Dildos
Dildos are insertable sex toys shaped for penetration of the vagina or anus. They do not vibrate unless specifically designed to do so. Dildos are used for the physical sensation of penetration, fullness, and internal pressure, and are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials to suit different anatomies and preferences.
Dildos Quick Facts
- Category: Sex Toys
- Common Materials: Body-safe silicone, dual-density silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, ABS plastic, TPE
- Typical Sizes: Insertable lengths from 8 cm to 30 cm or more; diameter from 2.5 cm to 8 cm and beyond
- Power: Manual (no motor); vibrating dildos are a separate powered subcategory
- Key Features: Insertable shaft for penetration, flared base for anal safety, suction cup base for hands-free use on many models, harness-compatible bases on strap-on designs
Why Choose Dildos
- Penetration and fullness without vibration. Many people prefer the sensation of penetration and internal pressure without vibration. Dildos provide exactly this: the physical feel of being filled and penetrated, controlled entirely by the person using the toy. Speed, angle, depth, and rhythm are all in the user's hands.
- Available in a much wider range of sizes than vibrators. Because dildos do not contain motors, they can be made in sizes from very slim beginner options through to very large sizes that would be impractical to house a motor in. The dildo category covers the full spectrum of human size preference in a way that vibrators do not.
- Multiple materials with distinct feels. Silicone is soft and flexible. Glass and stainless steel are firm and smooth, transmit temperature, and can be chilled or warmed before use. Dual-density silicone mimics the feel of an erect penis with a firm core and soft outer layer. No other sex toy category offers this range of material experience.
- Used with strap-on harnesses for partnered penetration. Dildos with a compatible base are used in strap-on harnesses to allow penetration of any orifice by any partner combination, regardless of anatomy. This is one of the primary use cases for dildos in partnered sex.
- Hands-free use with a suction cup base. Dildos with a suction cup base mount to smooth flat surfaces and can be ridden or used without holding the toy. This frees both hands for other stimulation during solo use.
Types of Dildos
Realistic dildos are shaped and textured to closely resemble a penis, including surface veining, a defined glans, and realistic skin tones. They are made from silicone, dual-density silicone, or TPE. Dual-density versions have a firm inner core and soft outer layer that compresses realistically under pressure. Browse the full realistic dildos collection for anatomically accurate designs across a range of sizes.
Non-realistic dildos have a smooth, uniform shaft without anatomical detail. These prioritise comfortable insertion and internal stimulation without the aesthetic of a realistic penis. They are available in abstract shapes, non-skin colours, and minimalist designs that many people prefer for both aesthetic and practical reasons.
Glass dildos are made from borosilicate glass, the same material used in laboratory glassware, which is body-safe, non-porous, and completely smooth. Glass is firm with no flex, transmits temperature precisely, and can be heated in warm water or chilled in the fridge before use for temperature play. Glass dildos are also easy to clean and do not degrade over time.
Anal dildos are designed specifically for anal use and always have a flared base to prevent full insertion. They tend to be smoother and less textured than vaginal dildos, as the rectum is more sensitive to texture. Slim tapered designs and graduated shapes are common in this category. See the anal dildos collection for designs made specifically for anal use.
Strap-on dildos have a flared or O-ring compatible base for use with strap-on harnesses. They allow any partner to penetrate vaginally or anally regardless of anatomy. Most are made from body-safe silicone and are available in a range of sizes and shapes to suit different harness types and receiving partner preferences.
Suction cup dildos have a strong suction cup at the base that mounts to smooth flat surfaces such as tiles, glass, or mirror. They can be ridden hands-free or used against a wall or floor in various positions. The suction cup base on most models is also O-ring compatible for harness use.
Thrusting dildos have a motorised mechanism that moves the shaft in and out automatically, replicating penetrative thrusting without manual effort. These are a powered subcategory of dildos that combine the insertable shape of a dildo with automatic movement.
Fantasy dildos are shaped as non-realistic forms including animal, creature, or abstract designs. They are made from body-safe silicone and vary widely in size, texture, and shape. They are popular with people who want the physical sensation of penetration in a design that does not resemble a human penis.
Dildos Selection Guide
| If you want | Look for |
|---|---|
| A first dildo for vaginal use | A smooth silicone dildo around 3.5 to 4 cm diameter and 14 cm insertable length |
| Realistic look and feel | A dual-density silicone realistic dildo with surface detail |
| Temperature play | A borosilicate glass or stainless steel dildo |
| Anal use with safety base | A tapered anal dildo with a wide flared base |
| Strap-on use with a harness | A silicone dildo with an O-ring compatible flared base |
| Hands-free mounting on surfaces | A dildo with a strong suction cup base |
| Automatic thrusting motion | A motorised thrusting dildo |
| Non-anatomical or fantasy design | A fantasy dildo in body-safe silicone |
Who Buys Dildos
Dildos are used by people of all genders and orientations. People with vaginas use them for penetrative masturbation, G-spot stimulation, and to experience fullness alongside clitoral vibration from a separate toy. People with anuses use anal dildos for internal stimulation and prostate access. Couples use dildos in strap-on harnesses for partnered penetration across any combination of bodies.
People who prefer the sensation of penetration without vibration buy dildos rather than vibrators. The absence of a motor means full control over pace, depth, and pressure rests entirely with the person using the toy, which many people find produces a more responsive and customisable experience than a powered toy.
People interested in temperature play buy glass or stainless steel dildos specifically for the ability to warm or cool the toy before use. This sensation is distinct from anything a silicone toy can produce and is a primary reason people choose non-silicone dildos.
People who want harness-compatible penetrative toys for strap-on sex buy silicone dildos with appropriate bases as the core component of any strap-on setup. The dildo choice significantly affects the experience for both partners and is chosen based on the receiving partner's size preferences and comfort.
Choosing Dildos
Size is the most important decision. Choose a diameter and insertable length based on what you know you are comfortable with. If you are new to penetrative toys, start smaller than you think you need. It is easier to move up in size than to discover a toy is uncomfortable to use. For anal use specifically, start with a smaller diameter than you would for vaginal use.
Material determines feel and maintenance. Silicone is soft, flexible, and easy to clean. Dual-density silicone feels more realistic. Glass and stainless steel are firm, smooth, and temperature-responsive but have no flex. TPE is softer than silicone but porous and harder to sanitise fully. For any toy used anally, non-porous materials are strongly recommended.
Base design for intended use. For anal use, a flared base is non-negotiable for safety. For harness use, confirm the base is O-ring compatible and check the base diameter against your harness. For hands-free surface mounting, confirm the suction cup is strong and suited to the type of surface you plan to use.
Curve for G-spot or prostate targeting. A straight dildo does not reliably contact the G-spot or prostate during use. If internal targeted stimulation is your goal, choose a dildo with a pronounced upward curve. If you simply want fullness and penetration without targeting a specific area, a straight shaft works well.
Looking After Your Dildos
Clean your dildo before and after every use with warm water and toy cleaner or mild unscented soap. Non-porous materials including silicone, glass, and stainless steel can be fully sterilised. Silicone dildos without electronic components can be boiled for 3 minutes or run through a dishwasher without detergent. Glass and stainless steel can also be boiled or dishwashed.
Use water-based lubricant with silicone dildos. Silicone-based lubricant degrades silicone over time. Glass and stainless steel are compatible with all lubricant types including silicone-based, which is longer-lasting and may be preferred for extended sessions.
Store dildos in a clean pouch or storage bag to keep them free from dust and away from contact with other silicone toys. Glass and metal dildos should be stored where they cannot roll or fall and chip or scratch. Check glass dildos for chips or cracks before every use and discard any that show surface damage.
Goes Well With
A clitoral vibrator used externally while a dildo is held internally is one of the most common and effective combinations for people who want simultaneous internal and external stimulation without a dual-stimulation toy. Both toys can be adjusted independently to find the right balance.
Water-based lubricant is essential for comfortable dildo use, particularly for anal use where the body produces no natural lubrication. Apply generously before insertion and reapply during use. For glass and metal dildos, silicone-based lubricant is also an option and lasts longer between applications.
A strap-on harness paired with a compatible dildo creates a complete penetrative setup for couples. Harness fit and dildo base compatibility should be confirmed before purchasing both items separately.
Read Up
For guidance on how to introduce penetrative toys into partnered sex, including how to discuss preferences around size, pace, and comfort with a partner, read the Lovva guide on how to introduce toys to your partner. The advice applies to dildo use in solo and partnered contexts.
Shop Dildos
Lovva stocks a full range of dildos including realistic designs, smooth non-anatomical styles, glass dildos, anal dildos, strap-on compatible options, suction cup bases, thrusting dildos, and fantasy designs. All products are made from body-safe materials and ship in discreet, unbranded packaging worldwide. Browse the full collection above to filter by type, material, and size.
Dildos are insertable sex toys shaped for penetration of the vagina or anus. They do not vibrate unless specifically designed to do so. Dildos are used for the physical sensation of penetration, fullness, and internal pressure, and are available in...
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a dildo and a vibrator?
A dildo is an insertable toy designed for penetration that does not vibrate unless it is specifically a vibrating dildo. It provides the physical sensation of fullness, penetration, and internal pressure, controlled entirely by the person using it. A vibrator produces rhythmic vibration and may or may not be insertable depending on the design. Many vibrators are shaped for external clitoral use rather than penetration. If you want penetration without vibration and full manual control over pace and depth, a dildo is the right choice. If you want vibration added to penetration, a vibrating dildo covers both.
Do I need a flared base on a dildo for anal use?
Yes, without exception. The anus does not have a natural stopping point the way the vagina does, and the rectum can draw objects fully inside through involuntary muscle contractions. Any toy used anally must have a flared base, T-bar, or retrieval cord that is wider than the body of the toy and sits outside the body during use. Never use a vaginal dildo anally unless it has a flared base. Using a toy anally without a flared base is a genuine medical safety risk.
What size dildo should I start with?
For vaginal use, a diameter of around 3.5 cm and an insertable length of 12 to 14 cm is a practical starting point for people new to penetrative toys. For anal use, start narrower, around 2.5 to 3 cm diameter, as the anus requires more gradual accommodation. Starting smaller than you think you need is always the right approach. You can progress to larger sizes once you know a particular size is comfortable. Choosing a size based on what looks impressive rather than what your body can accommodate comfortably leads to an unpleasant first experience.
Can I use a dildo with a strap-on harness?
Yes, provided the dildo has a base that is compatible with the harness O-ring system. Most strap-on harnesses hold the dildo in place via an O-ring that the base of the dildo passes through. Before buying, check the diameter of the dildo's base against the O-ring size of your harness. A base that is too small will slip through during use. Many silicone dildos are labelled as harness-compatible and specify the base diameter in the product description.
What is the difference between glass and silicone dildos?
Silicone dildos are flexible, soft against internal tissue, and available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They are body-safe, non-porous, and easy to clean, but do not transmit temperature and cannot be warmed or cooled for temperature play. Glass dildos made from borosilicate glass are completely firm with no flex, completely smooth, and transmit temperature precisely. They can be warmed in hot water or cooled in the fridge before use for a distinct temperature sensation. Glass is also non-porous and extremely easy to sterilise. The right choice depends on whether you prefer softness and flexibility or firmness and temperature responsiveness.