In today's world we are inundated with choices - everything from 9 different types of coffee, ever changing smartphones and yes even dildos. How do you like yours? Purple, hot pink, beaded, long, fat, curved, realistic, artistic. It can be somewhat overwhelming. We've come up with an easy to follow guide that will help you make the right choice, whether you are a seasoned enthusiast looking to spend luxuriously or a curious first time buyer of adult toys.
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It is believed the term dildo originated in the 1500s from the Italian word diletto which means "a woman's delight". Sexual aids, and in particular dildos, have been around since ancient times. A decade ago scientists at the University of Tubingen in Germany discovered the world's oldest sex toy, a 28,000-year-old dildo. Hard as a rock; probably because it was made out of siltstone which is a sedimentary rock. Thankfully, since this ice age phallus, dildos have taken on quite a few variations and upgrades. Choosing the right one for your needs can be a confusing task, especially with so many on the market today, so let us break it down.
Choosing the perfect dildo comes down to three key elements:-
What are you using it for;
What shape, size and colour do you prefer; and
What material suits you best.
How to Choose the Perfect Dildo
What are you using it for
To find Mr. Ri-ldo (Right + Dildo = Ril-do) you need to first and foremost look at what you are using the dildo for. It may seem obvious, but some questions to consider are: -
Is it intended for vaginal or anal use?
Is it to be used on someone else?
Will you use it for solo masturbation or part of your sex play with a partner?
Will it require harness fitting?
Is it for G-spot/P-spot stimulation?
Dildos intended to be used as an anal toy should have a wide base to prevent the dildo from slipping into the rectum. If you intend to use the dildo for both vaginal and anal penetration, it is recommended that you use it with a condom to prevent your vagina getting infected from the anus. If your dildo is for harness usage, ensure it is at least 5 inches long as anything shorter can prove to be awkward, and who needs that? The ideal harness compatibility is with a wide base dildo and one that is flexible, yet firm. Once you have figured out what you wish to use it for, you can decide on the size, shape, colour and material.
Size, shape and colour
Size
The most essential characteristic to think about is size. Too small and you'll be left feeling even more frustrated than before. Too large and you may be afraid to ever use it again, except perhaps as a weapon against home intrusion. (Please note, we do not suggest you use your overly large dildo as a means of self-defence and will not be held liable for any damages caused).
When choosing the right size, it is useful to look at your sexual experiences. If you recall your most gratifying sexual moments, what was it about the penis/sex aid that made it feel so incredibly good? Was it the penetration that hit your G-spot/P-spot? Perhaps it was more about the sensation of your vagina/anus being stretched? Or maybe it was the feeling of being utterly stuffed and full inside? Of course, looking back at your sexual experiences and noticing what was missing will also help you make the right choice. Maybe you fantasize about a massive sexual member thrusting you deep inside your vaginal/anal canal, reaching that point where no man has ever been before. Such large manhood is at times difficult to find on a man, but not so difficult to find in a sex shop.
A useful way to gauge what size is best suited for you is to actually see what numbers (cm or inches) you're looking at. Get a ruler and actually look at what 2 inches looks like. Measuring the typical phallic items such as zucchinis and cucumbers is a handy tip to help you determine the length but more importantly the girth (circumference). Please note, we do not advise your yummy vegetables to be used as sex aides due to the wax, pesticides and the risk of them breaking off and getting jammed in all sorts of awkward places.
Typically dildos come in slim, regular or maximum girth, and the preferred size comes down to personal preference. Even as you become more aroused during sex, you may want something larger for penetration. It is often the reason why some people use more than one dildo during sex play - a smaller one to start with and a larger one to finish with. If you suffer from Vaginismus, or any other medical conditions that causes painful penetration, a silicone dilator set may be the way to go.
Shape
The shape of your perfect dildo depends mostly on personal preference and what you are using it for.
You can choose the realistic penis-like dildos, equipped with veins and the choice of testicles or not. Some even come with pubic hair. These also come with the suction cup option which is quite popular as it makes it easier to use and ride. Otherwise, you can have a look at the wide array of non-phallic dildos which can look like cutesy animals, goddesses, incognito generic like shapes with bumps and humps for extra pleasure, and more.
If you have fantasized about your favourite porn star coming to your house, you’re in luck. The adult industry’s legendary stars have had their manhood directly moulded and created into a cast. The penises that have launched thousands of orgasms can now include you on that list.
Non-phallic dildos that are ergonomically curved offer different stimulation options, such as G-spot or P-spot specific arousal. The G-spot is a small gland located on the top wall of the vagina halfway between the vaginal opening and the cervix, approximately 2-3 inches inside. It can be stimulated through the vagina by pressing on a slightly ridged area at the centre of the upper vaginal wall. The P-spot is a small gland located between the penis, bladder and rectum, also approximately 2-3 inches deep. It can be stimulated through the anus or by massaging the perineum, the area located between the testicles and anus. When the G-spot or P-spot is stimulated it creates fantastic sensations that make it easier for the woman or man to experience explosive sexual climaxes. The distinctive shape and conspicuous head of the ergonomically curved dildo make it incredibly easy to find this ever elusive and ambiguous love button by applying pressure to the specific area ensuring a heightened sense of sexual pleasure.
The less smooth the surface of the toy, the less suitable it is for anal play for most people, as the anus is an extremely sensitive area and certainly far more delicate than the vagina.
If you are planning to use your dildo on your partner, you may want to avoid the more unusual shapes as it may inhibit your movement when using the dildo on someone else.
Double-ended dildos can be used vaginally or anally and are designed for simultaneous double penetration. One thing to look out for in double ended dildos is the curve - the ones with the bend allow for closer physical contact and general better movement. If used in a harness, the double-ended dildo can provide penetration to the harness wearer whilst providing penetration to the person on the receiving end. In general, they can be somewhat graceless to use and ought to be taken lightly with a sense of humour.
Vibrating dildos provide erotic pulsations, whilst pliable dildos are made to bend in various directions to stimulate the G-spot or prostate. One is not better than the other, it all comes back to what you wish to use the dildo for.
Colour
So you’ve always fantasized about an African lover? Well here’s your chance to try a black dick! Most phallic dildos come in white, brown and black. Most non-phallic dildos come in an array of vivid colours. For some the colour of their sex tool is trivial, for others it is something they invest time in choosing. The colour is purely aesthetic and plays no role in the functionality of your orifice plunger.
Material
Most dildos are made from four different types of material: silicone, rubber, soft skin or acrylic/ glass. Each material has pros and cons and deciding on what type of material you go with ought to be one of the most important factors in your decision-making. Let us have a look at each one.
Silicone
Dildos made out of 100% silicone are by far the most popular, and recommended, choice.
Pure silicone dildos are non-porous. What does this mean? Porous material can harbor bacteria, mould and other nasties that can make you terribly ill. Because of their non-porous nature, silicone dildos are hypoallergenic, durable and easily disinfected. All points which are paramount when choosing what you expose your insides to. You can now get silicone dildos that are hyper-realistic.
The only drawback to silicone is its price; silicone dildos are generally more expensive than other dildos. But the way we see it, a silicone dildo can last a lifetime with minimal care and whilst you most likely enjoy getting the best deal, you could be potentially compromising your health. So as far as we see it, purchasing a silicone dildo is more an investment.
Rubber
Jelly rubber dildos are popular amongst consumers who are price sensitive.
Rubber dildos are made of an lower quality material with some containing phthalates, which are chemicals that have been linked to some health problems. Because of this, it is recommended that they always be used with a latex condom.
Soft skin
Soft skin is popular with consumers searching for a dildo designed to look and feel like the real thing. Soft skin is made up of non-toxic chemicals TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers) and TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber), which give it the human like feel.
The firm core and soft outer skin-like texture makes it feel like a real firm, yet flexible, penis.
Real skin dildos can rip and tear so you need to be extra cautious with sharp objects and even your fingernails.
Acrylic/Glass/Metal
Hard materials such as acrylic, glass or metal are popular for their beauty; they are often made by artisans rather than mass-produced by a rubber factory.
Acrylic/glass/metal dildos are aesthetically pleasing to the eye, making them a popular toy that some people go so far as to display as part of their home decor. Because of its stiff nature, the glass/acrylic/metal dildo is good for G-spot titillation or pressure stimulation at any point of the vagina or anus. In some cases these dildos can be heated or cooled before use to provide a new range of interesting stimulation.
Because of its unbendable nature, acrylic/glass/metallic dildos don’t have much give and can be too intense for some people.
As a general rule, dildos made out of toxic material tend to smell nasty, so if yours has a funny smell chances are you shouldn’t use it without a latex condom. Nasty dildos are porous, which means they cannot be shared as they can never be sanitized completely and are therefore not body safe. They contain phthalates and other chemicals linked to a number of health issues including allergies. If purchasing a silicone dildo is completely out of the question for you at this point in time, covering your dildos with polyurethane condoms is your best bet. Alternatively, you could purchase an acrylic/glass/metal dildo because of its non-toxic nature. We recommend tossing your porous dildos after 6 months and keep an eye out for discolouration and black spots.
We only recommend washing your toys with a mild soap and using a non-alcohol anti-bacterial cleaner.
Choosing the right dildo can be somewhat daunting, but don’t forget the element of fun. How often have you dreamed of The Perfect Penis? The one that is just right for you. This is your chance! You now have the opportunity to find that right penis - minus the man attached to it. So be sure to research before you buy, enjoy this experience and, most of all, have fun with it.
