Vibrators are a £608 million business. In the UK vibrators are as ubiquitous as cars from the £7 Ford Fiesta to a £2,000 Rolls-Royce diamond encrusted platinum creation.
I personally have a whole drawer full of buzzing things. However, my favourite one of all time is my Omax or, as I call it, my OOOOOOOOmax! This is not actually marketed as a vibrator but a personal massager. I am now on my third (or is it fourth) one. They are mains chargeable, so this can be a bit tricky when travelling as one can’t remove the batteries to avoid embarrassing situations. My solution is to always carry a roll of tape to stop it accidentally switching itself on. Another disadvantage is that I have to carry the charger everywhere with me or else I could end up feeling a bit frustrated lol!. The downside is after a period of time they get noisier and noisier and then they just pack up. Or is it just me? Anyhow, I thought I would share some interesting facts I have discovered about vibrators.
The vibrator was originally invented to “cure women of hysteria”. As long as a husband gave his consent, a doctor would use his hands to stimulate the woman to relieve a “starved womb”. This guy here seems to be offering a much similar service! In 1869 one doctor invented a tool that would save his fingers the work and so the first vibrator was born. It was recommended that the vibrator be placed on a woman’s pelvis for about 5 minutes to achieve best results.
In 1883, British doctor, Joseph Mortimer Granville created the first portable vibrator. It weighed 40lb and was the size of a dining table. Previously, Dr George Taylor invented a steam powered vibrator called the Manipulator. Astoundingly, it measured around 12 ft and needed a supply of coal!
The vibrator actually beat the iron and the vacuum cleaner by a decade! It became a household staple in 1899, just behind the sewing machine, kettle and toaster. Those Victorian ladies certainly had their priorities right!
Using a vibrator for 20 minutes a day will increase one’s level of testosterone, thus balancing the immune system, improving cognition, promoting bone growth and keeping one’s skin healthy and supple.
Vibrators have improved aesthetically over the years. 10 years ago, the Rabbit was the most popular choice but is now considered a little “tacky”. Vibrators have now become sleek and cute. The top selling vibrator is now the Gigi by Lelo. I actually have one of the in Purple and, although I think they are a very good product and very pleasing on the eye, I still prefer my trusty Omax.
Vibrators can even beat a recession. Sales of vibrators and sex toys have stayed steady over the tough economic period recently. Lower end products such as Durex’s “Play” line have actually increased by 27 percent. These products are actually great fun and I have tried several items from the range. Obviously people are preferring to entertain themselves at home more than ever before.
Now where is that Omax …..