A Brief History on Self Pleasure: From Stone to Plastic

posted in: Love & Sex, Student Life | 1

The history of dildos is a long one. It all started around 30 thousand years ago when our ancestors sat in their huts carving stone. Historians still debate what these long, rounded stone carvings were for, some believing they were used as tools, some believing they aided in sharpening, I personally believe the latter is a phallacy if you will. It’s more than a little coincidental that these carvings popped up in homesteads more often than in the wild, because if they were tools or weapons, surely some would have been lost during the hunt. 

But self-pleasure tools have come a long way from stone cucumbers, plants such as bananas, and tar or animal feces (yes, that was a thing), throughout the ages we’ve upgraded our materials and our designs. In Italy, during the Renaissance, leather sex toys to were used and lubricated with olive oil, and sexual aids of ivory, glass, gold, and silver could be found on display in the homes of high-class women of the age. However, while popularized in the southern parts of Europe, dildos didn’t reach the UK until the 1500s.

 Today, you can find sex toys of all shapes, sizes, and materials; since the invention and manufacturing of plastic in 1907, we have developed silicone, rubber, and other plastics used in self-pleasure toys. These developments stand beside the time-tested tools made from glass and metal. However, when browsing for an insertable or external inanimate bedmate, be cautious about the materials they are made from. Within recent years, we have found that certain materials are not body-safe, either due to their inability to ever really get clean, or the chemicals that impact your body over time. Materials such as Jellies, rubber, PVC, and Vinyl often contain chemicals such as phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive issues, increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes, neurodevelopmental issues, and asthma, among other side effects. 

Other chemicals to be weary of are: Timethytin chloride, Phenol, Carbon disulfide, Toluene, and Admium. These chemicals have been linked to central nervous system disorders, fetal distress in pregnant users, and developmental issues of breastfeeding children exposed to these chemicals through milk supply. Research what kinds of materials are in products before using them, and always monitor any side effects such as irritation, redness, swelling, itching, burning, or numbness after use of any sexual wellness products.

While chemical makeup is important to understand before using toys, it should also be noted that porosity is also an important part of your sex toys. Porous materials such as rubber, jellies, and wood to name a few cannot be properly sanitized and may result in bacterial growth and infection in those who use them. Non-porous materials are water resistant (or waterproof) and can be safely cleaned via boiling water, bleach, or other sanitizing solutions.  Nowadays I think we can all appreciate that our dildos, vibrators, cockrings, fleshlights, buttplugs, and other assortments of sexual wellness toys are NOT made out of camel dung or have to be hand carved. Yet, it is still important to value their makeup because at the end of the day, you’re using these items on some of the most sensitive areas of your body; much like the act itself, the products you use on your body should be safe. So research your hearts out, before you get your heart rates up. — Haley Berger

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