How long dildos have existed is impossible to tell since some phallic objects were used for other things like spear sharpening or for use in fertility rituals. While one of the oldest dildos is said to be a jade phallus dating back 4,000 years, I recall seeing a documentary about dung being formed into a phallus and used as a dildo after it hardened.

Ancient Greeks made dildos, called Olisbos, out of wood and leather. These objects were made specifically for women whose husbands were away at war, and it was said that such sex toy prevented hysteria in women.

Remembering this little piece of history, I recall exactly why we were laughing so hard at that dinner table surrounded by over a hundred doctors. I remember she talked about dildos and Victoria era vibrators often being used by doctors to treat female patients who were sexually frustrated or hysterical. It's hard to believe that such treatments were dispensed no more than 120 yeas ago. It's even harder to believe that the dildo had been a cure for such ailments for close to 2,000 years.

I wonder what changed in the 20th century? I suppose vibrators, at least, just became thought of as another typical home appliance.