Buying Your First Dildo: What You Need to Know

Ready to buy your first dildo? Not sure what to get? Taking time to think about how you’ll use your toy and what (you think) will feel good to you increases your chances of buying something you’ll love.

Before you get a new dildo, here’s what you need to know.

Choose the Right Size for You

For those who have penetrative sex with penises, look for a dildo about the same size (or smaller). If you’ve never played with penetration before, size is going to matter a great deal. Smaller and slimmer is always better when you’re new to insertion of any kind. Remember, you can always move up to bigger sizes later. But if you start too big, you’ll experience unnecessary discomfort, pain, and even injury.

The part of your body that will receive the dildo determines the size, too. Vaginas used to penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex can handle something larger than a first-timer to butt play. In general, smaller is better for most people. You’ll feel more than you realize, so don’t start with the biggest dildo you can find.

Pick the Right Material

Sex toy materials tend to be confusing when you pick out your first toy, whether that’s a dildo or vibrator or something else. A big part of the choice is how good it feels, but another thing to keep in mind is how easy it will be to clean and how long it will last. Buying a cheap dildo made of jelly material saves you money today, but if it gets gross in a few months or falls apart, you’ll have to replace it. Pick a high-quality material and spend a little more up front, and your dildo will last a long time.

• Metal and glass dildos are sleek but very firm. There’s no give in them, and it won’t feel like a “real” dick. That being said, they can be easily cleaned and fully sterilized. And they’re great for sensation play and other kinky fun.
• Silicone comes in a variety of types from firm to super soft and squishy. They’re easy to clean and sterilize like metal and glass. These dildos also come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and textures from realistic to out-of-this-world.
• TPR/TPE, jelly, and skin-like dildos feel the most realistic so people love them. But they’re not always easy to fully clean and can’t be sterilized. They’re often the least expensive, too, making them great for smaller budgets. But they can fall apart if you don’t clean them correctly.  

Add Lube for a Better Experience

When you shop for a dildo, don’t just buy the toy, pick out some lube, too. Lubricant makes penetration easier and more comfortable. That’s true if you buy a giant dong or a slimline style. For anal penetration, lube is required. For vaginal penetration, it’s good to use even if you usually get wet enough.

Water-based lube goes with any kind of sex toy, regardless of the material. It’s a thinner consistency than other types, and it can dry up while you play. You’ll need to re-apply as needed. The good news is that it won’t make a mess of your bed.

Silicone lube is great for metal and glass dildos and some (but not all) silicone toys. It’s thicker and lasts longer but it can stain your sheets and clothes. If you want the thickness of silicone with the clean-up of water, look for a hybrid lubricant. No matter what, don’t skip lube, especially if you try penetration for the first time. Lube makes the entire experience better.

Know Your Base Options

Very rarely will you find a dildo that has no clear base — it’s just a long, thick “stick.” Most have a flat base so you can set it upright, but that’s the bare minimum. Look for dildos that give you more than that — a suction cup base and/or harness compatibility. Those two options allow you to use your dildo in multiple ways.

A suction cup base means you can mount your dildo to a flat surface — on the floor or a wall — and ride your toy in different positions. This is great for solo fun or if you want to put on a show for your partner. Harness compatibility means you can use your dildo in a strap-on harness and penetrate your partner. This is great for anal or vaginal penetration. Before you buy a dildo, think about how you want to use it, and then look for a toy that lets you play in that way.

Conclusion

There are so many types of dildos out there. Don’t worry about finding the “perfect” one on your first try. It’s more important to find something you enjoy and that makes masturbation and sex enjoyable. Use these tips, and you’ll have a better first-time experience with your dildo. Once you know what you really like, shopping for new sex toys will get easier and easier.