You likely already know that the vibrator is one of the most important inventions since the advent of the wheel. This is truer than ever, since not only are sex toys are becoming less taboo with each passing year, but more popular: According to a survey conducted by Adam and Eve, 63 percent of people have used some type of sex toy in their life, and nearly 20 percent of all sex toys purchased online last year were vibrators. They’ve also permeated the culture, from the iconic Sex and the City scene in which Charlotte buys a Rabbit to the groundbreaking Broad City pegging episode.

But while it may seem like we’ve reached peak vibrator, there are still plenty a lot of things that many people don’t realize about their favorite toy. Here are 15 facts about vibrators that could give you a whole new appreciation for this magical little device.

1. Vibrators predate electricity

The first vibrator model was released in 1734 and was powered by a hand crank. As you might imagine, it was hard to sell sex toys to women in the 18th century, so they were sold to doctors for use in treating “hysteria,” then thought to be a buildup of female semen. The only cure was—you guessed it—“paroxysm” (also known as orgasm).

2. People got real about vibrators in 1973, thanks to the Hitachi Magic Wand…

Through an article in Ms. Magazine, the NOW conference, and her Bodysex workshops, New York-based artist Betty Dodson brought national attention to the Hitachi Magic Wand as more than just a back massager. During her workshops, women were invited to explore their vulvas and learn about their bodies, and then they were given a Hitachi (which Dodson purchased by the case) so they could masturbate together.

3. …But Hitachi wasn’t quite as excited about it

After nearly 45 years on the market, the folks at Hitachi finally realized what people were using their “back massager” for (took them long enough) and decided they no longer wanted their brand to stand for that kind of behavior. Luckily, the distributor Vibratex swooped in to save the day—and your sex life—by offering to continue manufacturing the toy without the Hitachi branding. That’s why it’s now called, simply, Magic Wand.

4. They’re technically illegal in Alabama

Thanks to the Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act, distribution of any device “designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs” is punishable by a fine up to $10,000, or one year in prison. In Texas, it’s not only illegal to sell them, but it’s also illegal to simply possess six or more, since that would indicate you may have the intent to sell them. A woman was even arrested in the state in 2003 for selling sex toys at a “Tupperware-type party.” Though her charges were eventually dropped, if you live in Texas, maybe you should just say they’re back massagers?

5. Despite its massive popularity, the sex toy industry isn’t regulated

After noticing that their first shipment of toys seemed to be leaking an oily substance, Jennifer Pritchett from sex toy store Smitten Kitten started doing some research—including sending some products out to be independently tested. When the results came back,Pritchett was dismayed to find that a number of products contained surprise materials that weren’t made for use with the human body. Since there’s no governing group to tell manufacturers what they can put in your vibrator—and, for that matter, no rules about what they can put on the package—it’s important to do some research when you’re shopping for sex toys.

6. Vibrators aren’t just for alone time

One of the most popular questions I heard when I worked on the floor of an NYC sex shop was, “What can I use with my partner?” In fact, according to a survey by Adam & Eve, 55 percent of people who use sex toys use them with someone else (though, interestingly, only 24 percent are brave enough to bring it up first). The popular We-Vibe Sync is specifically designed with couples in mind and even has an app.

7. Animals occasionally also use sex toys

Female porcupines in captivity have been known to place a stick between their legs and drag it across the ground to feel the vibration against their body. Get it, Ms. Porcupine!

8. Speaking of animals, there’s a surprising legal reason your Rabbit is shaped like a rabbit

And it’s not just about the ears. Back in the day, many sex toys were produced in Japan, where obscenity laws didn’t allow them to create products shaped like actual penises. In order to skirt these laws, companies like Vibratex decided that cute animals were the next best option, and a tradition was born.

9. Not all vibrators are for vaginas

Given that many vibrators lead double lives as “back massagers,” it’s not surprising that vibration makes feels great for lots of folks on lots of different parts. The Cobra Libre and the Hand Solo are two toys designed specifically for penises, and even the Magic Wand can work wonders. Studies show that 45-50 percent of men have used a vibrator in their life.

10. Using a vibrator can make you a better singer

The Vibrant Voice Technique, developed by voice coach David Ley, claims that using a vibrator against the vocal cords can “quickly and effectively enhance vocal resonance.” They recommend the popular Lelo Siri which is, incidentally, also great for orgasms.

11. No matter what you’ve heard, vibrators don’t decrease sensitivity

Don’t worry, frequent vibe enjoyer! There’s no evidence of long-term numbness associated with sex toy use. In fact, I often had people come into my store on doctor’s orders, looking for vibrators to bring sensitivity back to their bits, post-surgery. Vibrators have also helped women orgasm again after their antidepressants made it hard to climax.

12. Not all vibrators merely vibrate…

While there are countless vibrating toys on the market, there are plenty of other sensations to explore, too. Just this year, we’ve seen toys that oscillate, toys that thrust, and some extremely popular toys that suck.

13. …And not all vibrations feel the same

Maximum enjoyment doesn’t always come down to just how strong a toy’s vibration is, but which type of vibration it uses. Buzzy vibrations are going to sit on the surface of your skin, and while they may feel intense, they may also feel itchy or temporarily numbing. Rumbly vibration has a lower pitch, more like an earthquake than a bumblebee, and will penetrate through more layers of skin, hitting deeper buried nerves.

14. Like most things, vibrators are even better with lube

Yep, even if you’re just using it externally. Many vibrators are made of silicone, which had considerably more friction than skin against skin. Plus, it’s moving considerably faster than your average finger can. A good lube will cut down on that friction and allow the vibrator to glide against your skin more easily.

15. But there’s nothing wrong with you if you’re not into them at all

Just like how there are people who don’t like pizza, there are people who don’t like vibrators. And that’s totally cool! Not all bodies find vibration appealing— some find it too intense, irritating, or just downright boring.

More:

—Glamour’s First-Ever Sex Toy Awards

—My Anti-Depressants Made It Hard for Me to Orgasm, Until I Tried THese Sex Toys

—Why the Nipple Clamp Is the Most Underrated Sex Toy in the World

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