A little background on the origin of dildos…
Dildos are one of the first sex toys people buy or experiment with and go way back to the Stone Age, over 2.5 million years ago. Cultures all over the world have used them for centuries for masturbation. Often, a phallus (penis) was made out of different materials such as metal, carved wood, stone, or bone and, in some cases, even bread. These phalluses were either used as decorative fertility art or for personal pleasure. A brief history on dildos can be found here.

In the last few centuries, dildos have been used for medical reasons (for therapeutic pelvic massage), spiritual reasons (to balance the Yin and Yang energy) and for pleasure. In the 1960’s, dildos were largely made out of rubber, but by 1970, they had upgraded to silicone, which today is one of the most popular and safest choices.

Now, their use is only limited by creativity. For most people, dildos are a toy that simulates sexual penetration. However, the psychology behind having a phallic object to play with is part of the erotic appeal.

Dildos can be used for vaginal penetration, oral penetration (as a gag or for foreplay), anal play, as a fetish placed on the body or as something massaged against sensitive erotic zones. For some, having a very large dildo rubbed against their holes (vaginal or anal) is enough to get them off, even if they never penetrate. For others, wearing a strap-on dildo makes them feel more powerful and excite them or their partner.

They can also be used to access the P-spot (prostate) in men or G-spot in women. Generally, dildos are safe to use as long as the material they are made out of is body-safe. However, when penetrating anally it’s best to have a flanged base (meaning that the base of the dildo is wide so it doesn’t completely enter the sphincter and get sucked in).

There are different kinds of dildos (which is explained below), but people will often call them dongs, cocks, rods, rams, double enders (for a double ended dildo), or strap-ons (for dildos worn by one partner during non-penile intercourse).

Dildos are great for penetrative orgasms and getting to live out fantasies.

The way people use them differs by preference. Some people prefer rough, thrusting motions. Others want to gently massage themselves internally. Many advanced users want to open themselves up through stretching by using larger and larger dildos.

During role-play or switching up power dynamics, couples can enjoy the shift in power and gender roles assumed when adding a dildo. Those who have fantasies of double penetration can have their partner use a dildo on them during sex. For men who want to experience anal, their partner can wear a strap-on and peg them (insert a strap on into their anus). Many women find that pegging is very empowering, and some men enjoy not only the prostate massage but the arousing feeling of vulnerability associated with receiving.

For female couples, strap-ons offer a fun way to have penetrative sex while keeping their hands free. For some who want to try anal and aren’t comfortable with the size of their partner’s member (it may be too big for beginners), using a smaller dildo during sex can enable them to still enjoy penetration.

A few ways dildos can be used:

Something for Everyone

Classic Dildos For a first time buyer, this is a great place to start. There’s a wide variety of options in both size and material. Try starting with a low-budget rubber dildo, or go for a time-tested favorite and choose silicone. There’s also an exciting variety of dildos that are curved, textured with ridges, and come in all different lengths and girths.

Dildos with a Suction Cup Base These enable the user to have the feeling of getting fucked and having hands free to play with themselves. Press the dildo onto any flat surface so the suction cup seals, and ride it to a climax.

More Than Just A Cock

Glass & Steel Dildos Non-porous, body safe and easy to clean, these have the added benefit of being used in temperature play. Heat them up or cool them down for added sensation!

Vibrating Dildos Generally made of silicone, these dildos have an extra stimulating feature of being able to vibrate at different intensities. A few of them even thrust, thump, or rotate so that users feel like they’re really being fucked.

Vibrating Dildo Accessories: While many are USB rechargeable, some come with remotes that require batteries so be sure to order them, too.

For When Size Matters

Huge Dildos For those who get excited by girth and length and want to challenge themselves. When using them, make sure to take your time and use lots of lube!

Inflatable Dildos These are great for stretching limits; place them inside of the anus or vagina and inflate until a desired pressure and internal fullness is reached.

Fun With Partners

Double Ended Dildos allows partners to slide a long dildo in and out of their holes at the same time, sharing the feeling of being connected to the same toy.

Strap-On Dildos are great for men and women. Women can use them to peg their male partners or to fuck their female ones. Some strap-ons for women are even strapless and can be held in the vagina instead of strapped around the hips, giving a feedback of stimulation and sensation to the G-spot while they fuck their partner. Check out our Guide to Strap-Ons.

Some strapless strap-ons such as this one even have vibrators above the clit so the one wearing it can feel the thrusting motion inside her while getting stimulation on her clit at the same time.

Men can use strap-ons to add a second cock above or below their own for double-penetration, or to keep going when they’ve gone flaccid.

Strap On Accessories: Strap-On Harnesses are necessary when buying a strap-on dildo. When buying a strap-on harness, make sure it fits the size of your dildo. Most strapon dildos have wide, flat bases (not suction cups) so as to lay flat against your pelvis while thrusting.

Penis Extenders are great options for enhancing the cock by adding different girth, texture, or length to it. It also allows wearers to keep giving their partner pleasure after they’ve ejaculated or if it’s difficult to stay hard due to reasons such as ED (erectile dysfunction) or hormonal changes.

For Female Bodied, FTM, or Trans

Packers can make females transitioning to males (FTM) feel more at home in their body. They can also add a little bit of fun for those who want to experiment with the feeling and weight of a cock for self-exploration or for fantasy alone or with a partner.

Packer Accessories: Incognito Boxer Harness with Hidden O-Ring - ditch the bulky harness and wear an incognito, breathable and comfortable pair of harness boxers that give you the option to pop in a strapon dildo any time you want without fussing over an outfit change!

We know it’s exciting to think about all the different kinds of dildos out there, but it can also be a little overwhelming, too! Here are some recommendations on which dildo to buy based on experience level and interest.

The Tyler Skintech Realistic 7" Dildo is a great beginner dildo at a low price. Get started with penetrative exploration and enjoy it’s realistic features.

With the Vibrating Thrusting Remote Control Silicone Dildo, users can explore penetration, vibration, and the thrusting feature. Use it’s suction cup feature to keep it in place and control the settings, hands free, while riding it to climax!

The Giant Inflatable Solid Core Dildo is a level-up in girth and intensity, and a popular favorite for those who want to test their limits. Grab the lube and stretch your limits.

Try this 3-Piece Silicone Strap On Set to get started. Start small and try out different sizes until the perfect fit is found!

To go strapless, try this Vibrating Strapless Strap On for more versatile fun!

Dildos with handles or wide bases are safest. We recommend the Power Pounder Vibrating and Thrusting Silicone Dildo.

Looking for more ways to explore anal? Check out our Guide to Butt Plugs!

Silicone:

To Clean: Boil the dildo for 5-10 minutes and then wash with an antibacterial soap.

Safety: Do not use with silicone-based lube. It will melt.

Rubber:

To Clean: Rubber is very porous and the chemical composition of each brand varies. Some rubber products contain phthalates which can be harmful to your health. It’s best to use a condom with these dildos.

Safety: Use a condom, especially when using toys anally and vaginally (or in more than one hole), and remember to switch condoms when changing between holes or users (such as when switching between the anus and vagina, or between one partner and another). *Condoms can not be used with oil-based lubricants.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or TPE (thermoplastic rubber aka “skin-safe rubber”):

To Clean: Clean with mild soap and warm water using a washcloth. Dry after each use before storing.

Safety: PVC is a plastic and TPE is a rubber, meaning they are more porous and sometimes contain chemicals harmful for the body, so make sure to buy ones that are labeled non-porous and phthalate-free or use a condom with it as a barrier. This type of material doesn’t stand up well to extreme heat, so store it in a cool, dark place.

Glass:

To Clean: Wash with soap and water. Pyrex glass toys are dishwasher safe.

Safety: Do not expose glass to extreme temperatures. Can be used with any lube.

Steel:

To Clean: Use warm water and soap to get initial dirt and debris off. Soak or boil in a solution of 10% bleach to 90% water for 10 minutes, then place in the dishwasher.

Safety: Steel can withstand more extreme temperatures than glass. If exploring with temperature play, be careful how hot or cold the steel gets before placing it in the body or on skin as it could burn or freeze the delicate tissue. Can be used with any lube.

Vibrating Dildos:

To Clean: First, double check to make sure your vibrating dong is waterproof before cleaning, but most vibrating dildos can be cleaned under running water with a mild soap.

If it has batteries: Take out batteries. Hand wash and wipe down with a cloth using soap and water.

If it’s rechargeable: Do not submerge in water or put in the dishwasher (even if it’s water-resistant). Hand wash and wipe down with a cloth using soap and water.

Safety: Pay attention to the material used and use the compatible lube. Use condoms when sharing with a partner or playing with anal.

It’s important to keep toys clean!
That means cleaning them right after use so bacteria doesn’t have a chance to grow on them or in them. At the very least, wash them with mild soap and water and spray them with a disinfecting toy cleaner.

Vaginas in particular have very specific pH levels.
We suggest using unscented, mild soaps on any toy that enters your vagina.

“You gotta keep ‘em separated!”
Dildos generally have a long shelf-life (especially glass, steel and silicone). However, if placing them in the same drawer as your lubes, be careful to not let any silicone lubes spill onto your silicone toys! If silicone lube spills onto a silicone toy, it will melt the toy!

Get yourself a Toy Cleaner.
Even after washing them, it’s best to disinfect them to be extra safe!

New to insertion or penetration?
Pick a dildo that might seem like the right size, and then go one size smaller. Users can always size up as they warm up and find their favorite ways to use it, but when they have a dildo that’s too big -especially when trying anal- it may discourage them from playing with it if it’s uncomfortable.

Lube. Get it, use it, have lots of it.
You can never have too much lube! However, make sure to get the right kind of lube for each toy. If not sure what lubes to get, check out our Guide to Lubes.

When using steel or glass toys, be careful when inserting into orifices.
These toys have no give to them, so any pressure exerted will dig deep into the hole. If putting these in someone’s mouth, be careful that they don’t chip their tooth.