What is a Dildo?

A dildo is a sex toy that can be put into the mouth, anus, or vagina. They come in a variety of lengths, materials, and girths. Some are curved to stimulate the prostate or g-spot.

Dildos can be manually manipulated during solo or partnered play. They can also be attached to a harness for hands-free pleasure. Lube is recommended, as dildos can harbor bacteria.

Material

A dildo is a sex toy that can be inserted into the mouth, anus, or vagina. It’s often phallic in shape and can be made from many different materials. Dildos are used by people of all genders and sexualities, and can be used for masturbation or with a partner.

There are a lot of options for what kind of material to make a dildo out of, but many prefer something durable that won’t break easily. Stainless steel and glass are common choices, but ceramic and polymer are also available. For those who want to add vibrating functionality, there are dildos with built-in vibrators or externally attached ones as well. Some dildos are designed to be worn in a harness (sometimes called a strap-on dildo), while others are intended for anal insertion and remain in place for prolonged stimulation.

Pleasure-based, queer-inclusive sex educator and sex-positivity advocate Lateef Taylor says that the most important thing is to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and textures of dildos. She suggests trying a dildo with a suction cup for hands-free penetration. Pack-and-play dildos are another option that come with a harness and can be bent into an erect position when you’re ready to play. There are even dildos with sword-like heads for fun anal play. Then there are dildos that are curved in order to stimulate the prostate or G-spot.

Mood

Adding an internal vibrator to your toy collection can lead to a whole new level of pleasure. These toys boost blood flow to the pelvis, increase lubrication and can help alleviate atrophy. According to sex expert Mayla Green, they can also increase sexual pleasure and produce stronger orgasms.

Many couples have found that using sex toys during sexual intercourse leads to more playful undertakings, and can even boost their libido. In addition to orgasms, these toys can lead to more physical pleasure dildo during sex and make you more attracted to your partner.

While it’s common to think that a dildo must look like a biological penis, there are endless options that don’t. There are dildos with veins, pronounced heads, and more. They are available to cisgender men, lesbians and people of all sexual orientations.

To get the most out of your dildo, try experimenting with different positions. For example, place it in your mouth or on your nipples for a different sensation. You can also use it as a massager and run it over your lover’s inner thighs or other sensitive areas. Many sex toys also come with features like music syncing, where you can play a song through the toy’s app and it will vibrate along to the beats. These types of toys are best used with plenty of lubrication and should be cleaned regularly following the manufacturer’s instructions. Silicone, glass and stainless steel toys without electrical parts can usually be boiled for sterilization.

Position

One of the most important factors in using a dildo is position, whether for solo play or paired intimacy. The first step is to determine what type of insertion and penetration you want to use, then find the most comfortable way to accomplish it.

For example, a sex toy mount like the Liberator Tula allows hands-free masturbation that is more comfortable than fingering because you can support yourself on your knees or forearms. This position also provides space for reach-arounds to stroke nipples, breasts, and clitoris – all things that can stimulate erogenous zones.

Other types of dildos include harnesses that go Dildo Manufacturers around the pelvis, penetrating the area where a biological penis would sit (also known as a groin strap), and harnesses that can be attached to other parts of the body, including the chest, hand, foot, forehead and even the face. These are a great choice for partners who want to share penetration and intimacy.

Other techniques to try include stroking your nipples, breasts, or clitoris with the dildo for erogenous zone stimulation. You can also experiment with temperature play and switch between hot and cold to stimulate the clitoris, or add a vibrator for extra pleasure. During and after partnered dildo play, experts recommend being gentle and checking in with each other to communicate what’s working and what isn’t.

Safety

While it is generally safe to insert a dildo, as with all sex toys, you should exercise caution when using one. It is important to use only lubricated toys and to clean them regularly. A dirty dildo can harbor bacteria and lead to infection. Also, make sure you are not using a toy that is too large for your cervix; it may cause irritation. Finally, if you are new to using a dildo, it is important to start with foreplay and then gradually work up to anal or vaginal penetration.

Fortunately, reputable sex toy manufacturers—like Dame Products, Lelo, and We-Vibe—want to make their toys as safe as possible. They avoid the more toxic materials like jelly rubber, PVC, and latex, which are often used in cheaper sex toys. However, these toys still contain phthalates, which are known to be harmful when in contact with the mucous membranes of the anus and clitoris.

Instead, opt for sex toys made of medical-grade silicone, glass, or smooth hardwoods. These inert materials don’t leak chemicals or harbor bacteria (as long as you clean them correctly). And remember that the cervix serves as a natural barrier and prevents objects from going further down into the vaginal canal, so if you do feel a toy go further, it’s probably time to put it away for good.