When it comes to the most popular sex toys, dildos are perhaps one of the best known options on the market. So just what is a dildo? In short, dildos are a type of sex toy designed primarily for internal penetration and stimulation, and they can come in a huge range of sizes, shapes, types, designs and finishes. As with other silicone toys, not all dildos are created equal, and gaining an overview and understanding of the different options helps you to narrow down your search, find exciting new sex toys and add a new level of pleasure to your relationship – whether you’re flying solo, or trying something new with a partner.
So just what is a dildo? In the simplest terms, dildos are types of sex toys which is designed for sexual play, and are shaped to replicate and emulate a real life penis and testicles. They can be used to emulate oral sex using the mouth, or inserted into the anus, vagina or other parts of the body, to massage the prostate or clitoris for sexual pleasure and intimacy. Options come in a range of different materials, including silicone, plastic and even glass – the latter can be perfect for temperature play. Whether gay, straight or anything in between, dildos unlock a host of possibilities for you and your partner, and can even offer health benefits!
The Benefits Of Dildos
There are a variety of benefits to these toys – and these are not all related to sexual fulfilment.
Better Sleep
The right toy can be the secret to putting you to sleep – a fantastic orgasm releases prolactin, a sleep producing hormone, and can be the key to a solid eight hours, and have you drifting off to dreamland in no time.
Beat Stress And Pain
A good orgasm also offers benefits to your wellbeing – the sensation produces oxytocin and serotonin, both of which are “feel good” hormones, and help you to beat stress. These chemicals can also help your heart health by neutralizing stress hormones. Orgasms can also help to relieve period pain and cramp.
Boost Vaginal Health
Regular masturbation using vibrating dildos such as these can care for and maintain the walls of the vagina by increasing moisture and elasticity – these are crucial in helping the vagina stay healthy and produce its own natural lubricant. Arousal also opens the cervix, allowing unwanted fluids to be flushed out from the cervix and urinary tract.
Sex toys and dildos have become a big part of sex, featuring heavily in sexual fantasies of all types, and helping to drive intimacy.
Types Of Dildo
Not all dildos are created equal – there are a number of types and options, and it is a good idea to experiment and find out your ideal option by having plenty of sex!
Type
Description
Best For…
Suction cup
- Comes with a suction cup base
- Solo play, and trying a range of positions – including the shower walls
Double ended
- Perfect for sharing between two partners
- Double penetration
Glass or metal dildo
- Unique sensations
- Unique textures, smooth, comfortable feel
- Couples play
Squirting dildos
- Narrow, hollow center with an opening on the top of the head of the penis
- Reservoir contains fluid with lube or water
- Mimicking ejaculation
- Realistic sensation
Real skin dildos
- Made of realistic silicone
- Realistic sensation
Vibrating dildo
- Come with a vibrating mechanism
- Realistic sensation
- Vibration offers extra stimulation
Strap on dildos
- Worn with a harness, allows penetration of the anus and prostate
- Trying something new with partners
The Difference Between Dildos And Vibrators
Dildos and vibrators are amongst the most popular options for sex toys, but can offer unique and different sexual experiences. So just what is the difference? We took a closer look…
Dildos
A type of sex toys created to replicate the shape of the penis. They are inserted into the vagina or anus to stimulate the prostate, testicles, clitoris and other parts of the body for amazing sexual sensations.
Vibrators
Sex toys which vibrate, and also come in a range of types, including bullet vibrators, G spot stimulation and rabbits.
Type
Pros
Cons
Dildos
- Great for penetration
- No need for power or batteries
- Simple to get started with
- Can boost the strength and intensity of orgasms
- Waterproof
- Great for use with a partner
- Require manual operation
- Can be hard to store discreetly
- Not great for stimulation of the clitoris or G spot
Vibrator
- Ideal for clitoral or G spot stimulation
- Range of shape, size & type
- Can be used with male partners
- Usually very intense sexual stimulation
- Can be noisy
- Vibrations can be too intense
- Often more expensive
You can learn more about the differences here.
Always take care to choose a good lubricant for maximum comfort, and to keep you focused on fun!
Looking After Your Dildo
One of the most important elements of experiencing sexual fun with dildos is to ensure that you retain excellent standards of hygiene, and take care of your sex toys to keep you safe and pleasured.
Sharing
Non porous materials will need particularly close attention, and these are best enjoyed with a condom if shared between two partners.
Cleaning
The nature of dildos, and sex toys in general, means that they are often in contact with bodily fluids and lubricant – it is crucial that you keep dildos clean, hygienic and properly stored outside of sexual encounters. This not only helps to extend the life of the item, but also keep you and anyone else using your sex toys safe – bacteria can be transferred and cause unwanted rashes, infections and discomfort. Visit our blog post to find out more about how to keep your dildo clean.
Lube
Lubricant is an important part of helping you feel comfortable during sexual play, and so you must ensure that your dildos are thoroughly cleaned after sex – especially important with non porous sex toys such as those made from silicone, which have tiny holes and can harbor bacteria even when cleaned.
Specialist cleaners are good, but you can also keep your dildos and other sex toys clean with a bucket of warm, soapy water and a cloth. Give sex toys a chance to dry thoroughly, and use a condom with non-porous options. Take care to stay safe by using lubricant.
The History Of Dildos
Humble silicone dildos have a long history which dating back thousands of years, with the first example being discovered in the Paleolithic era. Here, an object made of siltstone was discovered, and archaeologists and experts have long debated its purpose – the two main ideas are that it was a ritual tool, designed for religious purpose, or that there was a sexual function. The inclusion of a sex-based motivation, or sexual function, is heightened by the discovery of a variety of stone or bone dildos discovered amongst the personal effects of communities uncovered at digs and sites. Sex toys and lubricant were also a common topic of conversation in Ancient Greece, as well as cropping up in Ancient Rome and China, where discussions of sex were prevalent amongst women.
Later, the vibrator became important, with many doctors prescribing orgasms as a cure for “female hysteria” and other forms of discomfort – somehow, we don’t feel confident that a modern GP would be so generous!
The only thing that remains is for you to try it – find out how to ride a dildo here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Dildo?
A dildo is a type of sex toy, typically shaped to resemble a real life penis which is designed to offer sexual experiences and stimulation to the G spot, mouth, anus and other areas of the body to replicate oral sex or penetration. They come in a range of types and material options, including silicone, to create incredible sexual sensations.
What Is The Difference Between A Dildo And A Vibrator?
The difference between a dildo and a vibrator is primarily the shape – there are dildos which vibrate during sex, but this is not a prerequisite for the toy. Similarly, not all vibrators are shaped like dildos. Many, such as bullet vibrators, are much smaller, designed for use all over the body.
What Is A Dildo Made Of?
A dildo is made of a range of different materials, with silicone toys often topping the list of the best known and most popular. Dildos may also be made of glass, plastic, metal or other substances, each of which can offer their own sensations and sexual simulation. Non porous materials can be used, but need regular cleaning and meticulous attention to hygiene to keep your sexual health safe.
What Is A Strapless Dildo?
A strapless dildo is one which is attached to a harness and worn by one partner. These dildos are then used to penetrate and stimulate the prostate and anus of the other partner, and can be very popular in allowing them to experience anal penetration and the chance to enjoy a taste of “gay” sex even when in a heterosexual relationship.
What Is A Suction Cup On A Dildo?
A suction cup on a dildo is a small cup which sticks to surfaces such as walls, showers and floors, allowing the individuals to be penetrated in the pussy or the anus, from a range of different sexual positions and angles.
Conclusion
Discovering just what is a dildo unlocks a whole new world of sexual fun and experimentation which can be shared with a partner, or through plenty of time alone to play. One thing is for certain: these items are ideal for putting a little spice into your sex life, and offering an amazing world of sexual fun which will leave you coming back for more!
