NEW TO SEX TOYS: DILDOS

What is a dildo?

A dildo is a man-made object shaped like a penis that can, but does not necessarily, vibrate. They are available in a variety of sizes. Some are made out of hard plastic but the newest models are made out of soft rubber or a gel-like substance that feels more like a real penis. They are made from molds of real penises and so have details like realistic heads and veins. The flexible kind can also be bent into different shapes. Some dildos come with the added feature of having suction cups on the base so they can be freestanding, affording women a greater variety of positions in which the dildo can be used.

Dildos are meant to do one thing: in some way, shape, or form, they are meant to be a substitute or symbol for a real penis. People use dildos for a variety of purposes. Although most women can orgasm through clitoral stimulation, many do enjoy the feeling of something hard and thrusting inside them during masturbation.

What should I look for in buying a dildo?

Buying a dildo involves a number of factors, such as length, thickness, hardness and texture. It is strongly recommended you look for one with a smooth surface made of a firm, but not too firm, latex. Dildo shopping is a very personal activity, and you should take your time buying one.

I recommend you look for a dildo that:

• is shaped like a realistic penis
• is similar in size to your partner’s (or the average size of the partners you have sex with)
• has a suction-cup base
• is flexible enough to be bent into a gooseneck shape to stimulate your G-spot
• Vibrates at both a high and low setting.

If you encounter difficulty finding all these attributes in one dildo, make sure that at a minimum it is realistically sized and is flexible. You might end up buying two dildos, each of which incorporates some of the attributes you are looking for. You might want to get a smaller dildo, say a four-inch one, and a larger one to work up to, particularly if you are new to using them.

The two most common materials for a dildo are silicone and latex. Silicone is usually more expensive, but most people who use dildos regularly agree that its qualities of matching body temperature and its general texture make it the superior material. As with anything, you get what you pay for.

The most important thing to remember is that you should start small. Buy dildos you *know* you can probably handle, rather than ones you hope to be able to handle. Get your money’s worth out of any toy you buy.