What is a Drildo?

A dildo is a sex toy that can be used for oral or anal penetration and stimulation. Typically phallic in shape, it may be used for masturbation alone or with a partner.

While many dildos look like penises, they don’t have to, and they come in all shapes and sizes.

Origins

In 500 BC, ancient Greeks started making fake dongs out of stuffed leather and even (gasp!) old loaves of bread! These sex toys were called olisbokollikes and were used as both fun and to fulfill sexual desires.

The word dildo first showed up in English around 1400 AD, coined during the Italian Renaissance. It comes from the Latin phrase, “diletto o,” meaning pleasure-toy.

Phallic sex toys have been an important, hidden staple in many cultures for millennia, but they didn’t really become visible until the 1600s. The renowned French author, Marquis de Sade, published erotic writings that gave birth to the BDSM movement and popularized bondage toys like whips, handcuffs, and dildos.

The dildo’s journey became more public in the 1960s when ventriloquist Ted March invented the strap-on dildo for his close friend with a prosthetic penis. Men’s magazines jumped on the dildo bandwagon, and the demand for these fun toys skyrocketed.

In the 17th century, English men were terrified of dildos, and laws were passed banning women from making them for themselves. However, in the same period, Japan embraced a different relationship with dildos and featured them in erotic novels as shunga. The Japanese word for dildo is tameshiwara, which translates to “bean ball.” These sex toys were not only fun and kinky but also helped train clitorises for penetration.

Types

There are many different kinds of dildo, and just as dildo many reasons why someone might want to use one. For instance, some people like a realistic (representational) dildo because it looks and feels more like the real thing, which can help them construct more vivid fantasies while using it.

Other dildos are designed to be worn in a harness, sometimes called a strap-on dildo. These can be worn inside the groin, on the thighs or even on the face to replicate various positions of penetration during sexual activity. Some are also double-ended, allowing users to penetrate themselves and a partner at the same time. Some are even equipped with externally-attached vibrators to heighten pleasure.

Latex rubber is another popular dildo material, often with built-in vibrators, which are great for masturbation. However, this is also a porous material that can retain bacteria and needs to be cleaned thoroughly after each use.

Other materials include silicone, glass and stainless steel, which are all hardy enough to hold up to vigorous sexual play. A dildo is best used with plenty of lube, which reduces friction between the user’s skin and the toy. Silicone lube is typically safe for most toys, including dildos, but some experts recommend using a water-based lube that can be easily rinsed and wiped down to ensure cleanliness and reduce the risk of infection.

Materials

As mentioned earlier, the material used to make a dildo will impact what the toy feels like against your skin and what it can do for you. Some materials are more durable and harder than others, while others feel softer and more natural.

The most common dildo material is silicone, which is usually body-safe and often labeled as premium or medical grade. Silicone toys are a little more expensive than other types of sex toys but they’re also the best at transmitting vibrations and mimicking the texture of flesh.

Other toy materials include glass, stone, ceramics and ABS plastic, the kind that Legos are made out of. These are often used to make externally oriented toys like clit vibes or handles for vibrators. These are a bit heavier and lean more toward the luxury end of toys.

Jelly and latex are often used to make dildos that are meant for insertion. While these are a great choice for beginners, they’re porous and can harbor bacteria. Dildo Manufacturers Plus, jelly can be a little sticky, while rubber toys are often made with phthalates which are known to be harmful to the body.

Wood is less common but is a beautiful option for dildos. High-quality wooden toys are often finished with special coverage which makes them non-porous, meaning no chance of a splinter down there.

Care

It’s important to clean dildo properly, especially before and after each use. The best way to do that is by following the manufacturer’s care and cleaning instructions. Also, be sure to allow the toy to completely dry before storing it. Doing so helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.

It is recommended to sanitize a dildo with a gentle soap, such as liquid hand soap or antibacterial soap. You can also use sex toy cleaner, but be sure to read the label and check that it is safe for your specific toy’s material. Some cleaners, such as bleach, can cause damage to dildo and should not be used near the vagina.

If your dildo has a tackier surface, like the kind you might find on a silicone toy, be sure to wipe it down before using it. Deysach says that can help prevent the transfer of lint, which can then stick to your vulva and potentially cause infection.

If you notice any bleeding after a session with your dildo, it is important to seek medical attention. Bleeding can be a sign of an infection such as a sexually transmitted infection or urinary tract infection. If you experience pain or a burning sensation while using your dildo, it is also important to see a doctor. They can prescribe appropriate pain relievers and treatment.