What Are Dildos?

Dildos are sexual toys that can be placed in the mouth, anus or vagina. They are typically shaped to resemble a penis and some are curled to stimulate the prostate and the g spot.

Although dildos tend to be associated with lesbians of cisgender, they can be played with, admired, and adapted by all gender identities and sexual orientations. Learn more about this fascinating toy for sex!

Origins

In the past, dildos appeared like penis and were created to be used with a vibration. Since the times and attitudes have changed and more attention is paid to the kink and sex products, the dildos are now available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Some even look lifelike.

In ancient Rome, a daddy was used for vaginal or anal penetration (pegging). In fact, the first mention of a dildo could be in the Bible in Ezekiel 16:17, dildos in which God is adamant about people making phallic images to fornicate with which are likely to be leather dildos, similar to those found at the Roman fort at Vindolanda in Northumberland in 1992.

From unripe bananas to dried dung from camels coated with resin, ancient people were very creative in the search for sexual aids. Archaeologists reported in 2005 that they had recreated, from 14 stone fragments discovered at a German cave, the earliest human dildo ever discovered. This dildo measures about 20 centimeters (8 in) long, is called the Hohle Fels phallus and dates back 28,000 years.

The dildo can be made today by pouring liquid materials such as foam, silicone or even plastic into mold. The material then solidifies to form the dildo. Based on the design of the dildo's shape, veins or ridges are possible to add. Some dildos can be painted or shaded, creating a more realistic look and feel.

Functions

Dildos provide a variety experiences, ranging from internal stimulation to clitoral and anal penetration. Many dildos simulate the vagina, gspot or prostate. Some are designed to resemble swords, tentacles or even a Sasquatch, to make it more interesting. They can be used on their own or with a partner to vibrate or don't. Some are made from stainless steel or glass, can be thrust automatically or be double-ended for insertion into multiple holes. A pleasure-based sex educator and queer-inclusive sex activist Lateef Taylor believes that dildos aren't just amusements, but also help people overcome sexual anxiety or fear of penetration.

Materials

Traditionally, dildos are molded in light metals like aluminum, but silicone is now the primary preferred material for manufacturing because it is malleable and has an extremely high melting point, and is easily cut to accommodate a variety of shapes sizes, shapes and textures. Once the mold is constructed, the manufacturing material is poured into it and left to set. This could involve multiple materials if the dildo is a dual-layer design (such as a hard, stiff core, surrounded by softer, more supple skin).

Once the dildo is in its final configuration, workers scrutinize it to ensure the final product appears exactly like the prototype that it was created from as possible. The dildo must also be free of any flaws or cracks. After the quality inspection is completed the dildo can be re-opened to be polished, sanded and sealed, if you wish.

Some dildos have fake pubic hair to give them a more authentic, more real-feel. Others are covered with synthetic fur to achieve the same purpose. Then, dildos are wrapped in protective plastic for shipping to their forever homes.

Some dildos, however, are made of medical-grade silicone. This silicone won't leach chemicals and will continue to function after repeated use just as well as the most durable sex products available on the market. Porous dildos have pores that contain sweat and other dangerous substances. Unless they're fully disinfected, they can be just as dangerous to use as disposable napkins.

Styles

There are a billion ways dildos are employed and the best way to use one is based on your personal preferences as well as your body type and your sexual history. If you are new to sexual intimacy, try playing with foreplay and gently touching your clitoris, anus or vaginal opening.

Make sure you have plenty of lubricant available and choose a non-porous, metal dildo-free material like glass, silicone or even metal dildo. If you're using a dimple with a partner, make sure that the toy has a comfortable fit and isn't too tight or too loose.

Select a mold from sites like Smooth-On or Amazon DIY sex toys maker to create your own buy dildo. Select a kit that has both the silicone and the mold that is reusable to save yourself time and money. The mold can be cleaned and reused a few times before it has to be replaced.

Make sure you make use of a brush, a pump and mold release. For DIY dildos that you can make, dildos the more expensive silicones such as Ecoflex 00-30 and Dragon Skin 10A are better options because they have a longer pot life and can be vacuum degassed. However, lesser-priced alternatives such as PDMS or Silcone 10 may still work. You'll also need to purchase colorants such as the Silc Pig from Smooth-On to color your dildos made of silicone.