Section B·Page 3
The University Daily Kansan
Wednesday, November 10, 1999
Sex on the Hill
Area stores offer alternatives for almost every interest
Sex toys can bring a new aspect to the sexual relationships with many couples. Managers at Priscilla's, 1206 W. 23rd St., said vibrator sales account for 15 to 20 percent of Priscilla's total sales per month, and the store sells an average of 300 to 400 vibrators a month. Contributed photo
By Corey Peck Special to the Kansan
Sex toys come in all shapes, sizes and colors, with a variety of functions and features for almost any sexual taste. But what most people don't know is that the cost involved with getting intimate with a sex toy could actually be cheaper than a nice date.
One of the most common sex toys is the vibrator. Priscilla's, 1206 W. 23rd St., features multiple types of vibrators at varying costs. The basic vibrators start out at $10, with waterproof and multi-speed vibrators costing up to $32. Of course, batteries are not included.
Vibrator sales account for 15 to 20 percent of Priscilla's total sales per month, and the store sells an average of 300 to 400 vibrators a month, managers said.
In addition, blow-up dolls, dildos, and fake orifices are popular sex toys.
Blow-up dolls come in the male and female form and offer vibrating genitalia for a more realistic experience. Most of the blow-up dolls at Priscilla's were in the price range of $50 to $60.
"If I was going to get a vibrator, I wouldn't go to a novelty shop. I'd order one online or from a catalog."
Keri Krueger
Perry sophomore
Dildos, much like vibrators, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, dildos are more economical than vibrators, mostly due to their lack of electrical components. Dildos are made out of plastic, rubber and silicon, some of which were molded from the penises of famous porn stars. Many of the dildos at Priscilla's were priced at $20 or less.
Fake orifices were designed mostly with men in mind. One fake orifice offered at Priscilla's comes complete with an adapter for car cigarette lighters, for the man on the go. Fake orifices begin at $50 for a basic fake orifice. Features such as varying speeds, remote controls and added realism can add hundreds of dollars to the cost.
For students who would rather
not purchase a sex toy out in the open, there are sites on the Internet that sell sex toys.
"If I was going to get a vibrator, I wouldn't go to a novelty shop," Keri Krueger, Perry sophomore said. "I'd order one online or from a catalog."
One popular sex toy vendor on the net is Good Vibrations, (www.goodvibbes.com). Good Vibrations sells sex toys, erotic literature, adult videos, birth control, lubrication and also has an antique vibrator museum. Good Vibrations also makes sure.neighbors and mail carriers don't know what's in the package because it's sent in plain brown wrapping.
Good Vibrations has an extensive selection of plug-in massagers and vibrators that range in cost from $28 to $68. Besides being genital massagers, many of these products could be used effectively on backs and feet.
Good Vibrations also offers many products for me.n., including penis pumps, which are used to stimulate and temporarily enlarge the penis, at a cost of $20 to $75. Unfortunately for the interested minors, the site only will sell to those 21 or older.
Study reveals society slowly overcoming myths about masturbation
— Edited by Chris Hopkins
By Mike Zielke
By Mike Zieke
Special to the Kansan
Stop feeling guiltv.
Most people masturbate. It is a natural, harmless expression of sexuality in both men and women, according to a recent study.
A national study by the Sinclair Intimacy Institute, a nationally-renowned authority on sexual education and information, found that 95 percent of men and 89 percent of women reported having masturbated at some point in their lives.
"It is interesting how as a cul ture that has become comfortable talk about sex, masturba
tion is still an uncomfortable topic for most people," said John Wade, counseling psychologist and Outreach Coordinator for Counseling and Psychological Services at Watkins Health Center.
"Masturbation conjures up many mvths about its supposedly damaging and debasing nature. Its negative image may be traced as far back as the word's Latin origin.
'Masturbate' is a combination of two Latin words, 'manus' (hand), and 'stuprare' (defile), thus "to defile with the hand."
The built-in notion of shame and uncleanliness implied by the root of the word has
remained in the modern world even though medical authorities agree that masturbation causes no physical or mental harm.
"Masturbation is typical, healthy human behavior," Wade said.
Some people, however, take self-pleasure to the limit and it becomes more of an addiction.
"I am devoted to masturbation, I had and have no guilt whatsoever when it comes to pleasuring myself."
"The only time it might be harmful is when the frequency is such that it impacts the individual's life or the lives of those around them in a negative way." Wade said.
According to the Sinclair Intimacy Institute's study, masturbation is the first sexual act
Gloria Stuart
89-year-old actress
for most men and women. Men who masturbate tend to do so more often than women do. Men also are more likely than women to report experiencing an orgasm.
The study also found that one major reason many individuals felt guilt or anxiety about masturbation was that religious
teaching said that it was sinful. Contrary to ancient and popular beliefs, masturbation does not cause acne, lead to unbridled lust, make people go blind or make hair grow on the palms of their hands.
In fact, some experts argue that masturbation improves sexual health by increasing the
individual's understanding of their own body and of what is erotically pleasing to them.
While much of our society feels guilty about masturbation and is afraid of discussing it, others are not as inhibited about enjoying themselves.
Gloria Stuart, the 89-year-old actress and 1930s Hollywood leading woman who was recently rediscovered as an elderly survivor in Titanic, was not afraid to talk about masturbation in her autobiography.
"I am devoted to masturbation,
Stuart said. "I had and have no guilt whatsoever when it comes to pleasuring myself."
— Edited by Jennifer Roush
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