What's a Dildo?
When entering the world of erotic toys, you might have doubts in regard to their names. For example, people often ask whether a vibrator is the same as a dildo.
Every sex toy has specific characteristics, and while it’s true that many of them share several similarities, it doesn’t mean they’re the same. For one, the materials used in their fabrication are different and so is their purpose.
What’s a dildo?
A dildo is a sex toy you can use during sex or to masturbate. You alone set the desired intensity, as most dildos don’t vibrate.
As with everything related to sexual pleasure, dildos come in a variety of materials. No matter what they’re made of, the best option is to purchase hypoallergenic ones in order to prevent skin rashes.
Dildos are abstract penises presented in different sizes, with variations in girth and length. Their textures and colors change, but that’s mainly for aesthetics. Many of these have different shapes at both ends so you can use them for anal or vaginal penetration or just to pleasure the area.
What’s the difference between a dildo and a vibrator?
Most traditional dildos don’t vibrate. However, you can find some attachments in the market to also use them as vibrators.
In turn, a vibrator doesn’t always have the function of penetrating for stimulation. For example, some tiny vibrators only stimulate the clitoris.
You can also find vibrators for massaging different parts of your body; these vary in size, texture, and color.
How to choose a dildo according to your preferences
- Firstly, identify the kind of experience that you want. That is, you can choose between a sex toy to penetrate or one that only vibrates.
- Secondly, shape and size should be considered in terms of pleasure and also in terms of traveling needs. Will it fit into your travel bag?
- Thirdly, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of the materials a sex toy is made of. Also, it must be free of chemicals and non allergenic.
- Finally, keep in mind that all devices require different types of batteries and chargers.
Read about The 5 Sexiest Positions for Her
The most common dildos
At present, the variety of offers that exist is impressive. Generally speaking, they can be divided into the following groups, which we’ll discuss below.
1. Anatomically correct dildos
These are almost an exact replica of a penis. You can see the penis glans, the veins, and their nerve endings. Furthermore, some stores manufacture custom dildos, which simulate that penis you always want near you.
2. Simple dildos
This kind of dildo is also phallic but without all of the details of a living penis. They’re very simple to find and also the cheapest. This is is perhaps a good one to start experimenting with in order to gain confidence before moving onto the next level.
3. Double dildos
Considerably longer than single dildos, these have two equally shaped ends to insert at the same time. Females often use them to pleasure each other at once.
4. G-spot dildos
Many women dream of stimulating their G-spot — despite controversies about its existence. As you may already know, this isn’t always easy to achieve with the hands only.
Thus, you might need the help of a dildo. Their tip has a small curvature that contributes to the stimulation and the search for this erogenous zone.
5. Anal dildos
These are thinner than the previous ones. Some models of anal dildos even have the tip slightly inclined. This is so that this kind of dildo doesn’t fit entirely into an anus. The reason is that this entails high risk and people can’t get them out and end up in emergency rooms to have them removed.
The anal dildo can penetrate a vagina, but keep in mind that vaginal dildos shouldn’t penetrate an anus, as it could lead to injuries. Similarly, don’t use them interchangeably in the vagina and anus without proper cleaning. You don’t want to transfer bacteria and infections.
General dildos
Different extensions are available for use on other parts of the body at the time of sexual intercourse. If you’re among those that enjoy the benefits of masturbation, you should know that there are dildos that you can place on your fingers. Thus, they can go further and with other effects.
Men who aren’t happy with the perfect size of their penis can attach dildos to it to give their women a different sexual experience once in a while.
Also, let’s not forget that oral sex is a widely popular practice. Did you know there are dildos you can attach to your chin?
How old is the dildo?
Some say that dildos are, historically, the oldest sexual elements of humanity. We tend to believe that ancient fertility figurines are simple sculptures, but their use as dildos hasn’t been ruled out.
Sex toys have evolved together with people and are evolving even more as we begin to dissolve the many taboos around sex. In turn, the variety is now so wide it’s often difficult to stick to just one!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Macey K, Gregory A, Nunns D, das Nair R. Women’s experiences of using vaginal trainers (dilators) to treat vaginal penetration difficulties diagnosed as vaginismus: a qualitative interview study. BMC Womens Health. 2015 Jun 20;15:49.