Published: 22/04/2018
Pure Romance Consultant Bronwyn Parker sat down to talk with us about the history of the vibrator, how its purpose and design have changed since the 19th Century and whether attitudes have changed towards what was once used as a medical cure…
In the Next Room, or the vibrator play focuses on the Chattanooga vibrator, as Dr. Givings uses it to relieve his patients of the now-defunct medical condition, ‘hysteria’. What do you know about these 19th Century vibrators and how do they differ from modern vibrators?
Well there’s certainly a vast improvement in design. They were once large and loud devices and now, with advanced research and technology, they’re quieter and stronger, offering a variety of stimulating options like pulsating patterns and all kind of things! They’re everchanging as well, from plug-in electrical items, to battery and USB chargeable items. There’s also been an improvement in texture, so they feel good - beautiful silicone - and in addition to sleek shapes, they’re ergonomically designed for a more pleasurable experience.
As someone who introduces women to vibrators, is there still a stigma around the sex toy?
Yes, there is. And I believe it’s my responsibility to help educate individuals to overcome the stigma. There’s certainly beliefs and concerns on toys being a replacement for a partner in the bedroom. But sex toys allow individuals to figure out what type of stimulation they prefer or to achieve orgasm -and it helps to encourage communication with that person’s partner.
Pure Romance is celebrating their 25th Anniversary and have worked during those 25 years to help reduce the stigma so more women feel empowered and educated about their bodies. Additionally, the clitoris is the only part of the body that’s actually designed for pleasure!
Have you noticed a change in attitude towards vibrators and other sex toys over the years?
Yes, definitely. As we become more educated about our bodies, the more willing we are to explore and experiment with options that can improve our bedroom experiences.
In the play, the vibrator isn’t used because of sexual desire or to empower women - but rather as a medical cure. How is this different today?
In that era there was certainly a great deal of ignorance about sexual desires. Today, women are able to take control of their experience and feel empowered, rather than being diagnosed with a condition that could only be remedied by a doctor. Women are learning about their bodies and the options that are available to them to stimulate and lead to orgasm. Whether it’s on their own or with a partner it’s a positive relationship they’re forming, discovering themselves and communication with their partner, or incorporating products into the bedroom.
Women were predominantly diagnosed with Hysteria by male doctors. Are your customers now predominantly women or male?
The business model of Pure Romance is to sell relationship enhancement products through in-home parties to women 18 and over. This not only creates an opportunity for women to get together for a fun evening, but a safe environment to ask questions and speak about themselves. So, with that being said, yes, the majority of my customers are women – but I do have male customers as well.
The electricity age allowed for the invention of the vibrator. Has the internet age changed how people now buy vibrators?
I’d say it’s broadened the exposure and acceptance of vibrators. As a Pure Romance consultant, I’ve found customers prefer to shop with me, because I can consult and recommend items confidentially to best suit their needs based on the type of stimulation they enjoy or want, what they’re wanting to enjoy or what’s causing them any issues. After all, I’m in the relationship business, and a lot of my customers prefer to buy their bedroom accessories through someone they trust, rather than through a website or a store.
You can find out more about Bronwyn and Pure Romance here.
To find out more about In the Next Room, or the vibrator play and to buy tickets, click here.