The History and Future of Adult Toys

Insights into the history of adult products

Sometime in the 1930's a Physician created the first vibrator as a treatment for a female condition that at that time was termed "hysteria". It was believed that hysteria afflicted only women and could be managed or possibly even cured with a regimen of regular orgasms. This medical condition has since faded into obscurity and we could only venture a guess as to what those women were actually experiencing.

With the exception of some Sex Therapists who recommend vibrator use as treatment for certain forms of sexual dysfunction, vibrators have faded almost completely from the traditional medical scene. Conversely, vibrators and other adult toys have become popular mainstream products used recreationally by consumers for sexual fulfillment, both as masturbation aids and supplements to healthy sexual activity with a partner.

Sometime in the late 1960's to early 1970's there was a dramatic increase in the number of adult toy stores. They were usually dark, seedy places that attracted a certain, shall we say, "offbeat" clientele. They offered products that were inexpensive, cheaply made and typically did not last very long. At that time the budding adult industry focused on mass production, and they succeeded in providing huge quantities of inexpensive, cheaply made products. At the same time adult toy stores were focused on making a quick sale without much regard for the consumer. This trend continued and expanded through the 1970's and 1980's.

As with any industry, the adult toy segment is driven by demand. Demand for adult products increased dramatically in the 1990's, and many of the creepy stores with blacked-out windows were transformed or replaced with more mainstream storefronts.

The Present

As is the case with any industry, adult toy manufacturers provide products to meet consumer demand. Today, consumer demand is trending toward increased quality. A segment of the population continues to be willing to pay a few dollars for a cheap vibrator that may fail within a few weeks or months. However, more and more people would rather purchase a specialized product that meets their physical needs and will last for a reasonable amount of time. This trend is fueled by demand and it's possible in large part to the advancement of modern microchip technology. Many new vibrators incorporate advanced vibration technology that allows the user to vary vibration patterns as well as vibration intensity.

Additionally, advancements in material technology have allowed manufacturers to create products that are more lifelike, durable and pleasurable than past products. Demand for simple latex-rubber dildos may continue indefinitely, but manufacturers are beginning to focus more effort on producing toys made of specialized materials. Like the other trends we mentioned, this trend is fueled primarily by consumer demand and is made possible by modern technology.

The Future

The most interesting question is: What does the future hold for adult toys and the manufacturer's who provide them? The trend, dating back to about ten years after the emergence of sex toys in the marketplace, has been moving toward specialized, higher quality products. Assuming our society's sexual values continue to advance in a positive direction toward acceptance and care for each other's sexual choices and well-being, and assuming that advancements in technology continue to create new possibilities for higher quality materials and smaller mechanical components with more power and functionality, there's good reason to believe quality products will continue to emerge in larger numbers. It's likely that there will always be a demand for cheap products, but as more people experience what a good vibrator or dildo has to offer, the more we think they'll want one that is going to work for them long into the future.