Dildos come in various sizes and can be used anally or vaginally, but there is some disagreement about just what precisely defines a dildos.

There is general agreement that a non-vibrating device, resembling the penis in shape, size, and overall appearance, is a dildo. Some people include vibrating devices in this definition.[1] Others exclude penis prosthetic aids, also called "extensions." Some include penis-shaped items clearly designed with vaginal penetration in mind even if they are not true approximations of a penis. Some people include devices designed for anal penetration (butt plugs) while others do not.

Although some people use the dildo when there is no penis present, others use the dildo to augment or complement a penis that is fully functional and eager to participate. Possible uses for the dildo include:



    * Oral insertion to simulate fellatio.

    * Rubbing it against the clit, the head of the penis, the scrotum, or anywhere else that strikes your fancy.

    * Shallow fucking of the vagina to stimulate the labia minora.

    * Inserting the dildo half way into the vagina with each thrust, at an angle, to stimulate the G-spot.

    * Inserting the dildo fully into the vagina to stimulate the entire vaginal opening and the cervix itself (to be done gently unless otherwise specified).

    * Rectal insertion of the dildo, typically in conjunction with a commercial lubricating agent. (Note that for rectal insertion it is best to insert the dildo only an inch or two, then to pause a few moments, allowing the sphincter to relax. Then slowly resume insertion.)



 Dildos in more relatively more recent history were manufactured in China of wood, jade, ivory or bronze (a museum recently displayed a 2000 year old bronze model from China). The ancient Greeks preferred a more pliable faux phallus of padded leather lubricated with olive oil. Still other early dildos were made of bone, wood, or metal, but a north African variant was reportedly made of camel dung, coated with layers of resin. Somebody was horny.




Meanwhile, anyone who’s ever eyed their broomstick lustily may take comfort in the knowledge that in centuries past Celtic women danced beneath the full moon in the freshly plowed fields, sometimes even ritually masturbating themselves with short-handled brooms (to bring fertility to the earth before planting). Sometimes they would coat the broom stick with psychoactive drugs, no doubt giving rise to the cultural icon of the cackling witch riding her broom stick.





SHAPE



Conventionally, many dildos are shaped like a human penis with varying degrees of detail. Not all, however, are fashioned to reproduce the male anatomy meticulously, and dildos come in a wide variety of shapes. These may resemble figures, or simply be practical creations which stimulate more easily than conventional designs. In Japan, many dildos are created to resemble animals or cartoon characters, like Hello Kitty, so that they may be sold as toys, thus avoiding obscenity laws.



Some dildos have textured surfaces to enhance sexual pleasure. Many dildos of high quality, also called top shelf toys, tend to have less resemblance to a penis, opting for ergonomic design. Further, these designs tend to opt for a less bulbous head, similar to the smoother shape of an uncircumcised penis.




A dildo to be inserted in the anus and remain in place for a period of time is called a butt-plug. Dildos used for repeated anal penetration, such as thrusting, are usually referred to as simply "dildos" and must have a flared base to be safe for anal play. There are also double-ended dildos, with different-sized shafts pointing in the same direction, used by women to accomplish both anal and vaginal penetration at once, or for two partners to share a single dildo. In this case, the dildo acts as a sort of "see-saw"; each partner takes an end and receives stimulation.



The history of the dildo goes back further than anyone knows. The appearance of phallic shaped objects in ancient Greece and Italy is well documented. The word "dildo" is likely to have come from the Italian word dilettarsi, meaning to take delight in. These ancient dildos were nothing like the modern versions. Young frustrated women of ancient Rome used dildos made of leather or wood. Today, dildos are made of soft, smooth materials many of which feel like real, human skin.



Most dildos are shaped like a penis and are used for vaginal or anal penetration. They can be used by couples during sex play, or by an individual during masturbation. Realistic Dildos are shaped and often colored exactly like a real penis. Most are molded directly from a real cock, so the look and feel of them is often strikingly real. Glass Dildos are on the oposite spectrum from Realistic Dildos. They are phallic shaped, but are rock hard and brighly colored to resemble a glass sculpture, more than a real penis.



Dildos come in all shapes and sizes. Some are Huge and some are very small. They also come in a variety of colors, so you're bound to find one that fills you up just right!



Choosing the right dildo comes down to three key elements:



   1. Picking a dildo material that works for you

   2. Deciding what you want to do with your dildo

   3. Choosing a shape, size, and color of your dildo



As you click through the pages below you’ll see lots of examples of dildos, and get tips on some of the things to consider when choosing a dildo.

Choosing a dildo material: Silicone dildos



Silicone dildos that are made of 100% silicone are the best quality dildos available and are highly recommended if they are in your budget.



Silicone is recommended as a dildo material because:



    * silicone is clean, strong, and durable

    * silicone is non-porous and can be boiled in water

    * silicone retains temperature and transmits vibrations very well

    * silicone is available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes



Silicone is an ideal choice if you are concerned about allergies or reacting to toys in any way. You can now get silicone that feels hyper realistic (like cyberskin dildos, but safer, cleaner, and more durable).



The only drawback to silicone dildos is that they are more expensive (generally between $20-$1000), and out of reach for many of us.



DON'T USE SILICONE ON SILICONE

Also you shouldn’t use silicone based lubricants on silicone dildos, as it may permanently damage your dildo. Water based lubricants are fine to use with silicone dildos.



A dildo should not be confused with a vibrator, although some dildos do vibrate. Dildos come in a rainbow of colors and a variety of shapes, textures, and styles. Some users prefer complete realism in their dildos, while others prefer something more whimsical and abstract. (The Japanese have essentially cornered the market on bizarre yet artistic renderings of the dildo.) While modern dildos were once most commonly available in hard plastic and sometimes rubber, they are now manufactured in a variety of materials including latex, silicone, and "jelly".



It’s always good to consider where you will be using your dildo – that is, on what part of the body and in what setting. If you prefer a vibrating dildos, be sure yours is the waterproof variety before you take it into the water. (If you electrocute yourself while getting off in the tub, your morgue shot might end up somewhere embarrassing, like rotten.com.) Some dildos actually light up – which is convenient if you drop your dildo under the bed, but potentially embarrassing if you’re using it somewhere public after dark.