Early 1900s Sanax device (Credit: Science Museum)
The history of the vibrator is one of evolving purposes, cultural taboos, and enduring myths. Perhaps one of the most persistent—and contested—stories is that Victorian-era doctors used vibrators to treat women for "hysteria," a vague diagnosis that historically encompassed everything from anxiety to headaches. However, mounting evidence suggests that this tale may be more fiction than fact.
The Myth of Medical Masturbation
The idea that vibrators were originally invented for doctors to induce orgasms in women suffering from hysteria was popularised by Rachel Maines’ 1999 book, The Technology of Orgasm: "Hysteria," the Vibrator, and Women’s Sexual Satisfaction. According to Maines, these devices were labor-saving tools for physicians tasked with relieving women’s symptoms by stimulating "paroxysms" (what we now understand as orgasms). The book gained widespread acclaim and inspired movies, plays, and documentaries.
However, historians like Hallie Lieberman and others have cast doubt on this narrative. Lieberman’s recent research, published in the Journal of Positive Sexuality, scrutinised Maines’ sources and found little evidence to support the claim. “From what I knew of the history of sexuality, it sounded unlikely that doctors would be doing this,” Lieberman explained. Her investigations revealed that many of Maines’ references didn’t mention hysteria, vibrators, or gynaecological massage at all. Instead, they discussed unrelated treatments like applying electrical currents for period pain relief.
What Were Vibrators Actually Used For?
Rather than being tools for sexual stimulation, vibrators were initially marketed for therapeutic purposes. Starting in the late 19th century, they were advertised as devices to relieve a variety of ailments, from insomnia and neuralgia to gout and constipation. Pamphlets extolled their benefits for overall well-being, depicting vibrators as tools for massages to relax the back, neck, and other non-intimate areas.
An example is the 1904 Sanofix vibrator, which came with attachments for use on the forehead, throat, and chest. Another device, the Veedee vibratory massager, was marketed as a cure-all for everything from colds to digestive complaints. These early advertisements portrayed vibrators as practical household appliances rather than sexual devices.
While it’s true that some women likely discovered vibrators could be used for intimate pleasure, there’s no credible evidence to suggest that doctors used them for this purpose in a clinical setting. Lieberman argues, “For massaging women to orgasm, there is no evidence that ever happened in the doctor’s office.”
Shifting Perceptions in the 20th Century
As medical understanding advanced, the claims surrounding vibrators’ curative powers began to wane. In 1915, the American Medical Association denounced vibrators as “health frauds,” leading to a decline in their use by physicians. This shift forced manufacturers to pivot their marketing strategies. Vibrators were now sold directly to consumers as home appliances, often under the guise of relaxation tools.
By the mid-20th century, advertising for vibrators became more subtly sexualised. While obscenity laws in the U.S. and U.K. restricted explicit promotion of vibrators as sex toys, images of shirtless men and women in seductive poses hinted at their dual purpose. By the 1960s, vibrators resembling modern designs began to emerge, though their use as sexual devices remained controversial. In some regions, such as Alabama, restrictions on vibrator sales persist even today.
The Enduring Myth
Despite being debunked by numerous historians, the myth of Victorian doctors using vibrators for hysteria remains deeply ingrained in popular culture. This tale’s appeal lies in its provocative and sensational nature, blending history with titillation. As Helen King, a classical historian, notes, “It’s like some porn movie scenario with the doctor that—nudge, nudge—knows what the problem really is.”
Maines herself defends her hypothesis, acknowledging it as a theory rather than definitive history. “I believe my hypothesis is correct. I have a lot of company in thinking that,” she says. But critics argue that the narrative has overshadowed the more nuanced and factual history of vibrators.
A Legacy of Misunderstanding and Reinvention
While the vibrator may not have originated as a medical tool for treating hysteria, its history reflects broader societal attitudes toward women’s health, sexuality, and autonomy. Early vibrators were marketed as solutions to nearly every ailment, revealing how little was understood about women’s bodies and needs. As medical and cultural perceptions evolved, so too did the vibrator’s role—from therapeutic device to revolutionary sex toy.
Today, the vibrator stands as a symbol of sexual empowerment and self-care, far removed from its initial marketing as a medical or household appliance. While the story of Victorian doctors remains a captivating myth, the true history of the vibrator is no less fascinating—a testament to how cultural and medical narratives shape our understanding of technology and its uses.
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