America’s war on masturbation and anti-masturbation devices of the 19^th century

By: Dominique Spence

 

       During the 19^th century, masturbation was not widely accepted like it somewhat is today. Christian Reformers, such as Sylvester Graham, saw masturbation as an action that would damage health. Graham developed the graham cracker because he believed that bland food would curb masturbation impulses. He even went on an anti-masturbation campaign and these writings trained children not to masturbate through a solid regimen of diet and exercise. The masturbation scare started with the belief that men had a limited amount of sperm and there would be nothing left for reproduction after masturbating. It was believed that masturbation could cause crooked spine, blindness, kidney disease and many other illnesses[1].

      Anti-masturbation devices became popular after many people, even doctors, believed that masturbation would case fatal illnesses. They thought on way to cure masturbation was to invent devices that would make it impossible to part take in the act. The US went on to issue thirty-three patents of anti-masturbation devices from the 1850s-1930s[2]. These devices prohibited users, mostly men, from masturbating by creating mechanisms that were hard to take off or even included dangerous sharp areas. Some devices included the Bowen Device, The Cage and the Spike Lined Cage. Anti-masturbation procedures against women were more radical and required surgeries to curb the urge. Women underwent clitoridechtomies that involved the removal of the clitoris and this ultimately removed any sexual feelings. In the United States these procedures ended in 1937. Today, many third world countries still practice this painful tradition.

      

Today, on the other hand, masturbation is looked at as something that is beneficial to our health and many people are taking part in it. Studies show that 7 out of 10 adult men and more than 5 out 10 adult women masturbate[3]. With this information compared to the 19^th century there has been a visible change in the way sexuality is viewed and accepted. Unlike views in the 19^th century, masturbation today is seen to have many health advantages. Masturbation is said to improve sleeping habits, relieve cramps, prevent prostate cancer, alleviate urinary tract infections and even boosts immunity[4].  

 

 

 

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[1] Moore, Crystal. “Masturbation The Rise of Reform Physiology.” Class Lecture, The History of Sexuality in America from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, March 13, 2014.

 

[2] Moore, Crystal. “Masturbation The Rise of Reform Physiology.” Class Lecture, The History of Sexuality in America from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, March 13, 2014.

[3] Planned Parenthood, "Masturbation." Accessed March 30, 2014. http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/sex-101/masturbation-23901.htm.

[4] Vilibert, Diana. Care 2, "7 Surprising Benefits of Masturbation ." Last modified October 02, 2013. Accessed March 30, 2014. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-surprising-benefits-of-masturbation.html.