Wednesday, November 16, 2005

SEX TOY HISTORY and ORIGINS

The history of female sexual aides go back further than anyone knows; however,the Ancient Roman’s are often credited as the first people to invent sex toys. While their society was NOT as decedent as often portrayed, although certain Emporers certainly deserved the reputation, the Roman civilization's
reputation as highly advanced and inventive is highly documented. (An example: medicine and surgical instruments were not improved upon the Roman designs until about 1880.)

Roman women had a certain amount of freedom including sexual freedom not found in other ancient cultures, at least during the period following Julius Caesar—the Empire Period. This led to the invention of sexual instruments for women to use, perhaps for those who’s husbands were away at war.

Female sexuality blossomed during this period including the appearance of phallic like object in ancient Greece and Italy is well documented. The word dildo is likely to have come from the Italian word 'dilettarsi' meaning to take delight in. These ancient dildos however were nothing like the modern day versions. They young frustrated women of Ancient Rome would settle with dildos made of leather or wood, which one could imagine required a lot of olive oil lubrication!


SEXUAL REPRESSION IN 1880s LED TO THE VIBRATOR

Female sexuality was repressed during the "Victorian Period" and women suffered from a condition called “hysteria,” which became the second most commonly diagnosed illness of the period.

Symptoms of Hysteria

–Nervous affliction in women
–Patient’s emotional and reflex excitability was exaggerated (basically on pins and needles)
–Became the victim of unusual sensations, and often fell into fits

Treating Hysteria

• To cure hysteria, physicians massaged a woman’s Vulva until there was release
• Many women went frequently to have their “problems” treated
• Physician’s complained about this "exhausting" work

Yes, physician's masturbated their women patients to orgasm as a treatment for 'Hysteria,' although, they didn't realize that's what they were doing. This exhaustive procedure performed by physicians led to the development of the vibrator, to relieve doctors of cramped hands from so much massaging. Vibrators become mainstream. By the 1900s, Sears Roebuck catalog sold vibrators for self treatment of “Hysteria”--a multi-purpose appliance that included a buffer, grinder and mixer along with the vibrator attachment.

SEX TOYS TODAY

Adult toys don't have the stigma they once did. Female sexuality is much more accepted today. Many couples have add sex toys into their erotic repertoire. Also, with concerns over STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), sex toys are the safest (and fun) way to enjoy sex without risk of disease.

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