What is a Dildo and How to Choose the Right One

A remarkable find in Germany’s Hohle Fels cave – a 28,000-year-old dildo – shows these intimate devices have been part of human life for millennia. Ancient peoples crafted them from leather and ivory. Modern dildos are versatile pleasure tools that work great for both solo play and partner intimacy.

Most dildos are penetrative toys that measure 4-6 inches long with a 4-5 inch circumference. Today’s market offers them in body-safe materials like silicone, glass, and metal – each material creates different sensations. These toys come in realistic and abstract designs. Many include features such as vibration modes, suction cups, or double-ended options to match different priorities and desires.

This piece covers everything about picking the right dildo when you’re horny. You’ll learn about materials, types, and how to find your perfect size. The information here is a great way to get started, whether you’re buying your first dildo or adding to your collection.

Different Types of Dildos

The world of dildos welcomes newcomers with plenty of options that match different priorities and comfort levels. You can make better choices by learning about the various types that line up with your needs.

Basic types for beginners

New users should start with smaller, slimmer options. Simple dildos usually range from 4 to 5.1 inches in length with a girth of 1.5 inches or less. These beginner-friendly options include:

• Classic dildos: Simple, phallic-shaped without extra features
• Slim silicone models: Soft, flexible, and easy to clean
• Curved designs: Shaped to stimulate G-spot or P-spot

Advanced options

Experienced users can explore inflatable dildos and more specialized options. Glass dildos create unique sensations and are made from durable borosilicate materials that handle temperature changes well. On top of that, metal dildos, crafted from stainless steel, give you a firm, weighty feel with sculptural beauty.

Special features to think about

Modern dildos come with features that boost the experience. Suction cup bases let you play hands-free by sticking to smooth surfaces. Some models include vibrating functions that work great with strap-on users who want extra stimulation. These thrusting dildos stand out because they move on their own, creating a more realistic experience.

Your choice of material will affect your experience a lot. Silicone tops the popularity charts thanks to its soft, skin-like feel and hypoallergenic properties. Note that silicone dildos work only with water-based lubricants to stay in good shape.

How to Pick the Right Size and Shape

The right dildo size depends on your comfort level and body type. Bigger doesn’t always mean better – this simple fact helps set realistic expectations for a good experience.

Finding your comfort zone

An erect penis averages 5.5 inches in length and 4.5 to 5 inches around. This measurement gives newcomers a good starting point. People new to dildos should start small with 4 to 5 inches in length and 1 to 1.4 inches across.

Silicone dildos feel smaller than similar-sized glass or plastic toys because they flex. A curved shape could give better G-spot or prostate stimulation than a longer straight design.

Understanding measurements

These four key measurements define a dildo’s size:

• Total Length: The complete tip-to-base measurement
• Insertable Length: The portion that can be safely inserted
• Width/Diameter: The distance across the widest part
• Girth/Circumference: The measurement around the thickest part

Girth matters more than length when it comes to pleasure and comfort. Your body changes during arousal, so measure when you’re turned on as the vagina gets longer. The quickest way to find your size is to insert fingers one at a time until comfortable, then measure around them.

Ready to try something bigger? Add no more than 1 inch to the circumference (about 0.3 inches in diameter) between purchases. This step-by-step approach lets you stay comfortable while learning about different sensations.

Choosing Safe Materials

Safety is vital when you choose intimate toys. The materials used in making these toys matter the most. You need to know which materials are body-safe to avoid health issues and have a good experience.

Body-safe options explained

Medical-grade silicone is the best choice for dildos. It lasts long, bends well, and is completely safe. Borosilicate glass works great too. It has a smooth, non-porous surface that handles temperature changes well. Stainless steel doesn’t cause allergies and gives unique sensations. It’s also easy to clean.

Materials to avoid

Some materials can harm your health. Jelly rubber is cheap but contains harmful chemicals that might irritate or cause serious health problems. TPR, TPE, and elastomer materials claim to be safe. The truth is bacteria can grow in their porous structure. Vinyl and PVC products often contain phthalates. These chemicals link to various health issues.

Cleaning requirements

Good maintenance keeps toys safe and makes them last longer. You can sanitize non-porous materials like silicone, glass, and steel by boiling them for 3-5 minutes. Mild soap and warm water are enough for daily cleaning. Sanitize toys thoroughly if you share them or use them for different types of play.

Note that you should replace a toy if it smells weird, changes color, or feels sticky. Quality materials protect your health and give you better value over time.

Making Your First Purchase

Buying an intimate toy needs proper research. You should think about several important factors before making a choice. A reputable retailer will give a quality and safe product. Trusted stores like Peepshow Toys stock only body-safe products. Lovehoney gives free shipping on orders over USD 49.00 with hassle-free returns.

Where to shop

Online retailers excel at discrete shipping with wide product selections. The best stores follow strict quality control standards and list detailed product information. Specialty boutiques are a great option too. The core team at these shops can guide you through their carefully selected products. They also provide email support and educational resources that help you make smart choices.

What to look for

Check if retailers clearly show material compositions and cleaning instructions. Quality sellers give detailed product details instead of marketing hype. The best stores will:

• Show exact size details
• List clear material info
• Include care instructions
• Display real customer reviews

Reading product descriptions

Product descriptions need careful attention to detail. The actual insertable length matters more than total length measurements. Customer reviews are a great way to get real feedback about size accuracy and product quality. Most retailers include power ratings, noise levels for vibrating options, and details about charging systems and waterproof features.

Quality sellers focus on education rather than marketing claims. They know everyone’s priorities are different. Their goal is to provide accurate specs and practical info that helps you make the right choice.

What is a Dildo Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dildo used for?

A dildo is a sex toy primarily used for penetration and sexual pleasure. It can be used for vaginal or anal stimulation, either alone or with a partner. Dildos come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, allowing users to explore different sensations and experiences.

What is a double-sided dildo?

A double-sided dildo is a sex toy designed with two insertable ends, allowing two people to use it simultaneously. It is often used by lesbian couples or partners who want to experience penetration together. These dildos come in different materials, lengths, and flexibility levels to suit various preferences.

What is a knotted dildo?

A knotted dildo is inspired by the anatomy of certain animals, typically featuring a bulge or “knot” near the base. This design is meant to create a unique sensation during insertion and removal, mimicking the feeling of a knot swelling inside the body. It is popular within certain fetish communities and among users looking for a more intense stretching sensation.

What is an anal dildo?

An anal dildo is a dildo specifically designed for anal penetration. It is usually slimmer, has a tapered shape, and often includes a flared base to prevent it from getting lost inside the body. These dildos are made from body-safe materials and are designed to provide pleasurable anal stimulation while ensuring safety during use.

What is a thrusting dildo?

A thrusting dildo is a type of dildo that features an automatic or mechanical thrusting motion, mimicking the movement of penetration. Some models are battery-operated or rechargeable, offering various speeds and intensities. They are popular among those who want a hands-free experience or a more lifelike sensation.

What is a strap-on dildo?

A strap-on dildo is a dildo designed to be worn using a harness, allowing the wearer to penetrate a partner. It is commonly used by couples of all genders and can be used for vaginal or anal penetration. Some strap-ons have double-ended designs, allowing both partners to experience stimulation simultaneously.

Can you make your own dildo?

Yes, you can make your own dildo using kits or body-safe molding materials. Some companies offer kits that allow you to create a mold of a real penis, while others provide silicone-based materials to design a custom shape. However, it is important to use non-toxic, body-safe materials to ensure safety during use. Read about home made sex toys for more.

What is the difference between a dildo and a vibrator?

The main difference between a dildo and a vibrator is that a dildo is typically non-motorized and used for penetration, while a vibrator includes a motor to provide vibrating stimulation. Vibrators can be used internally or externally, depending on the design, whereas dildos focus primarily on penetration. Some sex toys combine both functions, offering penetration with vibration for enhanced pleasure.

What is a dragon dildo?

A dragon dildo is a fantasy-themed sex toy inspired by mythical creatures like dragons. These dildos often have unique textures, shapes, and exaggerated features, such as ridges, scales, or knots, designed to provide unusual and intense sensations. They are popular among those who enjoy fantasy play and want to explore different textures and sizes beyond traditional designs.