SEXUAL AIDS
“My husband has weird tastes,” declared Ramya about her husband Ram. “He wastes a lot of money on sex toys. He also asks me to use vibrators”.
“Do you dislike them?” I enquired. “No, but these are not normal, are they?” came the answer.
There is nothing weird about using these sex toys or accessories. A better/scientific name for sex toys is sexual aids; they help in solving and enhancing sexual pleasure. Research has clearly documented that many people use them regularly. One American study found that 56 per cent of the study subjects used porn videos, 46 per cent were connoisseurs of lingerie and 27 per cent used sex toys. Among those who used sex toys, it was found that the male took the initiative in 64 per cent of times and the female in 36 per cent of times.
If you assume that only single persons (those without a partner) use these toys, you are mistaken. The 1994 Sex in America study found that the users of these gadgets to be healthy and “normal” couples.
Sexual aids are not modern inventions, they actually have a long history. The legendary Kamasutra teaches how to make and use dildos and artificial penises. Dildo-like objects were even found in the excavations of Harappa. Cleopatra was said to have had a small container of buzzing bees by her bedside as a standby.
Sex toys come in various shapes and sizes. You can choose from artificial penises, vaginas, penis rings, clitoral devices, butt plugs, feathery dolls, life-sized inflatable dolls with artificial genitals etc. However, the most popular ones are the penisshaped vibrators which have an interesting history. They were designed in the 19th century as a medical treatment for “female hysteria”, a common health complaint thought to be caused by deprivation of orgasm. The vibrator proved to be a great treatment tool as they triggered what was then known as “Hysterical Paroxysm” (the technical term for orgasm). Aptly, the first (coal-fired) vibrating device was named “Manipulator.”
Those who resort to sex toys should be careful. Indiscriminate substitution or use of these gadgets will desensitize sex to such an extent that regular sex will no longer be satisfactory. These toys should be used as a good prelude to languid sex.