There’s more to the adult toys industry than meets the eye. We have unearthed 7 facts that might put a whole new perspective on sex toys and their origins...
· Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville owned the first patent of the electromechanical vibrator in 1880 with only the sewing machine, fan, kettle and toaster beating it into fifth place in the race to electrify domestic appliances.
· The global sex toy industry is valued at USD 15 billion, with a growth rate of 30%. The UK market alone is expected to grow up to £40 billion by 2020 with studies that suggest those on higher incomes are prepared to invest £200 in their passion per year.
· It is estimated that at least 60% of women today own a vibrator. 78% of women who use sex toys are in a relationship and 4% of the women involved in one survey said that their husbands or boyfriends borrowed their vibrators for their own pleasure.
· They have beneficial health advantages, as they improve women’s ability to climax which, in turn helps develop a better understanding of their desires and needs. Along with this, orgasm brings a sense of relaxation, satisfaction and holistic wellbeing.
· Despite the down turn in the world economy, sex toys have seen an increase in sales. When most people are cutting back on luxuries it would seem that buying a sex toy is seen as an investment rather than an indulgence.
· In 2010 an English auction house sold two wooden dildos dating back to the 1700s for £3,600, although a sex toy was recently discovered in Germany which is estimated to be around 28,000 years old.
As of 2009, Alabama remains the only state in the US where there is a law prohibiting the sale of sex toys. The possession and sale of vibrators is illegal in some jurisdictions, including India. 70% of sex toys are manufactured in China.