Vibrator

A vibrating device that is predominantly used for stimulation of the vulva, clitoris, vagina, penis, prostate and anus. There are a wide range of options and preferences such as;

• air pressure/sonic vibrators: clitoral stimulation using air pressure differences or a small vibrating membrane creating air vibrations.
• anal vibrators: specifically shaped for the anus and often to stimulate a prostate
• classic / bullet vibrators: often simple an small, consisting of a hard straight shaft with a simple vibrating element in the middle. Commonly used for clitoral or external body stimulation.
• clitoral vibrators: Also sometimes referred to as pin-point vibrators and made to specifically stimulate a clitoris.
• g-spot vibrators: Specifically shaped to best reach the g-spot of a vagina with the vibrator located all the way at the head of the device.
• rabbit vibrators: a larger shaft made for insertion, sometimes with moving elements, and an extra smaller vibrator on the front with two small prongs that look like rabbit ears (hence the name). The smaller part with the rabbit ears is designed to sit on the clitoris while the shaft is inserted. Some versions also have an anal attachment for anal stimulation.
• remote control/wearable vibrators: Insertable vibrators for inside a vagina or anus or external vibrators that lay inside of the underwear which are controlled by a remote control. Often worn and used under clothing.
• wand vibrators: originally marked for use as a back massager, but adopted as a favorite among many for the strong vibrations. The wand vibrator has a round vibrating head controlled by a long handle and is often used for external stimulation. Attachments are also available to allow penetration, penis stimulation or to increase or change sensations.

People have a vast variety of preferences, hence the large variety of different vibrators and where vibrations are applied. Some people will also use a vibrator for nipple stimulation or for other areas on the body.

History

The vibrator is considered to be one of the first commercialized sex toys. It's exact origins are unsure, but a patent for a electromechanical vibrator in the early 1880s by Joseph Mortimer Granville is considered a first step. The device was initially not used as a sex toy, but to reduce muscle ache and other medical treatments. In the early 1900s the device was marketed and sold to the wider public as an at-home medical device, probably sparking the use of it as a sexual toy (source).