What Is a Dildo? Everything You Need to Know
Dildos are often uncomfortable to talk about, but they’re worth every inch of pleasure. They come in many shapes and sizes and can help you experience new forms of pleasure. With the global sex toy market projected to reach 34 billion dollars in 2022 and likely to grow to $81 billion by 2030, it’s important to understand what dildos are.
Unfortunately, dildos and other sex toys are not typically discussed because sex is often considered taboo. The good news is that we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about dildos, including how to use them. It’s time to explore new avenues of pleasure!
Understanding Dildos: A Guide to Penetration Toys
A dildo is a sex toy designed for penetration. It’s most commonly used for personal (masturbatory) pleasure, but some people also incorporate it into foreplay or sex with their partners. Dildos may have ribbed edges or other features that enhance the sensation of penetration.
Dildos come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Some are modeled after an erect penis, while others may resemble other objects. Some dildos are even cast from someone’s actual penis, providing a more realistic experience.
Common dildo materials include rubber, silicone, metal, and other materials.
What Are the Uses of Dildos?
Dildos are primarily designed for penetration and are often used to help people stimulate their g-spot, enhancing sexual pleasure. Some vibrating dildos are also designed to stimulate the clitoris, leading to more intense orgasms. Depending on personal preference, people may use dildos in their mouth, vagina or anus. Additionally, some data suggest that dildos may also have a psychological association that’s popular during kink-play in the BDSM scene.
Who Can Use Dildos?
Dildos are suitable for everyone irrespective of gender or sexual orientation as they offer pleasure for all. For women, dildos provide clitoral and g-spot stimulation, while for men, they help in prostate stimulation through the anus. Women may also use strap-ons to penetrate their partners.
What Is the History of Dildos?
The first dildo was discovered in a German cave according to the University of Columbia, and archeologists estimated it to be roughly 28,000 years old. The use of dildos during ancient times was quite common across different civilizations. For instance, ancient Egyptians used large phallic objects to honor their god Osiris about 3,000 years ago. Similarly, ancient Greeks gave dildos to women before leaving for long periods. During the Renaissance, dildos made of precious metals were used as status symbols, and they were considered a form of artwork.
However, European men, during the same era, believed that dildos would lead to the stealing of their women and passed laws to ban the manufacturing and sale of dildos. Even the United States had laws against dildos dating back to the 1800s. With time, dildos have become a popular topic, especially since the sexual revolution of the 1960s.
What Are the Different Types of Dildos?
There are various types of dildos, and while the number may vary depending on whom you ask, we’ve identified 10 common types. Each type has unique design elements that make it stand out from the others.
Hard Dildos
Hard dildos are made using hard materials like glass, crystal, stainless steel, or precious metals like gold or silver. They are perfect for stimulating specific areas or enhancing the feeling of fullness that soft dildos lack when used for pleasure.
Soft Dildos
Soft dildos make use of flexible materials such as silicone or rubber and may come with extra design features to enhance sexual pleasure. They also offer a softer feel during penetration compared to hard dildos.
Representational Dildos
Representational dildos are designed to resemble a human penis. They come with realistic design elements such as a skin-like texture, veins along the shaft, and a penis tip. Some models may even have testicles, complete with a unique texture that mimics a real-life scrotum. The testicles may move during play adding extra stimulation and making it a great option for those seeking the real thing.
Realistic Dildo Molds
Realistic dildo molds are dildos that replicate someone’s actual penis. They offer an almost identical model of the penis, such as the famous Marco Napoli. These molded dildos are available in various sizes, enabling the choice of someone’s replica with desired measurements.
Fantasy Dildos
Fantasy dildos come in unique shapes and designs, allowing individuals to explore their innate desires. They can be shaped like tentacles, horse penises, or fists. Not only do these dildos offer a new experience, it’s one that is impossible to get with a regular penis or dildo.
Vibrating Dildos
Vibrating dildos refer to dildos that vibrate. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be designed to stimulate both the vagina and the clitoris simultaneously. These dildos are usually uniquely crafted to reach the best spots with their vibrations and may resemble a regular penis in appearance.
Double-Ended Dildos
Double-ended dildos are designed to be used by two partners at the same time and can be used vaginally or anally. Some partners may even suck on them at the same time, making them common during group sex or threesomes.
Strap-On Dildos
Strap-on dildos are worn around the waist and are used for hands-free penetration of the partner. They are prevalent in sexual acts such as pegging, where a woman uses a strap-on dildo to have anal sex with her partner. To use a strap-on dildo, a strap-on harness is necessary. These harnesses usually come in leather or vegan leather options like the Carmen Rivera Strap-On Harness.
Pack-and-Play Dildos
Pack-and-play dildos are designed to be discreetly worn throughout the day by being strapped around the waist to create the appearance of a bulge in the clothing. They can also be bent to an erect position for penetrative use.
Suction Cup Dildos
Dildos with suction cups have a base with suction cups that allow for easy placement in one spot, permitting autonomous self-pleasure without the need for hands. These versatile dildos can also be used for traditional penetrative use, making them a top choice for users who want both options.
What Are Dildos Made Of?
Dildos can be made from a variety of materials, each having a unique effect on how it feels during use. The most common materials used for dildos are discussed below.
Jelly Rubber
Jelly rubber is a blend of PVC and rubber and is a once-popular material for sex toys, but has now fallen out of favor due to safety concerns. Jelly rubber offers flexibility and is easy to mold, which is why it was widely used by sex toy manufacturers. However, jelly rubber may contain additional chemicals like phthalates, which can irritate sensitive skin. Additionally, it’s important to note that jelly rubber is porous and may require additional cleaning procedures.
Plastic
Plastic dildos are rigid, unlike silicone or jelly rubber ones. They are also very durable and are easier to clean. Plastic is a suitable material for vibrators. Due to its non-porous nature, plastic dildos are quick and easy to clean. Some plastic dildos are coated with rubber or oils to enhance pleasure.
Silicone
Silicone dildos are highly flexible, durable, and easy to maintain. Premium silicone dildos are made of platinum-cured silicone, a non-porous material that is body-safe and doesn’t irritate the skin. Silicone is also soft to the touch and easy to mold, enabling production of dildos in various shapes and sizes. Liquid silicone is sometimes utilized to achieve a more realistic sensation.
Glass
Tempered glass is used to create hard glass dildos that are often adorned with artistic colors and designs, making them a popular collector’s item. Just like silicone, glass dildos are non-porous and easy to clean. Moreover, the tempered glass can withstand pressure without shattering, ensuring durability and safety for users.
Metal
Metal dildos are manufactured using sturdy materials such as stainless steel, gold, or silver. They lack flexibility, and some users may find them less comfortable to use. On the other hand, metal dildos are odorless, tasteless, easy to clean, and highly prized in the BDSM community.
Final Thoughts
A dildo is not merely an object intended for penetration; it’s a means for exploring fantasies, introducing novel elements into sexual experiences, and attaining greater levels of pleasure.
Before purchasing a dildo, it’s vital to consider all relevant factors, including the material, size, and shape, to ensure you choose the right one for you. Beginning with a smaller size is also recommended before proceeding to larger sizes.