Important Events in the History of Masturbation

Moment in Masturbation History: Telling Lies in 1712

Publication of the First Influential Anti-Masturbation Tract
The war on masturbation began in proper somewhere around 1712 when an anonymous doctor published a text entitled: Onania; or, The Heinous Sin of Self Pollution, and all its Frightful Consequences… The text warned against the dangers of defiling your own body, and offered a series of cures (that could be purchased). According to historian Thomas Laqueur’s Solitary Sex, one can trace much of hysteria and misinformation surrounding masturbation to this first work of fiction masquerading as medicine.

Moment in Masturbation History: Buzzing a Cure in the late 1800s

Introduction of the Vibrator to Treat “Hysteria”
The electromechanical vibrator, possibly one of masturbation’s best friends, was initially introduced in the late 1800s as a device used by physicians to treat female “hysteria”. This “condition” was originally thought to be related to an excess of sexual tension, and the treatment was to provide vulva massage to a female patient until she experienced a “release”. Electric vibrators offered physicians a fast and effective way to “treat” the many symptoms of hysteria. When they began appearing in early porn loops, they fell out of favor with the medical establishment, but found a new home in sex stores around the world.

Moment in Masturbation History: Sinful Inventions in the Early 1900s

Corn Flakes, Graham Crackers, and Other Anti-Masturbatory Devices
The late 1800s to the early 1900s were dark days for masturbation. During this time both Corn Flakes and Graham Crackers were developed in an effort to curb masturbatory impulses in young boys (which were seen as leading to poor health, mental illness, and all manner of evil). Between 1856 and 1932 the U.S. Patent Office approved 33 patents for “anti-masturbation” devices. These torture devices developed by physicians and moralistic inventors alike ranged from spiked rings to male chastity belts to electrifying devices that would be sufficient for “burning the flesh” causing “great physical pain, and possible mutilation”.

Moment in Masturbation History: Reporting the Facts in the 1940s & 1950s

The Kinsey Reports
The release of Alfred Kinsey’s two groundbreaking surveys of human sexual behavior ( Sexual Behavior in the Human Male , published in 1948 and Sexual Behavior in the Human Female , published in 1953) forever changed the way sexuality and masturbation were talked about in popular culture. The old joke that 98% of people masturbate and the other 2% are liars originated with the publication of data that showed masturbation to be a widespread, and likely the most common sexual behavior on the planet.

Moment in Masturbation History: Breaking Free in 1974

Betty Dodson Publishes Liberating Masturbation
In 1974 Betty Dodson, considered by many to be the Grandmother of Masturbation, published Liberating Masturbation: A Meditation on Self Love . This book, which was later expanded and released as Sex for One was possibly the first, and certainly the clearest call to action for women to masturbate. Dodson considered masturbation, giving yourself pleasure entirely on your own terms, a radical act for women, but also an act of deep love, that could transform women’s lives. Her books, which are equally powerful and relevant for men, have done just that. Through her BodySex workshops, videos, books, and speaking engagements, Dodson continues to be one of our greatest advocates and activists for the virtues of self love.