What is seemingly the most basic of all sex toys is actually one of the most versatile! Dildos! 

There are so many to choose from, so many shapes, sizes, functions, and materials, that going on your adventure to find one or more is actually an exceedingly exciting one.

And that’s why we’re here! To give you our exclusive, in-depth beginner’s guide to dildos…the different kinds, ways to use them, why they’re so lusciously seductive, and how they’re perfect for solo and partnered play. 

Dare to take a stroll down the lane of dildos and sexual pleasure?

Beginners Buying Guide to Dildos

So you’re a newbie to dildos. You’re thinking of buying a dildo but you don’t have the foggiest idea on where to start. 

Maybe you’re intimidated by their shape, maybe you like the aesthetic of some but not others, perhaps you’d just like to take one for a spin but don’t know which way is up when it comes to using a dildo. 

Or, it may just be that you think shopping for a dildo is an easy process and are simply looking for a little guidance on the different kinds of dildos to find your perfect match. Either way, stick with us, and all will be revealed. 

First things first…

What is a dildo?

A dildo is a sex toy that can be inserted into the mouth for a kind of oral sex experience, into the anus for the thrill of anal sex, or into the vagina for vaginal penetrative vibes. And while they are mostly supposed to feel like and mimic a penis, not all of them do. They vary greatly when it comes to material, size, shape, and function. 

Some are made with curves that effortlessly target the G-spot or the prostate, some are more realistic-looking with balls and veins, some are smaller for newbies to get a taste of this kind of play, and some even come with straps to enjoy strap-on play. 

The possibility to have new and exceedingly arousing experiences is just a stone throw away, quite frankly, with almost all (if not all) online sex toy shops and pleasure product stores having a huge variety. 

Want to know more about the different types of dildos? We’re almost there! But before we do, it’s important to know the difference between a dildo and a vibrator.

What is the difference between a dildo and a vibrator?

A dildo and a vibrator have distinct differences, in both their history and how they’re used. The one thing they do have in common however, is that they’re both used to induce sexual pleasure!

As we’ve mentioned, a dildo is used for penetration in a number of different ways, and are often phallic-looking in nature. They date way back thousands of years to the Palaeolithic era, where they were made of stone, wood, and ivory. Today however, all the hard work has been done for you, so no need to get out your best material and carving devices. 

On the other hand, a vibrator was invented in the 1880’s. Interestingly, they were first used in the medical community, where housewives would visit their doctor’s office to be “treated for hysteria”. They would leave their appointment feeling more relaxed, less tense, and experiencing less pain. 

Alas, an orgasm a day did not exactly keep the doctor away, as women tended to line up in cues to receive that elusive orgasm. Of course it didn’t take long for housewives to talk amongst themselves and for entrepreneurs to make a market out of these special devices. No more doctors required, women could tend to their own needs in the privacy of their own homes.

Another fun fact is that the most famous vibrator we still know and love today, the Hitachi Magic Wand, was actually created as a personal massager. It didn’t take long for women to realise that it did more than ease their sore muscles. And so, this and other vibrators swiftly made their way into mainstream culture. 

Long story short, the difference between a dildo and a vibrator is that a dildo is much more simplistic in design, does not vibrate and thus doesn’t need batteries or a power outlet whereas a vibrator is powered to give it that sexy buzz that tingles and teases erogenous zones. 

Vibrators also don’t always have a phallic-like appearance, whereas dildos often do.

And now, as promised…

The different types of dildos

Without going into too much detail (yet) here are six different kinds of dildos:

• A dildo that looks like a penis with or without balls
• A dildo that looks like a penis with or without veins
• A dildo that comes with a suction cup so you can place it on a hard surface for hands-free play
• A dildo that comes with a strap-on so that you can penetrate a partner, hands-free
• A double-ended dildo which means that you can penetrate two different holes at once
• Dildos made of material such as silicone, stainless steel, glass, jelly, rubber, or PVC

Now that you’re more familiar with the different types of dildos, you may be wondering who these sex toys are actually made for. After all, this article has spoken immensely about women when it comes to using dildos. 

In actuality, dildos are genderless sex toys! What does that mean? Anyone can use them… including males.

Can males use dildos?

Yes, indeed, males can and are encouraged to use dildos. Why not? In fact, there’s such a pleasure spot in males that can be reached using a dildo that for them not to at least try it would be quite a tragedy.

How do we know that men can use a dildo? Simply put, men, do you have an orifice? Yes? Then you can receive penetration via a dildo. We’re trying our best to remove the stigma attached to men receiving anal penetration. There’s a long-standing negative stereotype about men who engage in anal stimulation that just isn’t true.

And actually, men, did you know that there’s an incredible spot inside the anus that offers you the power to experience a full body orgasm? We’re talking larger than any other kind of penile orgasm you’ve ever had. 

Yep, males have something called a prostate that’s located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It’s about the size of a walnut, and when stimulated, grows in size and prepares you for mind-blowing climaxes. 

And if you opt to receive anal pleasure using a dildo that’s curved, it has the capacity to reach this sweet p-spot, allowing for ultimate release and extreme sexual satisfaction.

On the other side of the coin, men could also use a dildo to treat their vagina-owning partner to double penetration. If a woman craves anal sex as well as vaginal sex at the same time, a strap-on dildo could be worn by a male to stimulate both spots easily.

Can you orgasm with a dildo?

Having said all of this, there’s only one conclusion that can be made: 100 percent yes, you can orgasm with a dildo. Whether you’re a man or a woman, whether your partner is a male or a female, dildos know no gender. 

Both partners can climax with absolute euphoria when a dildo is involved. It’s all about experimenting and practising to find the perfect rhythm and motion to enjoy all the feel-good hormones that come with couples play and lots of orgasms.

Beginners advice on using a dildo for the first time 

While the style and size of your dildo that you’re buying is just as important on how to use your dildo for the first time, we’re going to begin by telling you the basics first. 

After you’ve gotten a feel for how to use your pleasure product, we’ll indulge you in the different sizes and styles to make it even more pleasurable for you and/or your partner. 

For beginners using a dildo for the first time, make sure you’re really relaxed. If you grab your new sex toys when you’re feeling apprehensive, nervous, anxious, or even in a bit of a time crunch, you won’t enjoy it half as much. 

Take the time to set a scene in whichever way makes you comfortable. Close the curtains, put on music, light candles, put down some comfy blankets or pillows… whatever it is that’ll make you feel good. We also strongly suggest that you clear your schedule for an hour or so before you choose to use your dildo for the first time. 

It may also be comfortable for you to explore your new dildo by yourself at first, just so that you can learn the ins and outs of it before bringing a partner into the equation. But this is, of course, your call. 

Now, before you get too excited and want to simply insert your dildo, warm yourself up a bit. This can include using a tingling lube, such as clitoral balm to bring blood flow to the clitoris, or an anal relaxation gel to prepare the anal sphincter for better pleasure. 

You can slowly use your dildo to stimulate your lesser-known erogenous zones, such as the nipples, clitoris, perineum, balls, or shaft. For both men and women, it’s of paramount importance to be adequately wet before you insert your dildo (for the first time). 

Lubrication, in other words, is key, especially for those using their sex toy for anal bliss. Make sure that, if you’re using lube, that it pairs with the material of your chosen dildo. For example, silicone pairs well with water-based lubricant.

Vaginal penetration for the first time with a dildo 

When you feel ready, those looking for vaginal penetration can slowly insert the dildo into the vagina. 

The good news here is that the most sensitive nerve endings exist in the first one-third of the vagina, which means that you don’t necessarily need to go on and fully thrust to feel amazing sensations. Short, rapid strokes may be the perfect way for you to get acquainted with your new dildo. 

The even better news is, if you opt for a bigger dildo, you can use the extra cm’s as as means to get a better grasp on the dildo, and as you become more familiar with your sex toy, use it to go deeper. 

Either way, your G-spot can be found five to eight cm’s inside of the vagina, so you can work your way up to reach it and allow the tip of the dildo to put pressure on the roof of your vagina as you push it in and pull it out. As we mentioned earlier, there are some dildos that are curved for this very reason.

Saucy tip for using your dildo: want to add in that extra bit of stimulation to drive you over the edge? Rub your clitoris at the same time. You can do this manually or with a clitoral sex toy, either way, it’ll be a magical combo. 

Anal penetration for the first time with a dildo 

By now, you’ve realised that using a dildo for anal stimulation is totally possible (and totally worthy!). We suggest getting yourself in the mood for a new kind of stimulation, whatever that may mean. You could set aside time without any interruptions, grab your favourite lube and, if you’re a penis owner, masturbate your penis and play with your balls to raise your lidido. 

One of the easiest ways to use a dildo for anal play is to have a suction cup dildo. In this way, you won’t have to fight or fuss to get in the right angle, and you can simply ‘stick’ it to a secure surface that’s easy for you to slide onto. But remember, the anus is not as flexible as the vagina, so you’re really going to want to take your time with this. 

You may want to use a finger or two before attempting to use an anal dildo. In fact, we highly recommend it. You can also massage the area, such as the outside and the perineum. 

Another thing to note is that it may not be perfect at first, and you could feel some discomfort. It’s all about taking it slow, and perhaps trying it for a few minutes at a time each day or opportunity you get to be able to fully immerse yourself.

When you’re ready, you can place your suction cup dildo on a chair or the floor and slowly allow it to enter you. Or you could use it in the shower, if the material is waterproof. While you’re doing this, stroking yourself is a great idea to feel a mixture of sensations. 

You can go as deep or as shallow as what makes you feel comfortable, but with time comes even more pleasure so we advise keeping at it so you can really get your prostate stimulated for extraordinary orgasms. You can slide up and down, grind, or even move the dildo in and out if you’re going for a non suction cup one.

There are tons of dildos for beginners available, so we suggest checking those out. We also recommend trying out a butt plug anal training kit before attempting a large and/or thick dildo. 

With butt plug training, you can start small and work your way up to different sizes, allowing yourself to become more acquainted with the feeling of anal stimulation.

Saucy tip for using your dildo: While using your dildo, stroking or rubbing yourself is a great idea to feel a mixture of sensations. 

The different dildo sizes

When it comes to the different dildo sizes, in general, there are two things to factor in: the height and the width. 

But when it comes to anal stimulation, you’ll have to be very careful. As we mentioned, the anus is not nearly as elastic as the vagina, so starting out with the smallest size will always be your best bet.

Then, take note of the measurements:

• Full or overall length: which is the measurement shown on the packaging
• Insertable length: which is the length of the dildo, not including the base, scrotum, or handle

For beginners, whether it’s for vaginal or anal play, you could start small, see how you like it, then purchase a bigger toy. Or, you could go for a bigger toy, using a lot of its length as grip, which will allow you to go deeper when you feel more comfortable.

Either way, try not to go big or go home by inserting something massive on your first try. It could be painful, uncomfortable, and give you a bad impression of the sex toy which has amazing sexual potential. 

The safest & best dildo materials to use

There’s been such an advancement is sex toys that there is simply no need to go for a dildo that’s made of poor or unsafe quality, such as jelly, rubber, or PVC. 

Why are these materials harmful? Because they’re porous, which means that bacteria can get trapped inside of them. In other words, you could get a bacterial infection if you don’t wash your dildo thoroughly before and after every single use. 

And while we strongly advice that you do wash any sex toy before and after use, porous materials are generally not body-safe.

Having said that, silicone, stainless steel dildos and glass dildos are all excellent choices. These are non-porous, body-safe, and are what most high quality sex toys of any variety are made of today.

And finally, allow us to indulge you in a variety of dildos, all with different features, shapes and sizes, so that you too can enjoy the ecstasy attached to dildo play, solo or with a lover.

Our dildo recommendations

Stainless Steel Dildos

The Le Wand Swerve Stainless Steel Dildo is luxurious-looking, and made with twists and turns, bulbs, and thrills, all for your pleasure. This makes it an excellent stainless steel dildo for beginners, as it allows for all kinds of experimentation and sensations. It’s smooth and sleek, dynamic, versatile, and is weighted in all the right spots. This dildo is also great for temperature play, and plays nice with all kinds of lube.

Glass Dildos

The Icicles No. 2 Clear Beaded Glass Dildo is a trusted glass dildo that’s simple in design, yet pays incredible attention to detail. It’s been hand-blown, and has several glass “balls” of varying sizes, so you can play at your own speed and find your best rhythm and sensation. It’s body-safe, made of hypoallergenic glass, and can add a bit of temperature play into your tryst by either running it under warm or cold water. 

We also love the Crystal G-Spot Wand Glass Dildo as it was made especially for G-spot owners who want to massage their sweet spot, safely and in style. Its design is clear crystal, and is made of 100 percent hygienically superior borosilicate glass. It pairs perfectly with any kind of lube, and can be bought in a variety of sizes. But that’s not the only reason why so many people love this dildo! It’s also firefly glass, creating a dreamy, playful, and seductive experience.

Silicone & Realistic Dildos

Perhaps you’re looking for a dildo that’s large in height so you can practice with it, but not so large in width? The New Sensations Novelties Colours Thin 8” Realistic Silicone Dildo is exactly what you’ll be after then. This super slim edition also comes with a suction cup for easier play, is made of superior grade silicone, and comes in an assortment of colours for that added bit of fun.

Suction Cup Realistic Dildos

Want to get your hands on a realistic dildo to get that real-feel experience? King Cock is well-known for its incredibly satisfying dildos, and the Pipedream Products King Cock 6.5” with Balls Triple Density Realistic Dildo is no different. It comes in a size 6’5”, has a life-like texture, is veiny, and comes with balls. It’s also got a suction cup, so you can simply attach it to your hard surface and have a ball! 

Silicone Small Dildos

Dip your toe into the world of dildo play with the New Sensations Novelties Colours Pleasures 4” Realistic Silicone Dildo. It’s one of the smallest dildos on the market at 4”, is made of super soft superior grade silicone, and has actually been realistically moulded from an actual penis using casting. The fun doesn’t stop there! This sassy number comes in a variety of colours so you really can have it your way.

Strap-On Harness

Made of soft vegan denim, the Fun Factory Strap & Bound Harness is as beautiful and luscious as it is versatile. That’s because you can use it with nearly any dildo your heart desires. It has the ability to control and hold over any kind of dildo with a base and a diameter of up to 4.5 cm, and its straps are adjustable in length, so you can position it to precision before any partnered antics arise. If you’re looking for the perfect strap-on for your favourite dildo, this is definitely our number one recommendation.

By now, we hope you’ve managed to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about dildos for beginners! And perhaps you’ve even got your eye on an item or two? That’s the beauty of sex toys and sexuality… there’s always something fascinating to discover and experiment with!