These days there is a bevy of sex toys available to us with just a few clicks. It’s very exciting but, if you are unfamiliar with those toys, it can also be a bit overwhelming. That’s why today, we are focusing on one type of sex life toy and giving you everything you need to know about it. Today we’re talking about dildos! What are they? What types exist? Why do people use them? How do you choose one for sexual pleasure, and how do you use one? We’re going to cover it all. So, get ready to get educated about dildos!
Seriously, What is a Dildo?
In the simplest terms, a dildo is a sex toy designed to give you or your partner sexual pleasure through penetration. There are MANY ways dildos can be used - vaginally, anally, orally, for external massage and more. While dildos are typically phallic in shape, they’re not necessarily designed to resemble a penis (though, if that’s what you want, there are tons of options available to you!). Dildos are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, lengths, and girths. Additionally, they can be made from many different materials, some soft and supple and some that are literally rock-hard. Some are curved or feature a bulbous tip for g-spot or prostate stimulation, and some have suction-cup bases or are compatible with a strap-on harness. Basically, there are a lot of kinds of dildos!
Why Do People Like Dildos?
Just as there is a wide array of dildos available, there is a huge range of reasons why people use and enjoy dildos. Dildos are popular with people of all genders and sexual orientations and they can enhance all sorts of sexual stimulation activities, including -- but not limited to-- clitoral stimulation, vaginal penetration, including g-spot stimulation, and anal penetration, including prostate stimulation.
Sometimes dildos are used therapeutically, as sexual health experts sometimes recommend them as part of therapy for people dealing with pelvic floor muscle spasms, vaginismus, and more.
Other reasons someone might use a dildo include, but are not limited to:
- To explore double penetrative sex
- To affirm gender identity or sexuality
- To extend the size of an existing phallus
What Are The Different Kinds Of Dildos?
There are a whole lot of different kinds of dildos and we’re going to talk a bit about each kind below:
- Representational: You may also see these described as “lifelike” or “ultra-realistic.” Representational dildos are designed to look just like a human penis and may include veining, a pronounced head, and sometimes even testicles.
- Non-representational: This is the name for the many kinds of dildos that are not designed to look like a penis. They can come in almost any shape imaginable. Some are like sleek, rounded sticks while some are shaped like anything from cute animals to creepy tentacles to realistic-looking vegetables and much, much, more.
- Vibrating: Vibrating dildos typically feature a cavity in the toy’s base that allows a bullet vibe to be inserted, though some include a small attached motor. To learn more about vibrating dildos and sex toys, read our linked blogs about the difference between a dildo vs a vibrator.
- Suction cup: Suction cup dildos are designed to firmly attach to walls, floors, tables, and more using a strong suction cup in the base of the toy. This allows for users to engage in hands-free solo play.
- Strap-on: Any dildo that is harness-compatible, which typically means it has a flared base, can be used-- with a harness-- as a wearable strap-on dildo. Additionally, there are dildos that are often referred to as “strapless strap-ons” that are designed to work by inserting a small bulb at one end into the vagina of the wearer while the longer end (what we tend to picture as the actual dildo) comes out in from of their body.
- Double Ended: Double-ended dildos are designed to penetrate two orifices at once. They can be used by partners with each having one end of the toy inserted or they can be used solo and inserted in both a vagina and anus simultaneously. Tip: even if you aren’t looking for double penetration, double dildos can be fun to use solo because they are long and provide something of a handle to hold on to while penetrating oneself for sexual stimulation.
- Pack-and-play: Pack-and-play dildos are designed to be worn with a harness underclothes and create a realistic bulge -- that’s the “pack” part. Then, the dildo portion can be adjusted into an erect position and used with a partner -- that’s the “play” part.
Something to keep in mind is that dildos are made from many different sex toy materials and, as such, many of the kinds listed above can look and feel dramatically different based on what they are made from. Dildos made with silicone, TPR, or any type of “real feel” sex toy materials can range from firm with a little give to downright squishy. In the meantime, there are also dildos made with glass, steel, crystal, and even ceramic that are, perhaps obviously, hard.
How to Use a Dildo
Okay, now that we know what a dildo is, let’s take a moment to talk about how to choose one and how to use a dildo. Dildos can be a lot of fun, especially if you remember these tips for creating a comfortable and pleasurable experience:
- Start small. Unless you know you enjoy girthy toys, start small and work your way up.
- Choose materials wisely: Knowing how to clean a dildo is important. For easy cleaning, choose a dildo made with non-porous materials such as body-safe silicone, glass, or metal. If choosing a porous material such as TPR or TPE, consider using a condom on your porous material sex toy.
- Clean your dildo before use. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Some dildos can be boiled-- typically ones made of silicone and steel-- while others should be cleaned with warm water and a mild soap or a sex toy cleaner.
- Think about temperature. Toys can get cold, especially ones made of glass or steel! For the sake of comfort, consider warming up your dildo by running it under warm water.
- Lube up. Friction between your skin and your toy can be uncomfortable, but using lubricant will keep things moving smoothly. Water-based lube is generally safe for toys. Long-lasting silicone lubricant can be used safely with hard toys like those made from glass or steel.
- Warm up. As with any sexual activity, using a dildo will feel better if you warm up first. Consider using a vibrator or taking time to caress the vaginal opening, clitoris, or anus before attempting penetration.
- Dive in (carefully). If you are planning on engaging in penetration with your best dildo, this is the time! Go slowly, don’t be afraid to add more lubricant if necessary, and remember, using a dildo should never hurt. Most importantly, enjoy!
- Clean your dildo. Just like you did before use, you want to wash your toy after use. Make sure your dildo is completely dry before placing it in a storage bag or box.
Dildos can make a terrific addition to your sex toy collection. With so many types available -- anal dildos, vibrating dildos, silicone dildos, double ended dildos or strap on dildos, you’re bound to find something you love! Check out our collection!
