb disease') was an actual medical diagnosis dating back to the times of Galen. The 'symptoms' included anxiety, sleeplessness, irritability, nervousness, erotic fantasies, feelings of heaviness in the lower abdomen, and 'wetness between the legs'."
Basically, there was a widely held scientific belief that women would "go crazy" without proper attention to their vaginas, so women would go to their doctor to have him perform a "fine and gentle [vaginal] massage" until she reached "hysterical paroxysm," or orgasm. Wow. Just. Wow. This procedure was especially recommended for widows, the chaste, and "the religious" as young women and wives were encouraged to seek fulfillment in men and at home. As ridiculous as this logic sounds, it actually paved the way for the sex toy industry. (Thanks patriarchy?)
Our forebears were actually quite clever.
The one above scares me a bit, but desperate times call for desperate measures, I guess? There were surprisingly more toys for men than I had expected too. Here are a few of my favorites:
Read the full Inverse article here and remember to shop online with us for all your modern sex toy needs. The market is constantly evolving and it's hard to stay up to date on the latest in intimacy-enhancing products. It's even worse visiting a sex toy store and talking to strangers about your intimate needs. That's why I started this business. In my General Toy Presentation, I show you the latest sex toys on the market and give you the privacy and confidence of shopping in your own home. You get to see the toys in person and get expert advice from someone who gets it. Click the button below to learn more about hosting a private, in-home presentation today!