Definition
Sex toys (adult toys) are objects or devices which can make sex with oneself or a partner more attractive. [1] [2]

Many of them are used genitally, in a penetrating or vibrating form such as dildos, vibrators, masturbators, butt plugs and many more. The term sex toy can also include sex furniture, sex machines or BDSM apparatus such as nipple-clamps, whips or chains. Often household items such as fruits, vegetables, candles, feathers, ice cubes, chocolate and much more are alienated. There are no limits to fantasy and humans of all sexual orientations and gender identities can use sex toys in order to extend and enrich sexuality. [1] [2]

In case the object is the center of pleasure, it's called fetishism. Doraphilia, for instance, is the experience of intense sexual stimulation to furs. [1] [3]

History
The world's oldest dildo found is around 28.000 years old. This 19cm tall and 4cm wide dildo is an impressive imitation of a male penis out of siltstone. [4]

In ancient times, hollow dildos out of clay and filled with warm water, so-called "olisoboi" were used. The exact handling of these toys was described on vases and earthenware dishes. [4] [5] It was said that Cleopatra delighted in marble dildos and bags out of papyrus filled with bees. [4] In China they produced phallic art objects out of jade and ivory. [4]

In early modern times, dildos were used as a treatment of female psychic illnesses such as hysteria [UTERUS], nymphomania, melancholy and nervousness. [5] In 1869, George Taylor invented the first vibrator of modern times. The so-called "manipulator" consisted of a table where patients lay on their stomachs and their genitals were massaged by a pedal-powered or steam-driven device. Soon after, Joseph Mortimor Granville invented the first battery-operated vibrator, the so-called "percuteur". According to advertisements, these machines were supposed to alleviate headaches and neuralgia. [5]

Due to the change of sexual morality in the 20th and 21st century, sex toys were made available for everyone. According to surveys between 30 and 80% of the German population have sex toys by now. [6] [7]

Materials
Today there are sex toys in all imaginable shapes and colors. Also materials have changed over the course of time. Nowadays, dildos out of stone are less common than natural materials like wood, glass or metal. Even if plastic sex toys feel more realistic and flexible, they should be treated with caution. PVC and (soft) jelly can release health-damaging plasticizers and offer room for germs due to their porous structure. Despite the fact that dildos out of silicone and latex are more expensive, they are less health- damaging. In case of doubt, the sex toy can be covered with a condom before use in order to avoid any contact with the potentially dangerous material. [2] [5] [8]

Hygiene
For a secure handling of sex toys it's important to wash them with warm water and soap after use. It's also recommendable to use suitable disinfection aerosols. In case sex toys are used by several partners they should put condoms on dildos, vibrators etc. [2]