It’s amazing to learn that the first dildo was made approximately 28,000 years ago! Ancient civilizations had some naughty fun in the bedroom that didn’t involve just phallic shapes. Evidence of ancient vibrator use has also been discovered.
Needless to say, sex toys have gone a long, long way since then. Today’s dildos come in so many categories that your head will spin if you’re attempting to buy for the very first time.
Do you want a dildo that’s realistic? Or maybe you’re willing to try out something larger than life (both literally and figuratively)? Do you want a dildo with a suction cup, a double dildo, a squirting dildo? Wait, we’re just getting started! So many other possibilities exist and today, we’re going to break all of them down.
If you’ve never bought a dildo before, the time has come to educate yourself and this is another reason why it’s important to speak with your partner about sex. So grab a pen and a piece of paper and let’s start today’s lesson on dildos 101 for first-time shoppers.
What Types of Dildos Are Out There?
Before looking at the other considerations, let’s narrow it down to the one dildo category that you’re most drawn to.
Dildo is a pretty misleading term. You can’t just go into a sex shop or visit an online store and get one dildo. This is a large product category that features everything – from basic toys that resemble an actual penis to much more advanced play options.
Some of the main dildo categories include the following:
⦁ Realistic dildos: these are the aforementioned toys that look like an actual penis. They come with a realistic size (obviously, there are some variations from smaller to larger) and girth. Some of them take realism to the next level. The dildo has balls, veins and a paintjob that makes the toy eerily reminiscent of an actual penis. This is the category that most beginners opt for because the toy feels familiar and comfortable.
⦁ Suction cup dildos: as the name suggests, these toys have a suction cup at the base. The aim of the suction cup is to enable hands-free solo play. You can stick your dildo to a smooth wall or the floor and get wild. Suction cup dildos can be realistic or they can be extra-large.
⦁ Vibrating dildos: a dildo that vibrates is obviously better than a dildo that doesn’t. Or is it? That’s strictly a matter of personal preference. Some dildo toys do come with a few vibration settings to intensify sensations. Usually, however, the range of functionalities is limited in comparison to what an actual vibrator can do.
⦁ Strap-on dildos: a dildo attached to a harness is used for partnered play. It can be used for girl on girl, boy on boy, girl on boy or boy on girl action. The possibilities are limitless, as long as you use a little bit of imagination. The giver is the one that attaches the harness (usually around their waist and buttocks). The receiver is the one who’ll be getting the action. In many couples, people switch between giver and receiver (top and bottom) because both of the roles are linked to specific pleasures.
⦁ Large dildos: these are not intended for beginners but you’re probably curious. These larger than life sex toys look intimidating if you don’t have some experience with them already. They require some practice, some patience and a lot of lube to give you that “oh my God” sensation.
⦁ Squirting dildos: yes, these are a thing and they tend to be very popular. It’s pretty clear what a squirting dildo does. When squeezed, a bulb inside releases the liquid that the dildo has been filled with in advance. Most often, that liquid is a lubricant. There are also some special liquid formulations made to resemble an actual male release. If that’s a turn-on for you, a squirting dildo will certainly be fun to try.
⦁ Double dildos: this type of dildo has a penis head on each end. It can be bent to try double penetration or it can be used by two people at the same time. There are also double dildos with one end girthier than the other, giving you the chance to experience two completely different sex toys.
⦁ Pornstar dildos: these are crafted after the members of adult film actors and they bring a whole different fantasy to the table. Many women and men find lifelike pornstar dildos to be a huge turn on.
Is Bigger Always Better?
Now, let’s talk about size.
When examining the size of a sex toy you’re about to buy, you’ll need to look at two things – the length and the girth of the dildo.
For many buyers, the girth is the more important of the two measurements. Arguably, girth is the one that contributes to satisfaction much more than length does. Girth is also the measurement that could make the toy way too big and uncomfortable to use.
Length and girth should always be clearly noted among the product specs. As a beginner, you may want to go for a lengthier toy because it is much easier to grasp. If you end up with a dildo that’s too short, you can find it difficult to use.
In terms of girth – there will typically be two measurements.
The girth under the head and the one at the base of the dildo will be different. The girth could be determining for something known as the “usable length” of the toy. If the base is way too wide, it will not be appropriate for insertion and it’s going to shorten the length of your brand new dildo.
Let’s Talk about Materials, Girl
The basics are out of the way and we can now talk about one very important selection criterion – the material your dildo is made of.
You’ll probably be surprised to find out that guidelines for the safety and appropriateness of sex toy materials do not exist. This is why you may want to stay away from some of the cheapest things the market has to offer. These could be made from questionable compounds that aren’t just going to decrease the lifespan of the toy – they could also jeopardize your health.
When buying dildos, always check for labels like phthalates and PVC-free. This is the very minimum in terms of material selection. You may also want to acquaint yourself with the types of materials that are currently considered harmful in the world of sex toys.
You should also seek dildos made from non-porous materials. These have an impenetrable surface, which means bacteria and dirt can’t go inside and get comfy.
The most popular non-porous materials include medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, stone and ABS plastic.
An added bonus for those who choose non-porous sex toys is their waterproof nature. This means you’ll get to use your dildo in the shower or bathtub without worrying about its eventual disintegration.
A Few Other Things You May Want to Check Out
Should the price be a determining factor? Obviously, everyone has a budget that cannot be exceeded significantly when shopping for toys.
The price alone, however, is not a good way to choose your first dildo.
You see, a very cheap item may seem like a bargain right now. If the dildo tears apart in a couple of months, however, you’ll end up spending on a toy again. When you buy a high quality dildo that has a good price to quality ratio, you will potentially enjoy a favorite toy for many years to come. So do some long-term math and thinking before jumping on the cheap bandwagon.
These are the main consideration that will help you choose a great first dildo. If you are still hesitant, try to answer some of the following questions to make up your mind:
⦁ Where will the dildo be going most of the time?
⦁ Are you going to be using it alone or with a partner?
⦁ Do you intend to use a dildo in combination with other sex toys?
⦁ Do you want to feel something realistic or get a brand new sensation (through temperature play or some unusual dildo texture, for example)?
⦁ What type of lube do you intend to use (some lubes are incompatible with some sex toy materials! Always go through the manufacturer recommendations for proper lube selection)?
⦁ How meticulous are you in terms of care, cleaning and maintenance?
Some dildos are better suited to the needs of beginners but this doesn’t mean you should limit yourself to such toys only.
Smaller is usually better in the beginning because you’re not aware of the sensation. So maybe a little bit of cautiousness will pay off in the long run.
So that’s it! You’re now equipped with all of the dildo buying knowledge in the world. Go out there and have some fun exploring and comparing products. When you find the ones you like, you may decide to go through buyer reviews. Look for similarities, whether these are positive or negative. If multiple people are making one and the same claim, chances are that the testimonials are trustworthy. Still, sex toy use is a subjective experience and you should always take anecdotal information with a grain of salt.
