Dildos

What to consider when buying a Dildo

When deciding between different dildos, factoring in your experience level, stimulation preferences, and how you intend to play with your pleasure product will lead you to a worthy purchasing decision.

Material

Dildo materials impact the toy’s firmness, finish, care instructions, and lubricant compatibility. The most common materials for dildos include silicone, metal, and glass.

• Glass and metal dildos are hard, allowing you to apply firm pressure to your hot spots, while silicone dildos have more give and flexibility.
• Silicone dildos tend to have a soft, velvety finish, whereas metal and glass dildos are extra smooth and cool to the touch.
• Metal and glass dildos are compatible with all lubricant formulas, while silicone dildos should only be paired with water-based or hybrid lubricants.

Functions and Features

Dildos have evolved significantly from their basic designs. Modern dildos offer a wealth of features to enhance pleasure. Thrusting dildos and those with suction cup bases are ideal for hands-free play, while vibrating dildos are perfect for those who enjoy rumbly stimulation. The best features for you will depend on your personal preferences.

Size

Choosing the right size is important. Large dildos offer expansive stretch and reach, but they might not be suitable for beginners. Starting with a small-to-medium-sized toy is advisable for first-timers, with the option to size up later. Inflatable dildos are also a versatile choice, offering a range of sizes in one toy.

Exploring Different Types of Dildos

There is a vast array of dildo types to choose from, catering to different preferences and uses:

Anal Dildos

These dildos are designed with safety features to prevent them from being accidentally fully inserted. They may have a flared base or a stopper to ensure safe anal play.

G-spot Dildos

Designed with specific curves and angles, G-spot dildos are crafted to hit and stimulate the G-spot with each thrust. These designs are also effective for prostate stimulation.

Suction Cup Dildos

Featuring a suction cup base, these dildos can be adhered to hard, flat surfaces for hands-free play. They are also compatible with strap-on harnesses. The suction cup dildo is a versatile option for a variety of fun. 

Strap-On Dildos

Strap-on dildos can include a range of designs, such as those with suction cups or strapless versions that have an insertable end for the wearer, allowing for penetrative play without a harness.

Realistic Dildos

These dildos are designed to resemble human anatomy, often featuring details like raised edges, veins, and realistic textures. They come in a variety of skin tones and levels of realism. Of course, being the model for this device, the penis is built to do all these things, which is why realistic dildos are a primary style. Realistic dildos are molded and colored to feature veins, a head, and balls, or even skinlike materials to resemble the real thing for a more authentic experience and fun look. Manufacturers might even apply this realistic appearance to unrealistic sizes or shapes to fulfill superhuman fantasies! Pornstar-molded dildos take the realism a step further by recreating the penises of your favorite adult film stars. 

Silicone Dildos

Favored for their non-porous and hypoallergenic properties, silicone dildos are body-safe and have a soft, skin-like finish that many users prefer.

Vibrating Dildos

Combining internal stimulation with vibrations, these dildos often operate with a removable bullet vibrator or an internal motor, providing versatile and pleasurable experiences.

G-spot and A-spot Stimulation Dildos

Dildos are largely built for G-spot stimulation. The G-spot, short for Gräfenberg spot, is the sensitive area of body tissue located on the bellybutton side of the vagina about 2-3 inches in, often attributed as the strongest source of vaginal pleasure. Dildos optimized to please the G-spot feature a bulbous tip and/or an upward curve to easier massage this erogenous zone.

Less publicized is the dildo’s potential to arouse A-spot pleasure. The A-spot, or the anterior fornix, sits 1-2 inches past the G-spot just below the bladder and above the cervix, and stimulation of it can produce uniquely pleasurable sensations. Longer, wider dildos are more likely to reach this spot, and it may also be massaged indirectly by using a dildo anally.

Non-realistic Dildos

Then again, realism might not be for everybody. Some people prefer to avoid the uncanny valley, want a little extra discretion, or may not be attracted to penises at all, and go with a non-phallic dildo. These dildos accomplish all the internal massage you want without the detail. Fun fact: to sex toy language purists, “dildo” refers to a realistic dildo with balls, and less-phallic styles are called “dongs.” For those seeking somewhere between the two, perhaps wanting some inevitably phallic features for pinpointed massage, or some fun non-human colors, semi-realistic dildos are standard.

Methods of Use for Dildos

Though very operable by hand, dildos have plenty of methods of use! Dildos often come with a suction cup, which allows the toy to be mounted to a flat surface like the shower wall or floor to be ridden, humped, or grinded upon! This base also usually allows the dildo to be harness compatible, mounted to a strap-on harness through an O-ring, and used to penetrate a partner as if it was your own penis! Other features that make a dildo harness compatible include a flared base, or a unique mounting system built for a specific harness.

Another method for strap-on sex that is, oxymoronically, not mounted at all, is the strapless strap-on. These dildos have a bulbous extension that inserts vaginally into the wearer so they can experience their own penetrative pleasure while penetrating their partner. Another means of sharing a dildo is the double-ended dildo. These dildos have no base, with a head on either side, for two partners to penetrate at once for a more intimate experience. Double-sided dildos are also usually flexible enough for solo double-penetration.

Beyond Penetration

Beyond penetration, the dildo’s resemblance to the penis can also be used as a gender-affirming accessory! During FTM transitioning, people often wear packers, a realistic, flexible, flaccid penis and balls that rests against the body in your underwear or slips into a specialized harness to give you a real bulge. Some are even outfitted with stand-to-pee technology for fully functional use!

How to Use a Dildo for Maximum Pleasure

Using a dildo can be intuitive, but a few tips can enhance the experience:

Get in the Mood

Foreplay is essential for great sex, whether solo or with a partner. Creating a sensual atmosphere with music, lighting, and aromatherapy can heighten arousal.

Use Lubricant

Lubrication is key for comfort and pleasure. Even for naturally lubricating orifices like the vagina, additional lube can make a big difference, and it's a must for anal play.

Experiment with Positions

Different positions can change sensations significantly. Don't stick to just one; try various positions to discover what feels best for you.

Caring for Your Dildo

Proper care extends the life of your dildo and ensures it remains hygienic:

Cleaning

Wash your dildo before and after each use, and anytime you switch between anal and vaginal or oral play. Use mild soap and warm water, or a dedicated sex toy cleaner. Cleaning wipes are convenient for non-waterproof toys.

Storage

Store your dildos in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Keep silicone toys separate to prevent material degradation.