Dildo 101 Beginner Guide – How to buy a Dildo?

The dildo market is very big. It is such big that you can find almost every type of dildo you can think about. You just think, and it is there for you. This is actually good and bad at the same time. The market is big so you get a lot of options but this makes it difficult to find one.

So, this blog is dedicated to dildos. You can say this blog is a bible for dildo lovers. You are going to get all information about the dildo. How to buy it? Things that are important about them. How to take care of them and maintain their life? The safety things…everything.

So, be with me because till last you will be a master of information about these sweet sexy pleasing toys. let’s start…

What is a Dildo?

Dildos are sex toys that are replicas of a penis. It is not required that they should really look like a real penis. Dildos are made to please you vaginally, anally, and orally. The dildos come in different shapes, sizes, textures, and materials. Some are curved, some are straight and some are having arbitrary shapes called fantasy dildos.

Dildos are a great tool to give you intense pleasure. Some men think that if their woman is using a dildo means she is not satisfied with him. But a study shows that sex toys can aid sexual relationships between committed couples.

These toys are not something that brings distance to a committed relationship. In fact, these toys can bring you even closer if used wisely.

Types of Dildos:

The dildo market has many types of dildos. Many dildos with many different features. Some are realistic, some are non-realistic, some are vibrating and some are squirting, some are big and some are small. In short, so many types as per many features.

So, I will not describe the types here. Instead In the next point (things to look for while buying a dildo), I will explain everything you need to know while buying a dildo. And with that, you will know everything about the dildos. You will get all the types as per different criteria.

so, let me give you the information that you need to know before you go shopping for a dildo for yourself. This information will help you to pick the best dildo for you.

Things to look for while buying a dildo:

When you are buying a new dildo it is very important that you check for its material, size, shape, texture, look, features, and the purpose why you need them. And what you need to check in these points. Everything is explained below in detail.

1) Material Type

There are many types of materials out there used to make a dildo. Some are body-safe but costlier and some are harmful but cheap. This is why it is extremely important to look for the dildo material while buying one.

While buying a dildo you will see a toy with many functionalities is cheaper than the one that is simple. This happens because of the materials used in those toys.

So, when we are talking about sex toy materials, let’s talk about the porous and non-porous materials. What are they and why are they important?

Porous and Non-Porous

We are describing porous and non-porous first these are the terminology that describes whether a toy is harmful or harmless.

Porous materials are those materials that are almost impossible to clean 100%. These are the materials that should be avoided at first. The toy made of porous material traps bacteria in them and can cause an infection or other skin irritations if you continue using them.

Non-Porous materials are those materials that do not trap bacteria in between. These toys can get often heater or boiled to disinfect and clean completely. But as the toys made of these materials are safe, they are costlier at the same time. You need to pay a bit extra as compared to the porous materials.

Now let me give a complete list of materials that are used for sex toy making. I am categorizing them in two parts, toxic materials and Non-toxic materials for an easy understanding.

Must Read: There is a chemical named Phthalate that are used to make plastic softer and flexible. These chemicals are used in many cheap sex toys to make them softer and flexible. You need to avoid Phalates at any cost.

Phalates are found in many products that we use in our regualar life like, cosmetics and personal care products. So, becasue of the use of phalates in so many products, we all have some phalates byproducts in our urine. And I think you don’t want to increase these harmful chemicals in your body even more by using a sex toy having phalates in it.

There is a whole article published on The Guardian that describes the posible harm of phthalates on our body. If you wanna know more then you can read it by clicking the link. But in short, just keep in mind, if a sex toy has phthalate in it, then you need to run away from that.

Toxic Material

1. TPR/TPE

TPR/TPE or Thermoplastic Rubber/Elastomer also known as Elastomer are the materials that are porous in nature. These materials give your sex toy a new car smell. In old times, sex toys were made up of TPR/TPE used to contain phthalates in them but the new generation of toys made up of TPR does not contain phthalates.

These toys are phthalates free does not mean that they are safe now. This material is still porous in nature, which means it can’t be cleaned 100%. So, try to avoid as much as possible.

2. PVC

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is another material like TPR that is a synthetic plastic polymer. These materials are also not fully safe for your body. The toys made with these materials generally contain phthalates because they are used to make PVC more flexible, softer, and malleable. The toys made up of these materials also give that new car smell when opened for the first time.

3. Jelly

Jelly is very porous in nature but they still sell a lot because of how they feel and how flexible they are. Being bestsellers they are harmful to the body. They come with the risk of skin infection.

The sex toys or dildos made up of jelly are not for the long run. They are like disposable materials. You can’t use them for years. As they start discoloring or retaining a smell, this is time to throw them in your garbage. If you keep using them even now, then they can be extremely harmful to your body.

4. Fanta Flesh/CyberSkin

Fanta Flesh/CyberSkin is the material that is often used to make realistic sex toys. They are highly porous in nature but feel great like a real thing. That’s why they sell, but being porous in nature they trap bacteria in between very easily. This makes them almost impossible to clean completely.

If you want to experience a realistic sex toy, then you should go with the toys made up of silicone avoiding Cyberskin. But yes, toys made up of Cyberskin are very affordable than the other toys made up of safe materials. So, the choice is yours, either safety or affordability.

5. Latex

Latex is on the harmful material list only because many people have latex allergies. They start getting breakouts, burns, and rashes due to the constant use of sex toys made of latex.

If you have used condoms without any difficulty then you can use latex sex toys without thinking much. Because condoms are made up of Latex. But if you get allergies to condoms then this is a clear indication that you need to ban latex sex toys for yourself.

Body-safe or Non-Toxic materials

1. Silicone

Silicone is the best option we have if you are looking for a body-safe dildo without stressing much about the material quality. Silicone is non-porous and body-safe. And you can get almost every type of dildo made from silicone. So, it is the best option you can look for.

While buying a dildo look for a toy made of medical-grade silicone. It will cost you a bit higher but it will be durable and body-safe. You can heat and boil the sex toy made up of pure silicone. But if you are going for a cheaper toy made of silicone then be safe, because these toys can contain cheap quality silicone (Silicone mixed with some other material).

Generally, silicone toys can be boiled or heated for proper cleaning. By this, you can also enjoy temperature play. But not all toys made of silicone can withstand the high level of heat. So, always read the instructions before putting it at a high temperature otherwise you can risk losing your toy.

2. ABS Plastic

ABS plastic is a safe option when it comes to sex toy materials. These materials are the cheapest option we have when it comes to body-safe material. But the downside of ABS plastic is that they are hard and inflexible.

You will not enjoy the toys made with this material as you will to others. You also need to use some extra lubes with the toy made with this material, as natural lubrication is not enough.

3. Glass

Glasses are one of the best materials for a dildo if you are not looking for a flexible one. The sex toys made of glasses are not just sex toys, they are art pieces. I mean the dildo made from glasses looks incredible and plus they are body-safe.

Like silicone, you can head and boil them to disinfect. You can use them for temperature play. If you want you can wash them with soap, water, and a sex toy cleaner.

4. Metal

Like silicone and glass, Metals are also great materials for sex toys. But like glass sex toys, they are also firm and rigid. If you are a squishy and flexible toy lover then you may get disappointed by them. The toys made of metals can be heated and boiled to disinfect. These toys are great for temperature play.

Generally, steel and aluminum are used to make sex toys. These metal toys are a great option for G-spot and P-spot stimulation. If you want one to buy then you can check our best recommended stainless steel dildos.

5. Wood

Wooden sex toys are not common but yes they exist. The sex toys made of wood are also a piece of art. If you are looking for a unique toy material then wooden is the one. The wooden sex toys are non-porous in nature because of the finish used on them. And yes, you will not get any splinters due to the good finish on them. The wooden dildos are a great example of art and pleasure.

2) Size of Dildo

While buying a dildo size is a very important factor. Bigger isn’t always better and very small will not be enough for the proper stimulation. So, picking the right size for yourself is very important. That’s why I have categorized the available dildo sized into four parts: small, medium, large, and extra-large. These will help you to get a better understanding and pick the right size for yourself.

Small-Sized Dildo: 3 – 6 Inches
Medium-Sized Dildo: 6 – 8 Inches
Large-Sized Dildo: 8 – 10 Inches
Extra Large Dildo: More Than 10 Inches

1. Small Sized Dildo

If you are just starting out or a beginner who has just started her sexual journey then you should stick to this range. Dildos sizes ranging between 3 to 6 inches are considered small-sized dildos. These are the smallest range that is available in the market.

If you have just started then you will love our recommended first-time starter dildos. They are great for first-timers. Or, pick from 4 Inches, 5 Inches, or 6 Inches recommendations.

2. Medium-Sized Dildo

Medium-sized dildos are for the intermediate players. Those who have some experience with the dildo play. These range from more than 6 inches up to 8 inches in size. If you go some experience with the small dildos and want to take a step further then it is time to get into this range.

3. Large Sized Dildo

Dildos that have a size more than 8 inches up to 10 inches will lie into this large-sized range. These dildos are for experienced women. A newbie can’t handle them. If you want to buy large-sized dildos then you will love our recommendations.

4. Extra Large Dildo

Finally, we are into the queen range. These sized dildos can only be handled by sexual queens. Those who can handle anything. The dildos having the size of 11 inches and more are considered extra-large. Only selected ones can handle them. So, only go for it if you can. No need to push your limits and bear extra pain.

3) Shape of the Dildo

The shape of a dildo is important because it can make a difference in your pleasing experience. Right now you can get dildos with straight and curved shapes. Some dildos also come with a double-ended shape, so you can experience both sides with yourself or your partner.

1. Straight

If you love the natural feeling then straight should be your choice. Because most of the real penis is straight by nature. You will find many straight dildos in the market. They are great for anal play but will not hit the G-spot in vaginal play.

2. Curved

Curved dildos are great for G-spot and P-spot stimulation. These dildos will give you an extreme feeling of pleasure. If you are seeking something to explore your whole body then this should be your choice. You will love these awesome curved dildos.

3. Double Ended

Double dildos are a great choice for two female partners. Because they both can penetrate at the same time. This will be great fun. If you are the one then you must give it a try.

4) Texture of the Dildo

Textures are some extra bumps or any other texture on a dildo made to give you some extra sensation. These textures give you a bit extra pleasing experience on your vaginal anal wall. The textures are your own personal choice whether you like it or not.

A great example of textured dildos is Purple Rose Nubby Glass Dildo. If you like it then you can get one.

5) Dildo Look

Dildo look is important both for your pleasure and satisfaction. Here dildo looks meaning how it looks. Some love a dildo that is the exact replica of a real penis, some like non-realistic but pleasing, and some have their own fantasies. So, in this part, I will talk about the look of the dildo.

1. Realistic

The dildos that exactly look like a real penis are termed realistic dildos. Right now some dildos are such realistic that you can’t tell a difference. No doubt that they cost a bit higher but you can’t forget the experience once you have used them. You should check out these exceptionally Realistic Sliding Dildo. These are more real than a real one. 🤭

2. Non-Realistic

Non-realistic dildos are the ones that are made to please you. Not to exact copy a real one. One of the great examples is Spiral Glass Dildo. It does not look so real but is very pleasing. This is a great dildo, you can give it a try.

3. Semi-Realistic

Semi-Realistic dildos are the dildos that are between realistic and non-realistic. They have some similarities to a real penis but are not exactly like a real one. Fun Factory Boss is a good example of a semi-realistic dildo.

4. Fantasy Dildo

Some women are not interested in normal-looking things. Some have their own fantasies. And then here comes out next looking type, fantasy dildos. These dildos are made to copy anything other than a human. It could be a dragon, animal, tentacles, Sci-fi erotic fantasy, or any superhero dildo. There are infinite possibilities for a fantasy dildo.

6) Features

While you are buying a dildo it is very important that you look for some of these features. These are some features that you may want in a dildo for some extra fun. Let me describe each and give you some good information and suggestions.

1. Suction Cup

The suction cup is a very basic and important feature of a dildo. It gives the dildo the power to get played hands-free. Just stick it to any flat surface and enjoy your time. The suction cup will also help you while shower play for playing handsfree. You will love these waterproof dildos with a suction cup in them.

2. Vibration

When vibration gets added to any dildo then it gets its full power. Before vibration, a dildo is like Bruce Banner, and as it gets vibrating power…now, this Bruce has transformed into Hulk. A normal dildo will just penetrate you, but a vibrating dildo will penetrate you and will start stimulating your right sports with a vibration. A vibrating dildo can make you scream with pleasure.

3. Squirting

Squirting is another feature that many women like. Some women love the fruit after hard work. These dildos give you a feeling of real sex because they ejaculate at last. There are many squirting dildos available in the market. You will love these black squirting dildos selected for a fun play.

4. Inflatable

Inflatable dildos are very interesting. They can get bigger while penetration. These dildos get bigger through pumping, as you pump they keep getting big. Not suitable for beginners, but if you have some experience with dildos then inflatable dildos can be great fun for you.

7) Purpose

While you are buying a dildo, your purpose should be clear why you want it. Whether you want it for vaginal play or anal play or oral. Or, you may want it all at the same time. You need to clarify first, what are you expecting from your toy.

Generally, most dildos are bought for vaginal play but some women also use them for anal penetration. Anal dildos are smaller in size than vaginal dildos. So, keep this in mind while buying one.

Some women also love to suck a dildo. They use this to practice oral and enjoy it. If you want a dildo for oral then you will love these dildos for sucking.

8) Solo or Partner Play

While buying a dildo there is a small point that you can notice, harness compatibility or strap on. If you are buying a dildo for solo play then this point does not matter. But if you are buying it for partner play then you should buy a dildo that has harness compatibility. With this, you can enjoy them with your partner by putting them in a harness.

Or, you can try a strap-on dildo. These types of dildos are great for lesbian play or play with a female partner.

9) Color

Some women love to buy a dildo of their favorite color. So, if you have a color preference then you can give it a go. Make it one of your picking criteria. You may love our recommended blue dildo, black dildo, white dildo, and others.

10) Pricing

At last, the most important factor that none of us can ignore. The pricing is very important because you can’t break your bank for your pleasure…or you can. It’s your personal choice. You need to decide how much you can afford to invest in your dildo.

In pricing terms, the higher the pricing better the quality (most of the time). By the way, I have got both affordable and costlier options for you. And yes, the dildo recommended are all best at their price. You can check out our best-recommended dildos under $100.

Or you can try the best quality realistic dildo for $500 and $1000. As I said bigger the price better the quality.

Care and maintenance:

Care and maintenance of a dildo are equally important as buying one. This will give your dildo some extra life and will give you some health safety. Caring and maintaining a dildo is not a very big deal. You just need to keep some important points in your mind.

1. Using the Right Type of lubes

The very first thing to keep in mind is lubing. Lubes are very important when it comes to sex play. This gives you some extra smooth pleasure and your toy some extra life. But it is very important to choose the right type of lube for the right type of toy.

Water-based lubes are very robust. They can go with any type of toy made up of any material. But you can’t use silicone-based lube with silicone toys. It will decrease your sex toy life. So, it is always better to go with water-based lube, they are very safe. You can learn everything about lubes or try our recommended lubes in our lube selection guide blog.

Tip: You can’t use silicone-based lubes with silicone sex toys. It can damage your sex toy.

2. Always clean a newly bought dildo

some people think that why clean a new sex toy if it is new. It is new so it is untouched, which means it is safe. Wrong!… It may be untouched but there is no guarantee that it is clean. The toys may have bacteria on them. So, it is always a better idea to clean a dildo as it arrives. After all, you are about to insert inside your body, so, you can’t take any risk of health issues.

3. Proper Cleaning and sterilizing routine

A proper cleaning and sterilizing routine are very important when you own a sex toy. So, it is important to keep the below points in mind while cleaning your sex toy.

• Always check whether your sex toy is waterproof or water-resistant before you clean it.
• If your toy can be a heater or boiler then boil it in water for 10 minutes. This will make sure to clean your toy to almost 100%.
• Always dry your toy properly before storing it.
• Never use scented soap, household cleaning products, or bleach for cleaning. Scents can cause irritation or yeast infection. So, avoid throwing these items on your sex toy.

I wish that you take care of the above points to clean your sex toy properly. You can also use a good sex toy cleaner for better cleaning.

Tip: If you have a sex toy that is made of a porous material then clean it with the above methods is not effective. You can never fully clean a porous material sex toy because they can trap bacteria. So, it is always a good idea to use a condom over such toy while playing with it. This will make sure your body safety.

4. Storing the dildo in a cool and dry place

Moisture leads to yeast infection. So, always store your dildo in a cool and dry place. If you put it in an old goody drawer then this is also a bad idea. Because your drawers are a powerful location for allowing bacteria to build up. So, store or hide your toy in a cool, dry, and open place.

Summarising in short:

Finalizing:

So, these are every chunk of information that I can give you in this blog. But, if still, I have missed something then you can ask me in the comments. I will try to clarify your query. Wish you a happy sexual time. 🙂