The hidden history of female sexual pleasure

Kate Lister guides us through the long history of female pleasure, covering everything from ancient sex goddesses to the advent of modern contraception

Published: June 8, 2026 at 4:02 PM

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How did women in the past experience sex and pleasure? Kate Lister reveals that this is a rather complicated question. Instead of simply lying back and thinking of England, women's sexual experiences have been bound up in cultures of shame and control since antiquity. But women have also fought for their right to pleasure. Speaking to Charlotte Vosper, Kate introduces us to these histories.

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Please note that this episode contains a very frank and open discussion of sex and sexuality, and strong language throughout.

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If you'd like to learn even more about sex toys from the past, then check out this eye-opening article about history's 12 strangest examples

Authors

Charlotte VosperContent producer

Charlotte Vosper is a content producer at HistoryExtra

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