Dildos Buyers’ Guide
Dildos are a type of sex toy, usually phallic in shape, used by both men and women in partnered sex play or in masturbation. Dildos come in many shapes and sizes and are normally inserted in the vagina, anus, or mouth. Some dildos are designed from molds of penises to simulate the “real thing”. Others are fashioned to provide G-spot or even prostate stimulation. Much like the vagina, the anus is full of sensitive nerve endings, which can lead to sexual arousal when stimulated. An orgasm can be achieved through vaginal penetration, or a combination of anal, penile, vaginal and clitoral play using a dildo properly. When shopping for a dildo, be aware of the size/measurements and the base of the toy. Some can be worn with a harness while others are fitted with suction cups, or Vac-U-Lock attachments. Few are designed to doubly penetrate the vagina and the anus (double penetration) and some are designed to penetrate both partners simultaneously (double dongs).
Dildos are manufactured from a variety of materials including steel/metal, glass/Pyrex, Cyberskin, PVC, jelly-rubber, and silicone rubber.
Cyberskin Dildo
Cyberskin, Ultraskin, UR3, Ultra-Realistic, Jel-Lee, Futurotic, Softskin and Eroskin are materials made to simulate the look and feel of human flesh. NEVER use a silicone based lubricant with these types of materials, as it can cause them to deteriorate. Cyberskin materials are porous and a condom is recommended to prohibit bacteria growth and exposure to some chemicals, including phthalates. Following use, wash with warm water and an anti-bacterial soap. Pat dry with a soft towel or allow to air dry.
Silicone Dildos
Silicone dildos are easy to clean and do not have the characteristic plastic aroma of PVC. They were expensive when first introduced but are now reasonably priced, making them an excellent choice for the first-time user or a seasoned veteran. Silicone holds body heat well, and is a superior conductor of vibration. NEVER use a silicone based lubricant with a silicone sex toy, as it can cause the product to deteriorate. Silicone is a naturally occurring substance and meets the standard of a Green Sex Toy. It can be sterilized for 2 to 3 minutes in boiling water or can be washed with an anti-bacterial soap. Pat dry with a soft towel or allow to air dry.
Glass and Metal Dildos
Also generally in the Green category, Glass and Metal dildos are made from durable naturally occurring materials and are easy to clean. Commonly used materials are Pyrex glass and stainless steel. To ensure safety, carefully inspect a dildo made of glass or metal before and after each use for hairline fractures, nicks, and catches. Glass and metal dildos can be cleaned using anti-bacterial soap or sterilized for 2 to 3 minutes in boiling water (do NOT boil blown glass or glass other than Pyrex).
PVC and Jelly-Rubber Dildos
PVC and jelly-rubber dildos are usually made with plastic-softening substances called phthalates. Phthalates have been linked to hormonal changes, liver and kidney problems, and cancer. Some dildos made of PVC are manufactured without phthalates and are noted as such in the product details. It is recommended to use a condom with PVC and jelly-rubber dildos. Avoid silicone lubricants on jelly-rubber products
***If you share a dildo, use a condom.***
***Use plenty of lube when using a dildo. For anal insertion, there is rarely such a thing as “too much lube”.***
***Some materials are incompatible with silicone lubricants. When in doubt, use a water based lube.***
Dildos have been around since antiquity. In 2005, a "sculpted and polished phallus" made of stone was found in a German cave. The stone dildo was believed to be about 28,000 years old and is believed to be one of the earliest representations of male sexuality. The stone dildo may have been used as a sex toy by its Ice Age makers or may have been used in fertility rituals to represent male sexuality.
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