A dildo is a popular sexual tool or an object used in sexual practice to improve sexual satisfaction. This article will present information about the definition of a dildo. These materials are used for its production, the design of this toy, its uses, its history of use and some considerations when choosing and using a dildo.
Basic Definition
A dildo is a sexual aid to stimulate pleasure, which is normally inserted into the vagina or the anus. It is usually designed in the shape of a male human genital organ, but it can be designed in any form, size, color and shape to suit the consumer’s desire. It can be self-used for masturbation, discovering fantasies or using during sex with a partner.
The term ‘dildo’ is usually used to refer to any object that has been designed to resemble the male genitals for sexual use, even though current models may not be phallic or may include additional features like vibrations.
Materials and Design
There are numerous types of dildos, and they can be made from nearly any material. Each material has specific texture, flexibility, sturdiness, and safety characteristics.
Silicone: Silicone is one of the most used materials for dildos because it has several qualities that make it perfect for the job: it is soft, flexible, safe, and easy to clean. It is also not likely to lead to an allergic reaction, which is good news for sensitive skin people.
Glass: Glass dildos are non-porous and silky in texture and capable of holding temperature, making them suitable for temperature play. They are non-porous, easy to clean, and hard-wearing but can be easily broken if dropped.
Rubber/TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber): These materials are also cheaper and more elastic when applied. They are not as durable as silicone or glass, can become a breeding ground for bacteria in the long run, and are also more difficult to clean.
Stainless Steel: These dildos are heavy, non-porous and can be easily sterilized for reuse in sessions. Some users like the heaviness and silky feel of metal dildos, which can also be used for temperature play (by warming or chilling them).
As for the design, dildos are produced in different sizes and shapes and can be of different colors. Some of them are more or less phallic and look like a real human penis, while others may be more abstract or even artistic. It also depends on the purpose of use; there are dildos with curved forms for stimulation of the G-spot or the prostate gland.
Uses and Functions
The main purpose of a dildo is sexual pleasure. Common uses include:
- Masturbation: Some people use dildos for masturbation, using it either in the vagina or the anus.
- Enhancing sexual pleasure: Dildos can also be used during intercourse to provide the other partner with additional stimulation for the one receiving or both.
- Sexual exploration: If you wish to try or add a new sort of sensation into the bedroom, dildos can be useful in this regard.
- Therapeutic use: On occasions, dildos are also employed in sexual therapy, for instance, in cases of vaginal dryness or problems with the pelvic muscles.
Besides being used in sexual intercourse, dildos are also used by people who want to experiment with various aspects of their sexual lives. They are now more accepted and incorporated into the broader category of sexual health, while dildos are now more popular.
Historical Background
Throughout history, dildos or similar items have been used in different cultures. Therefore, this is not a modern phenomenon.
- Ancient civilizations: In the ancient Roman and Greek eras, dildos were made of stone, wood, and leather and were part of everyday use and even religious ceremonies. At times, the dildos were used as offerings or as fertility symbols.
- Chinese history: The ancient Chinese also used sex toys, and there are writings about them in the Pillow Book; some dildos were made from jade or any other valuable material. These were sometimes used in secular and religious situations.
- Victorian era: During the later part of history, particularly during the Victorian period, the use of dildos was associated with taboo or immoral behavior. However, the first vibrator-like devices existed only at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century. They were marketed as medical devices to cure “hysteria.”
In the twentieth century and particularly in the 1960s and later, dildos and other sex toys were not only medical aids but were sold for sexual purposes.
Choosing and Using a Dildo
To ensure you safely use the dildo with comfort and attain satisfaction, there are several key factors to consider you should consider to achieve this:
- Material: As mentioned earlier, choosing materials is important for comfort, safety, and low maintenance. Silicone is generally the safest and is the best for most people.
- Size and shape: Dildos are available in different sizes, small and big, and the shape may differ considerably. One should select a comfortable size that provides the required degree of sensation for the user. There are models of dildos that are curved or have some kind of lumps that are aimed at stimulating the G-spot or the prostate gland.
- Vibration: Some dildos even have an additional function of vibrations. These options may interest users who require something more to be stimulated.
Important considerations when using a dildo
- Cleaning: Dildos should be washed after every use to prevent cross-contamination of bacteria from one person to another. Silicone, glass and stainless-steel surfaces are easy to clean because they do not have pores.
- Lubrication: The use of the correct kind of lubrication, water or silicone, depending on the material of the toy, will enhance the comfort of the partner and pleasure during the use of larger dildos or anal sex.
- Safety: The dildo must be used correctly and should never be inserted anywhere it is not intended to be inserted. When using a dildo for anal pleasure, the toy should have a flared base or handle so that it cannot be misplaced.
Conclusion
In summary, a dildo is an all-purpose and popular sexual device that has been developed for centuries. For solo pleasure, for partnered pleasure, or for experimentation, the dildo is now a staple in modern sexual health. The selection of a dildo should be done taking into consideration the material used, size, and other characteristics to avoid any harm and to meet the needs of the user. With society embracing sexuality more than before, dildos are also being accepted more and more, and this makes society embrace sexual well-being more than before.