Vibrators

Lara Khalaf
  ** Vibrators **

** Definition: **  The McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Modern Medicine (2002) defines vibrators as cylindrical battery-powered devices with an internal motor that generates periodic oscillations, traditionally used as an auto-stimulator or sexual aid. Vibrators are used by both males and females to reach sexual climax and stimulation.

** The History of Vibrators: **  Hvistendahl (2009) reports that vibrators came to be as a prescribed cure for the disease hysteria. Hysteria occurred only in women who physicians and healers said had pent-up sexual energy (Hvistendahl 2009). The prescription of a clitoral orgasm dates back to the first century A.D. (Hvistendahl 2009). Doctors administered manual stimulation with their hands to induce “paroxysm” (sexual climax) but this became too tedious for them. Masturbation, as Parry (2008) points out, was regarded as wrong and constitutionally dangerous, so that wasn’t an option either. Eventually, electricity came to the rescue. Joseph Mortimer Granville invented an electromechanical vibrator in the early 1880s to relieve muscle aches, but doctors found they could use it in “other” areas to treat hysteria (Hvistendahl 2009). Hvistendahl (2009) says “by the turn of the century needlework catalogues advertised models for women who wanted to try the treatment at home, making the vibrator the fifth electric appliance to arrive in the home--after the sewing machine, the fan, the teakettle and the toaster.” In the 1920’s Sigmund Freud identified “paroxym” as sexual and medical uses of the device declined (Hvistendahl 2009). In the early 20th century hand-cranked versions became available, and became common devices (Parry 2008). Various silent films portrayed vibrators as being used sexually which completely discredited their medicinal value and they disappeared from view for about 50 years says Parry (2008). By the 1980‘s vibrators were offered in flesh tones and largely designed for penetration, reports Parry (2008). More recently vibrators are used solely for sexual purposes by men and women.

** Vibrator Use and relation to sexual health: **  According to ScienceDaily (2009) two Indiana University studies found that “vibrator use during sexual interactions is common, with use being reported by approximately 53 percent of women and 45 percent of men ages 18 to 60”. The study shed light on male vibrator use, and found that “men who reported having used vibrators, particularly those with more recent use, were more likely to report participation in sexual health promoting behaviors, such as testicular self-exam and scored themselves higher in regards to sexual function” (ScienceDaily 2009). The study also found that female vibrator users were highly more likely “ to have had a gynecological exam during the past year and to have performed genital self-examination during the previous month” (ScienceDaily 2009). Davis (1996) reported a study with a sample of 202 women who completed a 35-item questionnaire asking them to describe their experiences using vibrators. They found that vibrators were used “primarily to enhance sexual responsiveness and sexual pleasure, most commonly in autoerotic activity, but, for more than two thirds of the sample, also in partnered activity” (Davis 1996).

** Benefits/Risks: **  ScienceDaily (2009) quotes Debby Herbenick, Associate Director of the Center for Sexual health promotion at Indiana University, saying vibrator use by women is “linked to positive sexual function such as desire and ease of orgasm, and it's rarely associated with any side effects.” ScienceDaily (2009) states that the Indiana University studies discovered that 71% of women users have never had any side effects associated with vibrator use and reported side effects were “rare and of a short duration.” According to Babycenter’s Medical director Gina Brown (n.d.), expecting moms can use vibrators but they “want to be extra careful not to penetrate too forcefully since plastic is more rigid than flesh.” Furthermore, Graves (n.d.) states “if you're having a healthy pregnancy, it's safe to use a vibrator; but if you're at risk for preterm labor, it can be risky to have an orgasm since it can stimulate contraction.” The Indiana University studies find that women who used vibrators also reported better sex, including higher sexual desire and arousal, as well as orgasm (ScienceDaily 2009).

** Types of Vibrators: **  Dr. Laura Berman, (Winfrey 2009) an American sex educator, therapist and leading expert in female sexual health, reports that there are 7 main types of vibrators for women. The vibrators differ depending on what type of orgasm a women wishes to have. The three orgasm types are clitoral, g-spot and blended (both clitoral and g-spot) (Winfrey 2009). Dr. Berman (Winfrey 2009) also indicates that vibrators can be used alone or by a partner during intercourse. Davis (1996) reports that “the clitoris is the preferred site of vibrator stimulation for most, but there was great diversity in both preferred location and technique.” According to Vibrators.com there are 7 distinct categories of vibrators for men and women, their descriptions are below.



** Bullet- ** These vibrators are small and can be used internally and externally, and by men or women. They are usually hard-shelled (plastic or aluminum) or covered with soft rubber or jelly coating.

** Traditional- ** These are basic hard-shelled plastic vibrators measuring from four to eight inches long. They have various speeds, usually controlled by a knob at the base, and can run on AA or C cell batteries. The hard-shell aids in feeling more vibrations.

** Realistic- ** Realistic vibrators have a phallic shape, with all the details of a real penis. They are usually made of silicone, jelly or rubber and vary in size and shape.

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">** Rabbit- ** The Rabbit vibrators stimulate vaginal walls and the clitoris at the same time (blended orgasm). Rabbits have a rotating shaft lined with massaging beads/pearls. Most include vibrating bunny ears that massage the clitoris while the shaft penetrates.

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">** G-Spot- ** These are made to locate and stimulate the female G-spot. They can be hard or soft and feature a curve d head for directstimulation. Typically used internally.



** Clitoral - ** These vibrators stimulate the clitoris, they can be handheld or wearable to use during sexual intercourse. Typically used externally.



** Specialized- ** These vibrate and provide stimulation like the others but they have unique shapes and functions that set them apart from the above categories. Some examples are the cone-shaped, v-shaped and flat vibrators. Anal beads and vibrators fall under this category as well.

<span style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;"> Suzi (2008) suggests “if you are concerned about phthalates, have sensitive skin, or are prone to yeast infections, choose elastomer, silicone, or glass toys, or use polyurethane condoms over jelly or rubber sex toys.” Videos are available to teach proper technique with the varying vibrators.

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">** Communication and Vibrators: ** <span style="font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;"> Gender plays a role in the communicating about the use of sex toys, which is what vibrators are considered. It is found that equal value is placed on using sex toys for men and women but men report that communication isn’t need, whereas women use sex toy parties to communicate about them and gather with friends (Bond 2011). Herbenick (2009) states that research in the past suggested that adult bookstores are a way individuals learn about their sexuality and engage in sexual communication, but this has changed. As of late, sex toy parties have become a central way for women to communicate about sexual health topics and discuss their sexuality (Herbenick 2009). According to Herbenick (2009) a study of the sex toy parties and their relationship to increasing desire/arousal, orgasm, desire discrepancy, erection and ejaculation, and vaginal dryness and lubrication, had positive results. Also, it was found that “female in-home sex toy party facilitators have the potential to provide a diverse group of women with opportunities to access sexuality information, products and communication”...communication that may be lacking in other, more uncomfortable situations (Herbenick 2009).

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">** Vibrators and the Media: ** <span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;"> According to Suzi (2008), "in 1998 the Rabbit vibrator made an appearance on // Sex and the City // and subsequently became, and still is, the world’s best selling sex toy.” “The Turtle and the Hare” episode was the 9th of the first season. According to TV.com (n.d.) Miranda played by Cynthia Dixon introduced the Rabbit to her friends and Charlotte played by Kristin Davis becomes addicted. Since then vibrators are more often seen in TV shows and movies. Talk of vibrators and other sex toys seems to be becoming less and less taboo in today’s society.

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">** References: **

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;"> Bond, B. (2011). // Gender, Sex, and Communication // [Powerpoint] //. // Retrieved from [|https://] [|compass.illinois.edu/webct/urw/lc5116011.tp0/cobaltMainFrame.dowe][|bct]

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;"> Brown, G. (n.d.). // Is it safe using a vibrator during pregnancy? // Retrieved from [|http:// www.babycenter.com/406_is-it-safe-to-use-a-vibrator-during-pregnancy_1245277.bc]

Davis, C. M., Blank, J., Hung-Yu, L., & Bonillas, C. (1996). Characteristics of Vibrator Use Among Women. Journal of Sex Research, 33(4), 313-320. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: -25px;">Herbenick, D. (2009). Inside the ordering room: characteristics of women’s in-home sex toy parties, facilitators and sexual communication. Sexual Health, 6 (4), 318–327. doi:10.1071/SH08086

Hvistendahl, M. (2009). THE VIBRATOR. (Cover story). Scientific American, 301(3), 81. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Indiana University (2009, June 29). Vibrator Use Common, Linked To Sexual Health. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 10, 2011, from []

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine, (2002). Thefreedictionary.com. Farlex, Inc. Retrieved March 15, 2011 from [| http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/vibrator]

Parry, V. (2008, May 31). The history of vibrators [Electronic Version]. The Times. Retrieved March 30, 2011, from http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/article4032852.ece

Suzi, G. (n.d). 10 Things you need to know before you buy a vibrator. Times, The (United Kingdom). Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> The Turtle and the Hare.(n.d). Retrieved March 23, 20011 from [|http://www.tv.com/sex-and-t] [|city/the-turtle-and-the-hare/episode/26608/summary.html]

Types of Vibrators.(n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2011 from []

<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: -25px;">Winfrey, O. (Producer). (2009, Feburary 9). Best Life Oprah show Online. 7 Types of Vibrators. Podcast retrieved from [] Photos: Photo 1 (Rabbit Vibrator) : http://www.aragonproducts.com/products/RabbitVibrator.jpg Photo 2 (Assortment) : http://www.dizztoys.com/media/catalog/category/vibrators-main_Full.jpg Photo 3 (G-spot) : http://www.youbeyounger.com/cosmetic_enhancement/images/gspot.gif Photo 4: (Clitoris) : http://rpmedia.ask.com/ts?u=/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bd/Clitoris_outer_anatomy.gif/113px-Clitoris_outer_anatomy.gif