Did you know that the world’s oldest dildo was used about 28,000 years ago? That’s an incredible fact and it comes to suggest that dildos are probably some of the first sex toys that humankind invented and enjoyed for pleasure.

While the phallic shape has pretty much remained unchanged, we’ve (thankfully) modernized dildos in several ways since those ancient times.

Dildos today are made of numerous materials, and they have different functions and uses. How do you pick the perfect one when you have so much abundance? The following guide is bound to give you some of the most important tips to help you make the right choice.

Types of Dildos

To make your research as precise as possible, you need to understand that a wide range of dildos exist. Some of the most popular options include:

• Realistic dildos: these have anatomically correct designs, fine details like veins going down the shaft, and sizes that fall within the naturally possible range. Realistic dildos are also made of materials that feel like human flesh. Two common types of such materials are TPE and TPR.
• Vibrating dildos: a perfect choice for the seekers of added pleasure. Vibrating dildos can hit all the right spots and produce incredible orgasms.
• Ejaculating dildos: filled with specialized lube that’s meant to resemble semen, these dildos add an extra layer of realism to love-making.
• Anal dildos: specifically shaped and sized for anal sex, these dildos enable safe and very enjoyable backdoor exploration.
• Specialized, kink, and fetish dildos: advanced users and those who’d like to address a particular fetish may want to explore these specialized products. Huge dildos fall in this category. The same applies to the so-called blow-up dildo (inflatable dildo).

You’ll also find harness-compatible dildos, streamlined and modern designs, and dildos you can mount on a sex machine. Take some time to think about what kind of sex you enjoy the most. By answering this question, you’ll narrow it down to the type of dildo that’s bound to fulfill your sexual desires most excitingly.

Brands and Their Reputation

If you want to narrow down the range of options even further, spend some time reading about different sex toy brands.

Some companies have an exceptional reputation and they’re known for the quality of sex toys they make. Some specialize in certain kinds of products, which makes their adult items superior.

To take the research a step further, check the mission and the social causes each sex toy brand supports. There are female-founded companies that are focused exclusively on the female orgasm. There are brands that prioritize queer representation and create sex toys for members of the LGBTQ community.

Try to find testimonials written by people who have already bought the dildos a certain brand makes. Look for certificates and other proof of quality. The more information you can collect, the easier you’ll find it to embrace one brand and prioritize its products.

Obviously, being eager to get more than one kind of dildo means you’ll probably have to consider a couple of different brands. Very few companies can be considered a jack of all trades that can deliver excellence no matter what the product’s intended purpose is.

Dildo Specifics and Features

We’re now getting down to the characteristics of the actual dildo.

Start with its size.

The length and the girth of a dildo both matter for satisfying use. Anyone who is a newbie should stick to a dildo length of about five to six inches. Usually, the thickness is related to the length of the dildo. As a general rule of thumb, sex toy makers give their longest dildos extra girth to make them ideal for advanced users.

The kind of sex you intend to have will also be determined by the size of the dildo. Anal dildos tend to be smaller. The ones designed for prostate stimulation are also narrower than the items created for anal training and stretching.

Next, consider the shape of the dildo. Slightly curved dildos will be best for G-spot stimulation. They will also work well for prostate massages. Straight dildos are good for anal sex and some of them may be a good pick for pegging.

We’re now moving on to the more exciting features of a dildo.

Some dildos have a sturdy suction cup. That’s a wonderful feature you want to have. A strong suction cup allows the hands-free use of the dildo, which can be so liberating and pleasurable during solo sessions.

Dildos that warm up to body temperature quickly are always fun to use. The same applies to dildos that vibrate. Some dildos may also have a thrusting function that can be especially great for thorough stimulation and powerful G-spot orgasms.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Don’t underestimate the importance of practical considerations when buying dildos.

A sex toy isn’t just something you use and throw away after. Sanitizing your dildos is essential to prevent infections and other nasty complications.

Consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance before buying a dildo. Materials like medical-grade silicone are an excellent choice in that regard. Silicone is non-porous, which means it doesn’t harbor bacteria. The material is waterproof and you can soak it in a soapy solution to get it cleaned. Silicone dildos can also be boiled and sterilized.

If you opt for an alternative material, check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. This is super important for motorized dildos that may not be fully waterproof.

Ease of storage will also determine how practical you’ll find the dildo to be. Some materials need to be stored separately from other sex toys. If they touch another item, there will be some risk of disintegration.

Here’s one final bonus tip – don’t go overboard with the spending on your dildo, especially if it’s the first one you’re getting. There are lots of quality dildos that are reasonably priced out there. Various reputable stores also offer their clients regular discounts, making it very easy to get and test a premium dildo.