When it comes to the history of vibrators, most people don’t know that they were not initially invented for enhancing sexual pleasure. The original use of vibrators was not sex, and the reasons behind their invention are quite surprising.

Here are some of the unbelievable reasons behind the invention of the first vibrator.

The belief in “hysteria”

The first vibrator was invented in the late 19th century, and it was initially intended to cure “hysteria”.

“Hysteria” was a common medical diagnosis given to women at the time, which typically meant that they were experiencing anxiety, irritability, or restlessness. Doctors believed that the cause of hysteria was a “wandering uterus” and the cure was to induce a “hysterical paroxysm,” which is now known as an orgasm.

The invention of the steam-powered vibrator

The steam-powered vibrator was invented in the mid-1800s by an American doctor called George Taylor.

The steam-powered vibrator was designed to massage the spine and stimulate the nervous system, and it was primarily used to treat injuries and fatigue in male laborers. The vibrating mechanism was located in a separate room from the patient and was operated by a steam engine.

The vibrator as a labor-saving device

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the vibrator was marketed as a labor-saving device for women. Vibrators were advertised in women’s magazines as a way for women to avoid the physical exertion of hand-massaging themselves to orgasm.

The invention of the electric vibrator

The first electric vibrator was invented in 1899 by a British doctor named Joseph Mortimer Granville. Granville designed the vibrator to treat “female hysteria” and other medical conditions.

The electric vibrator quickly became popular among doctors, who used the device to treat various ailments, including constipation, lower back pain, and anxiety.

The sexual revolution and the rise of vibrators in the bedroom

The vibrator’s association with sexual pleasure became more pronounced in the 20th century, particularly during the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s.

The use of vibrators in the bedroom became increasingly common, and vibrators were no longer marketed exclusively as medical devices.

The feminist movement and the rise of sex-positive culture

The feminist movement and the rise of sex-positive culture in the 1980s and 1990s led to increased acceptance and mainstreaming of vibrators and other sex toys.

The vibrator became a symbol of sexual liberation and female empowerment, and the idea of women using sex toys to enhance their sexual pleasure became increasingly normalized.

Vibrators today

Today, vibrators are a staple of the sex toy industry and are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. The stigma surrounding vibrators has largely dissipated, and they are now widely accepted as a normal part of many people’s sex lives.

Vibrators are used for sexual pleasure, but they are also used for medical purposes, such as treating pain and stress.

The future of vibrators

The future of vibrators is likely to involve advancements in technology and design.

Researchers are currently exploring the potential of vibrators as medical devices, particularly in the treatment of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and chronic pain. As technology continues to advance, vibrators are likely to become even more sophisticated and personalized, with features such as remote control, adjustable intensity, and custom vibrations.

In conclusion

While the reasons behind the invention of the first vibrator may seem unbelievable, they are a testament to the history of sexual repression and the human desire for pleasure.

The vibrator has come a long way since its inception as a medical device, and it continues to evolve and improve as a tool for sexual pleasure, medical treatment, and personal empowerment.