A dildo is a [sex toy](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sex-toy-guide) designed for penetration, but it can be used in many ways. Dildos are generally phallic-shaped with a defined tip to resemble a human penis. Dildos come in many different styles, materials, girths, and lengths. A dildo can enhance many sexual experiences, including clitoral stimulation, vaginal penetration, and anal penetration.

There are nine common types of dildos:

1. __Hard__: Hard dildos are made with non-flexible materials like glass, stainless steel, or even crystal. These harder dildos can be great for stimulating very specific areas, like the A-spot.
2. __Soft__: Soft dildos are typically made from silicone and are more flexible or even squishy. 
3. __Representational__: Also known as realistic dildos, representational dildos are designed to look just like a human penis—some even have testicles. 
4. __Non-representational__: These dildos do not necessarily look like a human penis. They might have a subtle, rounded shape or look like a kinky object.
5. __Vibrating__: Vibrating dildos are generally made of silicone and feature a bullet vibrator inside. 
6. __Double-ended__: These toys are designed to be used by an individual (both vaginally and anally) or by two partners simultaneously. 
7. __Strap-on__: Many dildos can work with or without a harness or strap, but if you want to try a wearable [strap-on dildo](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/strap-on-dildos-explained), check to make sure the base of your dildo is compatible with a harness. 
8. __Pack-and-play__: Part sex toy and part prosthetic, pack-and-play dildos are designed to be worn with a harness under your pants to create a realistic bulge or pack. When you're ready to play with your partner, you can bend the dildo into an erect position.
9. __Suction cup__: Featuring a suction cup at the base, this type of dildo can attach to a surface, allowing for hands-free penetration.
If you're using a dildo for the first time, be sure to read the manufacturer's directions since different materials will react differently to lube and heat. In general, here's how to use a dildo:

1. __Clean the dildo__. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Some dildos can be boiled, while others should be cleaned with soap and water or a special sex toy cleaner. 
2. __Warm up the dildo__. Unless you're going for temperature play, a warm dildo will feel best against your skin. Check the manufacturer's suggestions to see if your dildo can be run under warm water.
3. __Add lube__. To decrease friction between your skin and the dildo, use plenty of lubrication. Water-based [lube](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-lube) is generally safe for silicone toys but needs to be reapplied often. Silicone-based lube lasts longer and is a good option for glass or steel dildos.
4. __Start with foreplay__. Like all sexual activities, using a dildo can be greatly enhanced by [foreplay](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/foreplay-guide). Start by rubbing the lubricated dildo on you or your partner's inner thigh. Lightly caress the anus, clitoris, and/or vaginal opening with the tip of the dildo before going for full-on vaginal or anal penetration.
5. __Try penetration__. Any type of play can involve a dildo, including masturbation or sex with a partner. If penetration is the goal, go slowly, especially when using a large dildo.
6. __Clean up__. You'll want to clean the dildo the same way you did in the first step, then store it somewhere safe.
Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast *Sex With Emily*). 
A dildo is a popular penetrative sex toy that can bring any sexual experience—solo or partnered—to a new level.

A dildo is a popular penetrative sex toy that can bring any sexual experience—solo or partnered—to a new level.


How to Use a Dildo: 9 Types of Dildos

A dildo is a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sex-toy-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/sex-toy-guide","linkCopy":"sex toy","category":null}'>sex toy</a> designed for penetration, but it can be used in many ways. Dildos are generally phallic-shaped with a defined tip to resemble a human penis. Dildos come in many different styles, materials, girths, and lengths. A dildo can enhance many sexual experiences, including clitoral stimulation, vaginal penetration, and anal penetration.

What Is a Dildo?

There are nine common types of dildos:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Hard: Hard dildos are made with non-flexible materials like glass, stainless steel, or even crystal. These harder dildos can be great for stimulating very specific areas, like the A-spot. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Soft: Soft dildos are typically made from silicone and are more flexible or even squishy. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Representational: Also known as realistic dildos, representational dildos are designed to look just like a human penis—some even have testicles. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Non-representational: These dildos do not necessarily look like a human penis. They might have a subtle, rounded shape or look like a kinky object. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Vibrating: Vibrating dildos are generally made of silicone and feature a bullet vibrator inside. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Double-ended: These toys are designed to be used by an individual (both vaginally and anally) or by two partners simultaneously. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Strap-on: Many dildos can work with or without a harness or strap, but if you want to try a wearable <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/strap-on-dildos-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/strap-on-dildos-explained","linkCopy":"strap-on dildo","category":null}'>strap-on dildo</a>, check to make sure the base of your dildo is compatible with a harness. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 8. Pack-and-play: Part sex toy and part prosthetic, pack-and-play dildos are designed to be worn with a harness under your pants to create a realistic bulge or pack. When you&#39;re ready to play with your partner, you can bend the dildo into an erect position. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 9. Suction cup: Featuring a suction cup at the base, this type of dildo can attach to a surface, allowing for hands-free penetration. </li></ol>

9 Types of Dildos

If you&#39;re using a dildo for the first time, be sure to read the manufacturer&#39;s directions since different materials will react differently to lube and heat. In general, here&#39;s how to use a dildo:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Clean the dildo. Follow the manufacturer&#39;s directions. Some dildos can be boiled, while others should be cleaned with soap and water or a special sex toy cleaner. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Warm up the dildo. Unless you&#39;re going for temperature play, a warm dildo will feel best against your skin. Check the manufacturer&#39;s suggestions to see if your dildo can be run under warm water. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Add lube. To decrease friction between your skin and the dildo, use plenty of lubrication. Water-based <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-lube' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-lube","linkCopy":"lube","category":null}'>lube</a> is generally safe for silicone toys but needs to be reapplied often. Silicone-based lube lasts longer and is a good option for glass or steel dildos. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Start with foreplay. Like all sexual activities, using a dildo can be greatly enhanced by <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/foreplay-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/foreplay-guide","linkCopy":"foreplay","category":null}'>foreplay</a>. Start by rubbing the lubricated dildo on you or your partner&#39;s inner thigh. Lightly caress the anus, clitoris, and/or vaginal opening with the tip of the dildo before going for full-on vaginal or anal penetration. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Try penetration. Any type of play can involve a dildo, including masturbation or sex with a partner. If penetration is the goal, go slowly, especially when using a large dildo. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Clean up. You&#39;ll want to clean the dildo the same way you did in the first step, then store it somewhere safe. </li></ol>

How to Use a Dildo in 6 Steps

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).

Let’s Talk About Sex

A dildo is a popular penetrative sex toy that can bring any sexual experience—solo or partnered—to a new level.