You might think the idea of inserting a long, foreign object down there for your sexual pleasure has materialized only recently. But you would be mistaken. In fact, studies have dug up what appears to be the tools of the trade in silt, chalk, and bone varieties during the Stone Ages from way back 30,000 years ago. So it's only natural that we should talk about the sex toy for women that came first: the dildo.

WHAT'S THE PROPER DEFINITION OF A DILDO ANYWAY?

A dildo is a sex toy that is often explicitly phallic in appearance and is meant to be inserted into the vagina or anus for sexual penetration or other forms of sexual activity during masturbation or with sex partners/s.

That's quite a mouthful, don't you think? But in essence, the dildo can be a woman's cocky form of pleasure, to be enjoyed with or without a man's penis. Whichever you prefer.

Of course, not all dildos are the same and there's definitely more to it than the stereotypical black dildos. Though some are created realistically enough to look and feel like actual penises, you're more likely to get your hands on smooth, rounded cylinders in every color of the rainbow. Oh, where to begin?

If you're looking for answers, you've come to the right place. Let NOTI walk you through the basics of choosing the best dildo for your sexual well-being. And remember: there's no shame in women experimenting and living out their fantasies, so jump into it and start your own, personal sex education!

The material world of dildos

When it comes to the so-called dildonic devices, there are thousands of options that you can choose from. They could vary in material, size, shape, color, and function, to say the least. To a beginner, deciding on your first dildo could be overwhelming.

But at the very least, you can tell a lot about a dildo by the stuff with which it is made. This could help you evaluate and narrow down your alternatives.

The following are three of the most common materials used to make the pleasurable dildonic devices:

SILICONE

This is a popular pick for dildos for its soft and flexible quality. It's also non-porous and hydrophobic, which makes it less prone to bacteria growth. This could be easier for you to clean and maintain after every use.

The more realistic dildos have two layers of silicone – a soft exterior and a firm interior⁠ to imitate the feel of an actual penis. These are also known as the dual-density dildos.

All these advantages you can get at a relatively cheaper price, though this means that you'd have to replace your dildo more often. Remember not to use silicone-based lubricants, which could destroy your silicone dildo.

GLASS

This type of dildo isn't made of your run-of-the-mill glass material. Instead, glass dildos are typically made out of borosilicate glass, the sort that is resistant against thermal expansion. Simply put, this stuff can heat up and cool down quickly without breaking. Try leaving it in the fridge or freezer for a while to tease your private parts with an ice dildo.

The remarkable resilience of borosilicate glass makes for very firm and attractive designs. Like silicone, this product is also easy to clean since it's non-porous. Try dabbling in temperature play by submerging it in hot or cold water before using it.

Although they cost more than silicone, glass dildos last longer and are thus worth investing in. It's also the perfect choice for women who are allergic to latex. Still, try not to drop this toy too much, or else you'd risk cracks on the surface. Dispose of the dildo immediately if this occurs.

METAL

The metal dildo is usually made of stainless steel, which is often cool to the touch. The firmness and rigidity of a stainless steel dildo, without a doubt, make it the most luxurious pleasure product out of the three. That's because its intuitive design is bound to deliver more sensual pressure in every thrust.

Since they're non-porous and non-corrosive, metal dildos are compatible with just about any lubricant out there.

The silky material can easily be washed, and just like glass, it also allows for risqué temperature play. While you'd have to pay more to own a steel dildo, expect to have it around for years.

Choosing among these options would depend on what experience you're looking for, as well as how much you're willing to spend. If you prefer to imitate real-life sex with a male partner, silicone is your best bet. On the other hand, glass and metal would give you a firmer sensation that lasts longer, if you're able to invest more.

In all shapes and sizes

There are different types of dildos – all with different functions. This means that once again, you'd have to get specific about what you want to get. Are you only after penetration in general, or are you down for more action? Are you looking for a dildo with suction cup for handsfree play, maybe strap-ons for partnered sex, or double dildos for a double penetrated experience?

Try not to be too overwhelmed by all the options. Instead, spend some time figuring out what you like. Your intention would definitely influence your pleasure toy of choice.

To help you make a more informed decision, take a look at six special features of dildos to find out what is the perfect dildo for you:

1. Curved: This dildo is built for G-spot stimulation, as it is designed to hit your sensitive area at just the right spot. Brace yourself for intense sexual activities and the wildest orgasms.
2. Suction-cup: Hands off the dildo! This one can easily be mounted on any flat, smooth surface like the wall, table, floor, or even shower door. Feel free to ride a dildo with suction cup doggy-style or even improve your oral skills. A strong suction cup lets you experiment with oceans of sex positions and handsfree play vaginally and anally.
3. Flared: Consider this the dildo's love handles. This feature makes anal penetration possible by preventing you from leaving your anal toy (in your) behind. If you like anal penetration you should also consider a butt plug for a different type of anal play.
4. Strap-on: This allows you or your partner to attach the dildo to the hip. Strap-ons could come in different styles, ranging from underwear-like designs to leather harnesses.
5. Vibrating: Usually referring to the realistic sort designed with one or more vibrating settings, it's a dildo and vibrator rolled into one. A vibrating silicone dildo is a good dildo for beginners as it's the type closest to an actual penis. If you don't already have a vibrator, you might want to consider it.
6. Doubleended dildos can be used by two women, a man and a woman, two men, or even alone through double penetrated vaginal and anal penetration. Partnered sex with simultaneous penetration can lead to profound sex magic and a very intense experience for both of you. If you want to try simultaneous penetration, but don't like the thought of double dildos, you can try adding a butt plug instead.

If you've never tried using the dildo before, it's best to go for a simpler and smoother dildo for beginners first. You could always opt for more intricate designs like corkscrews and ridges once you get used to it.

Everyone's comfort zone also looks different in terms of size, but a longer dildo at about 7 to 8 inches would probably do the trick for most. That's because the length enables you to choose between shallow and deep penetration. Just insert as far as it feels comfortable for you, one inch at a time.

However, one thing that women don't pay enough attention to is the dildo's diameter. First-timers should narrow their choices, quite literally, for penetration to go off without a hitch. After all, dildos that are too large could make the experience needlessly uncomfortable.

How to play

You've finally gotten your hands on your dildo of choice. What's next? Buckle up, because the ride has just begun, and the best part has yet to come.

Here are some important tips to get the most pleasure out of your playtime:

START SOLO

With the exception of a select few, dildos are stationary objects, so they would require more effort on your part. You probably should use it on your own first if you're still getting used to it. This is even more necessary when you're new to sex toys altogether.

Exploring the device by yourself would give you enough space to be less self-conscious and instead more attentive to your sensations. It also emboldens you to try out new things, even if it means awkwardly fumbling around at first. This would ultimately prepare you to share your newly discovered preferences with your partner more confidently.

USE LUBRICANTS

Ensure that you are well-lubricated before you attempt to get down and dirty with your dildo. In the case of vaginal penetration, masturbate the way you usually do to relax and get turned on. This is to avoid chafing or other unpleasant sensations throughout the experience.

Lubricants are optional for when your vagina is not as moist as it would be after foreplay. But this is an absolute necessity when it comes to anal stimulation. In any case, always remember that silicone-based lubricants destroy silicone dildos and make them less safe for use. Silicone-based lubricants are fine to use for glass dildos or a steel dildo but go for a water-based lubricant if you're more into the realistic dildos in silicone.

TAKE IT SLOW

There's no need to rush, especially when it's your first time. After stimulating yourself with your usual masturbating techniques, ease yourself into the sex toy by rubbing the tip against your vulva. Try going back and forth, then side to side. Create circular motions. Make a mental note of what feels good for you.

Whenever you are ready, insert the dildo an inch or two into your vagina before pulling it back out. Continue experimenting by trying out different speeds or strokes. Do you prefer quick, shallow strokes or long and deeper thrusts? How about twisting it into a certain direction? Give yourself time to figure it out.

Finally, keep going until you insert the dildo to the depth that feels most natural to you. This doesn't have to mean using the whole insertable length. You don't have to insert it all the way through if it's not good for you, so try not to force it. No pressure!

GET CREATIVE

You don't have to keep still while you're having fun with your dildo. Though it's common for most women to lie on their backs and go for clitoral stimulation, you can also try riding the toy or getting at it doggy-style if you bought the strong suction cup variety.

Feel free to play around with angles and sex positions. Other women also find it arousing to see themselves using their dildos in front of a mirror. Another cheeky move is to masturbate with it in front of your partner, which could be fun for both parties.

Just make sure that you don't compromise your safety as you're exploring your sexuality. If you want to try anal play for the first time, use only a dildo with a flared end. And of course, be careful not to slip if you're going to do the naughty in your bathroom.

Expanding your horizons

Many women who own sex toys don't stick with just one. For them, they own a collection of dildos with different functions, all of which are useful depending on their mood.

So if you ever find yourself craving more than just one, there's absolutely no shame in that. Go ahead and purchase multiple types to switch things up! Other sex toys such as Ben Wa balls or vibrators might also be a good addition to your pleasurable collection. After all, there's nothing sexier than an empowered woman who knows what she wants and goes for it.

NOTI respects and values your privacy above all, especially when it comes to shipping. With us, you don't have to worry about your security. Just venture into our big selection and find your new sex toy for women. Rest assured that we'll handle your personal information with the utmost discretion.

Just enjoy yourself, and leave the rest to us!

Frequently Asked Questions

WHICH DILDO SHOULD I USE?

Women can rely on a wide selection of dildos for internal or external stimulation. Still, it's worth noting that 7 out of 10 women need clitoral stimulation for orgasm. That means for these people, it could be worth investing in compact (e.g. bullet, egg) or powerful (e.g. wand) options.

However, many women have more than one dildo to take care of their needs. The right spot today might not be the right spot tomorrow, so why not gather a collection with different surfaces, shafts, and textures so you have something for today's mood? A vibrating silicone dildo with bullet vibrators might be just the thing to get your day started off the best way. And a cooled ice dildo or a double-ended dildo might be exactly what you need after a long day at work.

CAN TOO MUCH DILDO USE HURT MY SEX LIFE?

People suspect that dildos could decrease the sensitivity of your clitoris after frequent use. But they've never been proven to produce long-term side effects. Our body could just be tired from prolonged contact. If this occurs, give it a rest for a few days, and you'll eventually find your sexual appetite returning.

DO I REALLY NEED LUBRICANT TO USE MY DILDO?

Lubricants are optional for vaginal stimulation, but using it would definitely reduce friction and make for a smoother, more sensual experience overall. However, it's a must for anal stimulation, since the anus doesn't naturally provide its own lubrication. Be careful not to use silicone-based lubricants with silicone dildos.

HOW ABOUT CONDOMS?

Condoms can extend the lifespan of your sex toy and make cleanup easier. So if the size and shape allow it, they're never a bad idea. Change the condom before it comes into contact with another part of your body. Also, never use condoms coated with silicone-based lubricants for silicone dildos.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY DILDO?

Sex toy cleaners, which are specially formulated for dildos like yours, would be your best bet for cleaning and maintenance. Read the manual for more details. Also take the time to inspect it for any sign of damage if you spot cracks, stop using the device immediately.

CAN DILDOS BE USED FOR ANAL PENETRATION?

Not all dildos are safe for anal penetration. Check if yours has a flare or handle at the other end before going through the backdoor. You wouldn't want, say, your egg dildo stuck inside your anus, because that would mean an embarrassing trip to the emergency room.

WHAT IF MY DILDO SUDDENLY STOPS WORKING?

Troubleshooting can be relatively easy for dildos. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are the batteries or cord in working order?
• Are all components properly secured?
• Is there any foreign object jamming the switch?

On the rare occasion that the device heats up or malfunctions, stop using the device and have it checked.

CAN DILDOS MAKE YOU ORGASM?

Absolutely! But do yourself a favor and don't make it your only focus. Different types of dildos can give you different types of pleasure, and each of them are good for experimenting.

An anal dildo might be intrigueing to you if you want to explore a bit by yourself before opening the backdoor for a sexual partner. Dildos for vaginal penetration and clit stimulation can be used during masturbation or as part of the sexual act with a partner – with or without a human penis.

I WANT TO BUY A DILDO, BUT HOW DO I TELL MY PARTNER?

Communication is extremely essential in this case. Some people find it very intimidating, while others are just into it right away.

You're the one who knows your partner best so be honest about how and where you want to please yourself with your sex toy. But more importantly, remind him that these mechanical sensations would never replace the physical and emotional pleasure you get from him alone.