Who Invented Sex Toys? A Fascinating History from Ancient to Modern

The question "who invented sex toys" doesn't have a single answer humans across civilizations have been crafting pleasure devices for at least 28,000 years. From polished stone phalluses in prehistoric Germany to the steam-powered vibrators of Victorian America, the history of sex toys reflects humanity's timeless pursuit of pleasure, wellness, and sexual empowerment.

In this guide, we'll explore the ancient origins of sex toys, key inventors who shaped modern devices, and how feminist movements transformed the industry into what we know today.

Ancient Origins: The World's Oldest Sex Toys

Prehistoric Pleasure (28,000 BCE)

The oldest known object that may have been used as a dildo is a 20-centimeter (8-inch) polished siltstone phallus discovered in the Hohle Fels Cave in Germany. Dating back approximately 28,000–30,000 years, this artifact shows that humans have been crafting pleasure devices since the Upper Paleolithic era.

While researchers debate whether it was used for sexual pleasure, symbolic rituals, or practical tasks like fire-starting, its phallic shape and polished surface suggest intimate use was at least one function.

Ancient Civilizations & Sexual Wellness

• Ancient Greece (500 BCE): Greek women used "olisbos"wooden or leather dildosoften mentioned in comedic plays and pottery art. These devices were socially accepted as part of sexual wellness.
• Ancient China (Han Dynasty, 206 BCE–220 CE): Bronze dildos and jade eggs were used for pleasure and pelvic floor strengthening. Chinese medicine viewed sexual health as integral to overall wellness.
• Ancient Egypt (3000 BCE): Cleopatra is rumored (though not confirmed historically) to have used a hollowed gourd filled with buzzing bees as an early vibratora creative use of natural resources.

According to Wikipedia's history of sex toys, these early devices show that sexual pleasure was valued across cultures long before modern taboos emerged.

The Victorian Era: Medical "Treatment" & the Vibrator's Birth

The "Hysteria" Diagnosis

In the 19th century, American and European doctors frequently diagnosed women with "hysteria"a catch-all condition for anxiety, irritability, or sexual frustration. The prescribed treatment? Pelvic massage to induce "hysterical paroxysm" (orgasm), which doctors believed restored balance.

This process was time-consuming and physically exhausting for physicians, creating demand for mechanical assistance.

Dr. George Taylor's Steam-Powered Manipulator (1869)

American physician Dr. George Taylor invented the first mechanical vibrator in 1869. Called the "Manipulator," it was a large, steam-powered table that patients would sit on to receive vibrations. While cumbersome and expensive, it marked the beginning of mechanized sexual wellness devices.

Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville's Electromechanical Vibrator (1883)

British physician Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville patented the first electromechanical vibrator in 1883. Contrary to popular belief, Granville designed his device to treat muscle aches and pain in mennot "hysteria" in women. The myth that Victorian doctors routinely used vibrators to treat female hysteria has been largely debunked by historians.

However, once vibrators became portable and affordable in the early 1900s, they were marketed to women as home wellness devices in catalogs like Sears, Roebuck and Co.often advertised for "relaxation" and "beauty treatments."

The Sexual Revolution: Feminist Pioneers Transform the Industry

The 1960s–1970s: Sex-Positive Feminism

The modern sex toy industry was revolutionized by feminist activists who reclaimed pleasure devices as tools for empowerment rather than medical treatment.

Key Pioneers:

• Betty Dodson (1960s–1970s): A sex educator and artist who advocated for masturbation as a form of self-love and liberation. She popularized the Hitachi Magic Wand (originally a back massager) as a powerful tool for female orgasm.
• Dell Williams (1974): Founded "Eve's Garden" in New York City, the first feminist sex toy shop in the United States. Williams created a safe, welcoming space for women to explore pleasure without shame.
• Joani Blank (1977): Opened "Good Vibrations" in San Francisco, the first worker-owned, sex-positive retail store focused on education and quality products. Blank's mission was to make sex toys accessible, body-safe, and empowering.

These women challenged societal stigma and built the foundation for today's inclusive, diverse sex toy market.

The Hitachi Magic Wand (1968–Present)

Originally released in Japan as a back and neck massager, the Hitachi Magic Wand became one of the most iconic sex toys in history after Betty Dodson recommended it in her workshops. Its powerful motor and simple design made it a favorite for people seeking reliable clitoral stimulation.

Hitachi officially distanced itself from the product's sexual use for decades but eventually rebranded it as the "Magic Wand Original" in 2013. Today, wand vibrators remain one of the most popular categories.

Modern Innovations: Who's Shaping Today's Industry?

Body-Safe Materials & Regulation

Modern manufacturers prioritize medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, and stainless steelmaterials that are non-porous, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean. This shift came after advocacy from sexual health educators who highlighted the dangers of porous, toxic materials like jelly rubber and PVC.

Organizations like the Kinsey Institute have published research on sexual wellness and safety, helping consumers make informed choices.

The Cultural Impact: From Taboo to Mainstream

Pop Culture Milestones

• Sex and the City (1998–2004): The episode featuring Charlotte's Rabbit vibrator introduced mainstream audiences to pleasure devices and sparked record sales.
• 50 Shades of Grey (2011): The book and film series brought BDSM and sex toys into mainstream conversation, driving industry growth.
• Social Media & Influencers (2015–Present): Sex educators on platforms like Instagram and TikTok have normalized conversations about pleasure, consent, and body-safe products.

Legal Progress in the US

Until recently, several US states had laws restricting or banning sex toy sales:

• Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi: Had laws banning "obscene devices" (vibrators, dildos) until court challenges overturned them between 2003–2008.
• Current status: As of 2025, sex toys are legal to sell and own in all 50 states, though some states still have outdated laws on the books that are rarely enforced.

This legal shift reflects growing acceptance of sexual wellness as a component of overall health.

How Sex Toys Are Made Today: Materials & Safety

Body-Safe Materials

Modern sex toys for women and sex toys for men prioritize safety and comfort:

• Medical-Grade Silicone: Non-porous, hypoallergenic, easy to sterilize. The gold standard for insertable toys.
• ABS Plastic: Rigid, smooth, and safe. Often used for vibrator casings and handles.
• Stainless Steel / Glass: Non-porous, temperature-safe, and durable. Popular for luxury dildos and plugs.

Materials to Avoid

• Jelly Rubber / PVC: Porous, can harbor bacteria, may contain harmful phthalates.
• TPE/TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer): Semi-porous; use with condoms or replace frequently.

The Future of Sex Toys: What's Next?

Emerging Technologies

• AI-Powered Customization: Toys that learn your preferences and adjust patterns automatically.
• Biometric Feedback: Devices that sync with heart rate, arousal levels, and body temperature for optimized pleasure.
• Virtual Reality Integration: Immersive experiences combining VR content with haptic feedback toys.
• Sustainable Materials: Biodegradable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics.

Inclusive Design

Modern manufacturers are prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity:

• Gender-neutral marketing and packaging
• Adaptive designs for people with disabilities
• Size-inclusive options (smaller toys for beginners, larger options for experienced users)
• Quiet motors for shared living spaces

A remote controlled bullet vibrator is a great example of discreet, versatile design that works for diverse users.

Caring for Your Sex Toys: Maintenance Tips

Before First Use

1. Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap.
2. Check for any defects (seams, tears, rough edges).
3. Charge fully if rechargeable (follow manufacturer instructions).
4. Patch-test lube on your inner arm to check for allergic reactions.

After Each Use

1. Rinse immediately under warm water.
2. Use toy-safe cleaner or mild soap (avoid harsh chemicals).
3. Dry completely with a lint-free towel or let air dry.
4. Store in a breathable pouch away from direct sunlight.

Material-Specific Care

• Silicone: Avoid storing with other silicone toys (they can fuse). Use only water-based lube.
• Metal/Glass: Can be boiled for 3–5 minutes to sterilize. Safe with any lube type.
• ABS Plastic: Wipe charging ports carefully; avoid submerging if not waterproof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who invented the first vibrator?

Dr. George Taylor invented the first mechanical vibrator in 1869a large, steam-powered device called the "Manipulator." Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville later patented the first electromechanical vibrator in 1883, originally designed to treat muscle pain in men.

What is the oldest known sex toy?

The oldest known object that may have been a dildo is a 28,000-year-old polished siltstone phallus found in Hohle Fels Cave, Germany. Ancient civilizations in Greece, China, and Egypt also created pleasure devices from wood, leather, bronze, and jade.

Did Victorian doctors really use vibrators to treat hysteria?

This is a popular myth but largely exaggerated. While doctors did perform pelvic massage to treat "hysteria," most historians agree that vibrators were rarely used in medical settings for this purpose. Vibrators became popular as home wellness devices marketed directly to women in the early 1900s.

Who founded the first feminist sex toy shop?

Dell Williams founded "Eve's Garden" in New York City in 1974, the first feminist sex toy shop in the United States. Joani Blank opened "Good Vibrations" in San Francisco in 1977, creating a sex-positive retail model focused on education and empowerment.

Are sex toys legal in all US states?

Yes. As of 2025, sex toys are legal to sell and own in all 50 states. Several states had laws restricting "obscene devices" until court challenges overturned them between 2003–2008. However, some outdated laws remain on the books but are rarely enforced.

What materials are safest for sex toys?

Medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, stainless steel, and borosilicate glass are the safest options. Avoid porous materials like jelly rubber and PVC, which can harbor bacteria and contain harmful chemicals. Always choose body-safe products from reputable brands.

Conclusion

From prehistoric stone phalluses to app-controlled pleasure devices, the history of sex toys reflects humanity's enduring commitment to pleasure, wellness, and sexual freedom. Today's industry built on the work of feminist pioneers and modern innovatorsoffers safer, more inclusive options than ever before.

Ready to explore what modern sex toy design has to offer? Browse Jissbon's collection of body-safe, thoughtfully designed products for every body and preference.