These days, the adult sex toy market is more expansive than ever, and that means that you'll have tons of options when shopping for your next pleasure piece. All those toy choices can feel overwhelming, but have no fear; information is here! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most iconic adult toys: dildos.
You're about to learn everything you need to know about these phallic wonders; from dildo types and materials to care tips, from beginner dildos to selecting the best dildo for couples, we're covering it all. Ready for your ultimate dildo education? Let's get started!
What is a Dildo?
For the uninitiated among you (no judgment!), let's get this one out of the way: What is a dildo? A dildo is a sex toy used for penetration. Dildos are usually phallic in shape, but they don't all look like penises. They come in all shapes, sizes, and materials.
Now, armed with that information, you may be wondering how to use a dildo, and honestly, there's no one answer—you can use a dildo in lots of ways! In terms of self or partner penetration, you can insert it vaginally, anally, or orally. Some dildos fit your favorite harness or strap-on system (they'll have a flared base), and others are perfect for G-spot or prostate stimulation.
Not into penetration? You can use some dildos for external massages or even roleplay.
The upshot here? There are A LOT of different dildos, and they can be super versatile. So, let's talk about how to pick the right one for you!
How to Pick The Right Dildo Size and Shape?
Choosing the right dildo for you comes down to finding one that a) you and your potential partner feel comfortable with and b) does what you need it to do/works in your sexy situation. For example, if you're interested in G-Spot or prostate stimulation, look for something with a curved shaft and a pronounced head to target those inner sweet spots. We’ve got a size guide if you need some more help deciding.
In addition to shape, you want to think about length and girth (thickness). If you're shopping for your first dildo and don't know what your girth preferences are, here's an easy way to figure it out: insert your fingers into the toy's destination orifice (or have your partner do the honors) and use the number of fingers that feel comfortable to you as your size guide.
In terms of length, when in doubt, err on the side of too long rather than too short. Why? You can control the depth of a too-long dildo by simply not inserting the entire length. When a penetrator is too short, you can't do much to make it more satisfying!
Types of Dildos
As we've already mentioned, there are many different types of dildos, and we'll break them down here. Something to remember, though, is that dildo categories can overlap! For example, a dildo can both vibrate and squirt. Dildos from most of the following categories have suction cup bases. Also, while there are specific dildos designed for anal use and butt play, many dildos with a flared base are safe to use anally.
Here's the point: these categories are just a guide; think of it as your dildo cheat sheet. Now, let's look at types of dildos.
Vibrating Dildos
First things first: Isn't a vibrating dildo just a vibrator? Well, no. For most vibrating dildos, the vibration feature is optional. The dildo itself is the focus; vibration is a fun extra. A vibrating dildo will usually have a slot or opening for a bullet or other small vibe to fit into, but some have internal motors.
To sum up, with a vibrating dildo, vibration is not there to steal the show; it's there to enhance the penetration experience!
Wondering how to use a vibrating dildo? That'll depend on the features that appeal to you. The PinkCherry Hot Pink Curved Penis, with its thick shaft, G-spot stimulating head, and multi-speed vibration, is a fantastic example of how using a vibrating dildo can give you the best of all worlds.
Squirting Dildos
A squirting dildo (also known as an ejaculating dildo) is a dildo that can eject lube or other fluid through the tip as it penetrates.
If you're looking for a realistic ejaculation experience, The King Cock 6 Inch Squirting Cock is a terrific (and very popular) example of this type of dildo.
PS. If you're looking for a dildo that'll help you or a partner squirt, head over to g-spot dildos!
Fantasy Dildos
So, we've already mentioned that dildos come in all shapes and sizes, and this fun dildo category proves it!
If you dream of unicorn horns, tentacles, or sci-fi creatures, there's a fantasy dildo, creature dildo, or monster dildo ready to play. For instance, the gorgeous Stardust Kinky Kraken 12 Inch Dildo is a long, soft rainbow spiral probe with a stimulating texture and a harness-compatible base.
Thrusting Dildos
Thrusting dildos, as the name suggests, thrust! An internal mechanism deep inside moves the shaft up and down, leaving you to relax while the dildo does all the work.
When looking for the best thrusting dildos, think about what pleasure features you want in addition to thrusting. Should it be harness-compatible, does it need a suction cup base, or do you want to go all out with a thrusting dildo machine like the Too Hot To Handle Mountable Thrusting Machine? Answering those questions will help you narrow down your choices.
Suction Dildos
For hands-free dildo use, a suction or suction cup dildo is the way to go.
These penetrators have a suction cup base that sticks to most smooth, flat surfaces, so your dildo will stay put as you go for a ride. A nice bonus of suction dildos is that most are also harness-compatible.
The PinkCherry 6 Inch Pink Dildo is a great suction dildo to kick off your collection. It features a realistic shape and a strong suction cup base.
Anal Dildos
Honestly, you can use any dildo with a flared base anally, but there are also some terrific dildos designed with butt play in mind.
For curious shoppers, the Silk Small Dildo may be the perfect first anal dildo. Its sleek, petite design makes for comfortable insertion, and it features a curve that is ideal for prostate stimulation.
Double Ended Dildos
A double-ended dildo, sometimes called a double dildo, is a dildo with two ends that is designed to penetrate two places (or people!) at once. While looks can be intimidating, there are a ton of fun ways you can find to use a double ended dildo.
Double dildos are usually longer than average and extra flexible, like the Silicone AC/DC Double Dildo, so you can play with a partner or enjoy some solo double penetration fun.
What Are Dildos Made Of?
The material(s) making up your dildo can make a huge difference in how it looks and feels.
Certain materials create a dildo that's soft, veiny-y, and incredibly realistic, and others make your dildo look like a sculpture. Some dildo materials are easy to clean and disinfect, and others require a multi-step maintenance process. Some materials make your dildo safe to share, and others are better for solo toys. There's a lot to think about!
To help you get your head around it, let's take some time to go over some of the different materials.
Silicone Dildos
Silicone is one of the most popular, premium, body-safe dildo materials around, for good reason!
Silicone dildos are phthalate-free, hypoallergenic, nonporous (won't trap dirt and bacteria), and super durable. Because they're easy to thoroughly clean, most silicone dildos are safe to share with a partner.
Best of all, while silicone is a premium material, silicone dildos exist at all price points. Silicone for all!
Metal Dildos
Metal dildos look really cool, but they are so much more than that! These long-lasting, durable pieces are hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and great for fun stuff like temperature play.
Realistic Dildos
Most realistic dildos are made of skin-like materials (usually rubber and elastomer blends) that look and feel similar but go by different names, as manufacturers have proprietary formulas.
People love these dildos for their super-soft, flexible feel with lots of detail like veins, texture, and even balls. However, many realistic dildos have porous surfaces that require extra maintenance to keep them looking and feeling their best. They're not generally a great choice for sharing, but you can use them with condoms to make sharing safer.
Jelly Dildos
Another term that encompasses a broad range of materials is "jelly ."Jelly is usually a blend of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rubber.
This popular sex toy material is inexpensive and can be molded into just about any shape. Like their realistic siblings, jelly dildos are porous, so they can never be completely sanitized, but you can use them with condoms or a trusted, tested partner.
Glass Dildos
It’s fairly common to wonder whether glass dildos are safe. Modern glass dildos are made with borosilicate (like pyrex dishes), so you won't need to worry about them breaking on you. They're extra firm, 100% body-safe, and perfect for temperature play and precision massage.
Many glass dildos are absolutely gorgeous; some could even pass for art on your bedside table.
Okay, you've got a pretty thorough introduction to all things dildo at this point, but there's one thing missing: how to take good care of your dildo!
How to Make Your Dildo Last
Proper cleaning and storage of your sex toys is always important, and since dildos will usually be going in your body, it's double important!
When cleaning a dildo, you'll want to be aware of what it's made of—the material will impact how you clean it. So, be aware of your dildo material before washing it.
Here's something you may or may not know: you'll want to clean your dildo (and all toys) with gentle soap or toy cleaner and warm water before AND after use.
Most dildos don't have motors or moving parts, but if yours does, make sure it's waterproof before cleaning it underwater, or wipe it down with a washcloth instead.
Before you put your dildo away, make sure it is completely dry to help prevent any mold or mildew (ew). You can protect your dildo from dust and lint by using a toy storage bag or keeping the box it came in—take special care with your glass or metal dildos to keep them chip and nick-free.
There are many different dildos out there, and PinkCherry has a HUGE selection to choose from. Now that you're a dildo expert, go forth and find the one (or ones) for you!
