So, by now most of you have heard the news that on Tuesday, the Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging Alabama's ban on the sale of vibrators or "any device designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs for anything of pecuniary value." Today, Slate brings up an interesting point about the wording of the law — which makes exception for sex toy sales concerning a "bona fide medical, scientific, educational, legislative, judicial, or law enforcement purpose" — reminding us that "vibrators were invented as medical equipment for treating female hysteria and other pelvic disorders." But vibrators and dildos are still medically beneficial to both women and men, for a variety of reasons:
Women
Problem: Incontinence or a prolapsed uterus
Treatment: Kegel exercises using weighted barbells, balls, or spring-loaded devices.
Problem: Recovery from Cesarean section
Treatment: Increase blood flow with use of vibrating massager
Problem: Loss of clitoral sensation after hormonal changes from menopause
Treatment: Clitoris pumps or vibrating massager to increase blood flow and feeling
Men
Problem: Prostate disorder
Treatment: Dildo or prostate tickler to massage area and drain built-up fluid
Problem: Erectile dysfunction
Treatment:Penis pump
A Sex Toy A Day Keeps the Doctor Away? [Slate]
Related: A Slide-Show History Of The Vibrator [Slate]