July 28th 2024.
For a long time, sex toys have been a popular item to have in our bedrooms. From rabbits and bullets to G-spot stimulators and air-based clitoral devices, these toys have been a go-to for many people looking to spice things up in the bedroom. In 2024, the sex toy industry is thriving and by 2026, it is projected to reach a global value of $52.7 billion, with even more growth expected by 2030.
But, as with any product, the appearance of sex toys can quickly become outdated. Take, for example, the iconic episode of Sex And The City where Miranda introduces her friend Charlotte to the Rabbit vibrator. Charlotte becomes addicted to it, choosing self-pleasure over dating and socializing. It's a mood, honestly. However, revisiting this episode now, it's clear that the style of sex toy has evolved greatly since then.
But Sex And The City is not the only show to reference sex toys throughout the years. Netflix's new "wine-soaked sex romp," The Decameron, starring Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Tanya Reynolds, also delves into the intricate history of these toys. Set during the Bubonic Plague and inspired by the original tale published in 14th century Italy by Giovanni Boccaccio, the characters are comically shown making their own sex toys out of clay.
All of this got me thinking - when exactly did sex toys first come about? And how have they changed throughout history? According to sexologist and expert at sextoys.co.uk, Gigi Engle, sex toys have been around for as long as humans have existed. In fact, the oldest sex toy in existence is over 28,000 years old and was discovered in a cave in Germany. While there is some debate over whether it was truly a sex toy, it was clearly used and made of materials such as stone, glass, wood, and leather.
In 2023, historians also deciphered that a wooden object found at a Roman fort on Hadrian's Wall was likely not a darning tool, but a 16cm phallus-shaped toy used for sexual pleasure. So, it's safe to say that humans have been exploring and enhancing their sexual experiences for a long time.
But, there are also many myths and misconceptions surrounding sex toys. For example, it was once believed that they were used to treat "hysteria" in women. However, this has been proven false. The first electric vibrator was actually created by a British physician in the 1880s for medical purposes such as pain relief and treating spinal disease and deafness. It wasn't until the sexual revolution in the 1960s that vibrators became more widely available and marketed as a tool for female pleasure.
One iconic sex toy that emerged during this time was the Hitachi Magic Wand. Initially marketed as a "back massager," it quickly gained popularity among women as an effective tool for sexual pleasure. And, with the rise of feminism in the 1970s, there was a greater focus on female pleasure and empowerment, leading to the creation of dedicated spaces for women to explore their sexuality and purchase sex toys.
Today, the sex toy industry continues to grow and become more inclusive. There is a greater understanding that these toys are not just for solo use, but can also enhance partnered sex. And, they are not just marketed at women - there are now many products available for people of all genders. So, let's celebrate how far we've come in embracing and prioritizing pleasure, and hope that this trend continues. After all, sex toys are our friends, not our enemies.
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