The Lovehoney Guide to Dildos: Dildos for Beginners

Curious about dildos? Find out how a dildo can enhance your solo or couple’s play.

It’s likely you’ve heard of dildos already, but you can never know enough, so here’s your complete guide to the different types of dildos out there - and exactly how to use them.

What is a Dildo?

The perfect addition to solo play and couple’s play, dildos are extremely versatile sex toys. Available in many different colours, shapes and sizes, dildos are designed to provide penetrative pleasure unlike anything else.

Though they don’t always vibrate, dildos are perfectly designed to stimulate your internal erogenous zones, including the G-spot and the P-spot.

So, when you want straightforward yet blissful satisfaction, reach for a dildo.

Should I buy a Dildo?

The short answer: yes.

Whether you’re inviting your lover into the fun, or saving it all for yourself, there are so many benefits to bringing a dildo into the bedroom:

  1. Dildos are incredibly versatile, and there’s bound to be one that’s perfect for you.
  2. Dildos can be an awesome prelude to sex. They can help to get you aroused and warm up your muscles before penetration.
  3. Many dildos are blessed with a suction-cup base - ideal for hands-free fun and use in a strap-on harness.
  4. Dildos with a flared base can be used both vaginally and anally.

How to choose the right Dildo: What is the best Dildo for me?

When you’re starting out with dildos, all you want to do is type ‘nice dildo’ into Google and be presented with a single result which is the perfect dildo for you.

Sadly, the world of dildos (and search) doesn’t work quite like that - but we’ve devised a helpful category system which should help.

Take a look at our guide below to find the best first dildos for you and for the lowdown on the different types of dildos and their features.

Recommended Dildos: The best Dildos for Beginners

What are the different types of Dildos?

Before you figure out which dildo is the best for you, it helps to know exactly what the different kinds of dildo are, and what makes each one unique.

Scroll through our list below which explains everything - in alphabetical order, of course…

Types of Dildos: Anal Dildos

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Anal dildos actually live in the Anal Sex Toys section. They're specifically designed for anal use and there are some important differences between them and a standard dildo.

Anal dildos are often slimmer in girth and are designed to stimulate all those wonderful nerve-endings - especially when it comes to targeting a man's prostate gland. Often anal dildos will have a flared base for added safety.

For a great starter dildo choice, we recommend the BASICS Anal Prober 7 Inch (pictured).

Shop our full range of Anal Sex Toys.

Types of Dildos: Dildo Harnesses and Kits

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If you’re planning on partaking in a spot of pegging or strap-on sex with your partner, then this is where to look! You’ll find a selection of harnesses, some with compatible dildos supplied with them.

Beginners will appreciate the kits as they're easy to use and come ready to wear. If you’ve enjoyed strap-on sex before but are looking to update your harness collection, we have a variety of hard-wearing and durable harnesses that will easily fit compatible dildos that you already own.

Or for a quick pick for beginners, we recommend the Lovehoney Beginner's Strap-On Harness Kit with 5 Inch Pegging Dildo (pictured).

Shop our full range of Strap On Harnesses and Kits.

Types of Dildos: Double-Ended Dildos

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A dildo - with two ends! Although these sex toys look intimidating, they’re great for sharing and are extremely pleasurable. Double-ended dildos come in a range of different dildo sizes and shapes, allowing you to bend and twist them to enjoy different positions or experience the fun of double penetration.

Double enders can easily be enjoyed by two people, or just one person who loves a little extra length from their sex toys.

New to double-ended dildos? We recommend the BASICS Mini Double Penetration Dildo (pictured).

Browse our range of Double-Ended Dildos.

Types of Dildos: Glass Dildos

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Made of solid borosilicate glass, these dildos aren’t as delicate as they look. In fact, glass dildos are very durable and can be used hot or cold, without the fear of them cracking, smashing or chipping.

The firm material is wonderful for G-spot or prostate stimulation, and the smooth glass makes insertion easy and comfortable. Glass dildos are also easy to keep hygienically clean, so they're brilliant for anal use too.

For a great introduction to the world of glass, we recommend the Lovehoney Beaded Sensual Glass Dildo 7 Inch (pictured).

Check out our complete range of Glass Sex Toys.

Types of Dildos: Inflatable Dildos

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Yep, you heard that right - these dildos inflate! Made of flexible latex or rubber, these dildos can be pumped up with air using the attached pump to create a dildo which is huge in both length and girth.

Why would anyone want an inflatable dildo? Because it creates a full-up feeling that stretches you to satisfaction, that's why! For beginners, we recommend starting small so you can experiment slowly but surely until you get to the size you desire.

In a hurry to choose? We recommend the Cock Locker Inflatable Dildo 6 Inch (pictured).

Take a look at our full range of Inflatable Butt Plugs.

Types of Dildos: Large Dildos

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Pretty self-explanatory, the large dildos section contains dildos measuring 7 inches or more in length. It also includes extra girthy dildos, so whether you like it big, long or both, you can find something to suit you.

However, please read the descriptions - some of the large dildos are so MASSIVE that they’re only for the very, very experienced.

If you're ready for some serious girth and length, we recommend the Doc Johnson Bam Black Realistic Large Cock (pictured).

Take a look at our full range of Realistic Dildos.

Types of Dildos: Metal Dildos

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The phrase ‘Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it’ rings very true when it comes to metal dildos. Heavy and rigid, they don’t sound very appealing, but the high-shine finish is easy on the eye and the cool sensation they create feels great when used internally. Metal dildos are also super smooth, allowing for easy penetration, which is great for beginners who might be scared of the sensations.

Leading brand njoy are the masters of metal toys and each product in the range has superb reviews.

Great for beginners, we recommend the njoy Pure Wand Stainless Steel Dildo (pictured).

Check out our complete range of Metal Dildos.

Types of Dildos: Realistic Dildos

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Realistic dildos are incredibly popular because they look like the real thing and, more importantly, they feel like the real thing too. Available in all different sizes and shapes (just like real penises), realistic dildos are good for beginners as they’re easy to handle, easy to use and are shaped to fit perfectly.

The Lovehoney Lifelike Lover Realistic Dildo 6 Inch is ideal as a starter dildo, and its bigger brother, the Lifelike Lover Classic Realistic Dildo 8 Inch, is a great step-up for those who want a little extra.

If you’re a beginner and are after a good starter dildo, we recommend the Lifelike Lover Classic Realistic Dildo 6 Inch (pictured).

Shop our full range of Realistic Dildos.

Types of Dildos: Realistic Dildo Vibrators

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If you've been looking for a realistic dildo vibrator but haven't found it yet, it's perhaps because they actually live in the vibrators section. A realistic dildo vibrator gives you the lifelike feel of a penis but with the addition of delicious vibrations.

Lots of realistic dildo vibrators may be realistic-feeling but bright purple and glittery, while others are moulded from real people’s penises and look even more lifelike.

New to Realistic Dildo Vibrators? Try the Lifelike Lover Classic Realistic Dildo Vibrator 6 Inch (pictured).

Explore our complete range of Realistic Dildo Vibrators.

Plus, if you’re after something a little less realistic, shop Lovehoney’s vibrating dildos here.

Types of Dildos: Silicone Dildos

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Skin-safe, hygienic, boilable, bleachable, hypoallergenic, odourless, tasteless, non-toxic - need we go on? Silicone dildos offer a body-friendly alternative to rubber, which can cause allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to latex.

Smooth and firm, the silicone dildos section is the ideal place to explore if you’re looking to splash your cash on something beautiful and long-lasting.

If you want us to pick one for you, the Lovehoney Earth and Fire Curved Silicone Suction Cup Dildo 7 Inch (pictured) is a beauty.

Discover more silicone dildos in our complete range of Realistic Dildos.

How to use a Dildo

Metal, glass, real-feel, PVC, silicone, plastic, curved, straight, wavy or even moulded from your favourite real-life dong: dildos are ultra-versatile and there’s definitely one out there for you.

No matter which dildo is your favourite, we’ve gathered a handful of our best tips and tricks for peak penetrative pleasure.

So, now you’ve picked a dildo to try, here’s how to use it...

How to use a Dildo: Always use Lube

Dildos are generally designed to be used for penetration, although plenty of them feel amazing on your external intimate areas too. No matter how you choose to play with your dildo, using lubricant will help make it easier to enjoy and more satisfying to use.

Take it from Lovehoney customers. HRSH says:

“This was incredible, and with lots of lube I had the most incredible orgasm as it is nice and filling but not uncomfortable.”

With dildos available in a vast array of materials, your choice of lubricants is practically unlimited. Just remember that water-based lubricant is a must for silicone, rubber and realistic feel (soft plastic) dildos, while glass or metal dildos work with any and all lubricants.

How to use a Dildo: Experiment with Dildo sizes

Dildos also come in a large variety of sizes. We offer dildos with a girth from 4 inches around, all the way up to 10 inches around, but even going from 4 to 5 inches in girth can feel like a huge leap.

To explore the fulfilling sensations of dildos larger than you’re used to, whether they’re 4 inches or 14, start by making sure you’re fully aroused. Play with a toy that’s comfortable for you to insert before making a start with your new, girthier toy - and remember, there’s no need to insert the full length of any toy before you’re ready to do so.

Still not convinced on warming up? Take some advice from this Lovehoney dildo review:

“It definitely takes some warming up to - rushing this would be the worst idea. But I took my time and I was rewarded. I have never felt so full and the sensation of it going in was something I have never felt in my entire life.” - GuitarLover18

If you’re fully aroused, use plenty of lubricant and take your time. Before long you’ll be riding that new dildo like a pro. Learn more about large dildos with our handy guide.

How to use a Dildo: Explore satisfying positions

Whether you’re using a dildo hands-free in a strap-on harness, or using it to stroke your sweet spot from a comfy pose, dildos can open up a whole new world of pleasure. They’re not hampered by things like leg cramps and muscle fatigue, so they make great partners for positions you might find difficult to achieve otherwise.

In terms of multiple play positions, one of the most versatile types of dildos you can get a hold of is one with a suction cup base. Check out our full guide on how to use suction cup dildos to learn more.

How to use a Dildo: Share the fun with a partner

Dildos make a wonderful third player in the bedroom with your partner. Not only are they firm and flexible but you can even get double-ended ones long enough for you both to enjoy at the same time.

Plus, dildos are a superb non-threatening way to explore double-penetration or threesome fantasies with your partner.

Another utterly unique shareable dildo experience is to clone your partner’s penis using a Clone-A-Willy kit. Each kit contains everything you need to make a lifelike, totally functional dildo that’s moulded directly from your partner’s schlong (and they make one for vulvas, too).

Our Lovehoney customers agree:

“By the smile on her face I knew it felt good, and due to the size there was plenty left for me too. It did the job beautifully and it was great to have the same toy inside both of us at the same time!” - Unicorn Thruple

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