Vibrator
See also Vibrator (album) for the 1995 album by Terence Trent D'ArbyA
vibrator is a mechanical device that is designed to generate
vibrations. The vibration is often generated by an
electric motor with an
unbalanced weight (mass) on its
driveshaft. If the motor is switched on, the
rotating weight will
resonate.
There are many different types of vibrator, including those in
cellphones and
pagers. There are also vibrating devices intended to
touch the body (including insertion in a body cavity), thereby stimulating the nerves and giving a pleasurable and possibly
erotic feeling.
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Vibrator advertisement, c. 1910. "The secret of the ages has been discovered in Vibration. Great scientists tell us that we owe not only our health but even our life strength to this wonderful force. Vibration promotes life and vigour, strength and beauty. ... Vibrate Your Body and Make It Well. YOU Have No Right to Be Sick." |
The electrically-powered vibrator was invented in the
1880s by doctors, who had been ostensibly treating women for "
hysteria" for centuries by performing what we would now recognise as
masturbating those women to
orgasm.
At the time, however, not only did doctors regard the "vulvular stimulation" required as having nothing to do with sex, they reportedly found it time-consuming and hard work. The vibrator got the job done more quickly and without such efforts, and as such was extremely popular with doctors. Home versions began to appear soon after and became equally popular, with adverts in places like Needlecraft, Woman's Home Companion, Modern Priscilla and the Sears, Roebuck catalog. These disappeared in the
1920s, apparently because their appearance in
pornography made it no longer tenable for polite society to avoid the sexual connotations of the devices.
In their more common guise as "body massagers", millions of vibrators have been sold to both men and women. Some of the purchasers never use their purchases for anything other than relief from muscular tension or aches and pains. However, many people who purchase vibrators marketed as "body massagers" â€" and, presumably, most people who purchase vibrators marketed as adult toys â€" use them to attain sexual release, primarily in
masturbation, a form of
autoeroticism. Vibrators often allow people to achieve orgasm faster and easier and are often said to provide stronger orgasms than those produced by hand stimulation alone. They are often recommended by sex therapists for women who have difficulty reaching
orgasm by other means. Couples also use them sometimes as an enhancement to the pleasure of one or both partners.
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A seven inch vibrating dildo. |
The sale of vibrators and similar "novelty items" is forbidden in several states in the southern
USA. In the state of
Texas, the sale of devices for sexual stimulation such as vibrators and
dildos is technically illegal, but many stores will sell such items provided that the customer sign a statement that the device will be used only for educational purposes.
An enormous range of vibrators exist, falling into several broad categories:
* Clitoral—Often sold as "back massagers", these are powerful vibrators such as the Hitachi Magic Wand or the Acuvibe.
* Dildo-shaped—Approximately penis shaped, can be made of plastic, silicone or latex.
* Waterproof—Can be used under water.
* 'Rabbit', '
Jackrabbit' or 'Rampant Rabbit'—Two pronged for stimulation of both the
vagina and the
clitoris.
*
G-spot—Similar to the traditional vibrator but with a curve and often a soft jelly like coating. The curve makes it easier to use to stimulate the g-spot or
prostate.
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An egg shaped vibrator with remote control |
* Egg—Egg shaped vibrator which can be used for stimulation of the clitoris or insertion into the
vagina* Pocket rocket or "Sagi Goldberg"—Shaped like a cylinder, one of its ends has some vibrating bulges. It is meant to stimulate the clitoris or nipples, not for vaginal insertion.
* "Undercover" vibrators—Vibrators discreetly shaped as every-day objects, such as lipstick tubes, cell phones, or art pieces.
* Anal vibrators—Vibrators designed for anal use have either a flared base or a long handle to grip, to prevent them from slipping inside and getting lost.
*'Butterfly'—vibrator strapped around legs and waist for hands free clitoral stimulation during sexual intercourse
* Vibrating Cockring—vibrator (usually cordless) inserted in or attached to a
cock ring, usually for stimulation of the clitoris
Most vibrators use internal batteries, but some of them have a power cord and must be plugged into a wall power socket to work.
* Joani Blank, Ann Whidden.
Good Vibrations: The New Complete Guide to Vibrators Down There Press, 2000. ISBN 0940208261.
*
Antique Vibrator and Quack Medical Museum*
Antique Vibrator Museum at Good Vibrations
