Dildos are one of the most versatile and popular sex toys Afterglow offers. Whether you’re exploring solo pleasure or looking to enhance partnered play, understanding the different types, how to use them safely, and what options are available can help you make the best choice for your desires. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about dildos, including realistic, nonrealistic, thrusting, and vibrating dildos, so you can explore with confidence and shop with ease.
What Is a Dildo?
A dildo is a phallic-shaped sex toy designed for penetrative stimulation, either vaginally or anally. Unlike vibrators, many dildos are non-powered, but some models include vibration for added sensation. Dildos come in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and materials to suit different preferences.
Types of Dildos
1. Realistic Dildos
Realistic dildos are designed to mimic the appearance, texture, and sometimes even the weight of a natural penis. They often include details like veins, a defined head, and skin-like materials for a lifelike experience. These toys are popular for users who want visual and tactile realism during solo or partnered play. Toys like the Xander use body safe silicone to create a soft, smooth, realistic feeling and give users the option of lifelike visual preference. Afterglow has many realistic dildos ranging from 5 to 12 inches in size and including veins, skin tone, and definition.
2. Vibrating Dildos
Vibrating dildos combine penetration with vibration, delivering extra stimulation to increase pleasure. Vibrating dildos at Afterglow have multiple speed and pattern settings, allowing you to customize the intensity and rhythm of sensations. They can be used alone or incorporated into partnered play for added excitement and intensify pleasure by increasing stimulation to the G-Spot or Prostate in toys like the Taliesin.
3. Other Variants
Dildos can also vary by material, size, and shape. Some common options at Afterglow include:
-
Glass Dildos – Smooth, rigid, and does not retain bacteria, great for temperature play like the Serenity
-
Silicone dildos – soft, flexible, and body-safe, perfect for beginners and pros alike
-
Curved or angled dildos – designed to target internal pleasure points like the G-spot or prostate, perfect for strap-on use like the Ashton
-
Nonrealistic or Creature Dildos - with many different shapes, sizes, and appearances these dildos give users an opportunity to prioritize personal preferences and/or try something new with their partners using products like the Gaby
How to Use a Dildo Safely
Using a dildo safely is key to enjoying it comfortably and avoiding injury. When shopping at Afterglow, keep these tips in mind:
-
Use plenty of lube – Lube is essential for penetration, especially for anal play or firmer materials. When using toys, you want to stick with a water based lube like Oronova to prevent damaging the silicone of the toy.
-
Start slow – Go at your own pace to ensure comfort and pleasure. Start with some foreplay to make sure both parties are turned on and ready for the next step.
-
Clean thoroughly – Wash your dildo before and after each use with mild soap or toy cleaner (sold at Afterglow!). Additionally, if you are using a dildo with multiple partners, you can use condoms like Kimono Microthin
-
Check material safety – Avoid porous or low-quality materials, which can harbor bacteria. The dildos at Afterglow are made with body safe silicone to ensure user health and product quality.
-
Store properly – keep your dildo in a clean, dry space, ideally in a storage pouch.
Remember, safe play is pleasurable play!
Choosing the Right Dildo for You
When selecting your first dildo, consider:
-
Material – soft silicone for comfort or firm, smooth glass for temperature play (Afterglow has options!)
-
Size – start with smaller sizes if you’re a beginner; you can work up to larger options.
-
Features – vibration, suction base, or texture can enhance your experience.
-
Purpose – solo use, partner play, or strap-on compatibility.
Experimenting with different types and features can help you learn what feels best and provide a more enjoyable experience overall.
Using Dildos in Solo and Partnered Play
Dildos can be used in a variety of ways, making them a versatile addition to both solo and partnered experiences. For solo use, dildos allow users to explore penetration at their own pace, helping them learn what angles, depths, and motions feel best. Many people find that adjusting positions, using an external vibrator like the Butterfly, or using a suction base on a flat surface enhances the experience and builds confidence.
In partnered play, dildos can be incorporated as a way to add variety, increase pleasure, or explore new dynamics together. They can be used during foreplay, as an extension of intimacy, or as part of strap-on play depending on the toy and relationship dynamic. Open communication with your partner about comfort, boundaries, and preferences is key to ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved. Afterglow has harnesses, vibrating cock rings, and lube that make for easy and fun partner experiences.
Regardless of how a dildo is used, the most important factors are comfort, consent, and curiosity. Taking time to explore different positions, sensations, and styles can help users feel more confident and connected to their bodies, making dildos a valuable tool for pleasure and self-discovery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dildo comes down to your preferences, comfort, and desired sensations. Afterglow carries a wide variety of dildos to make customer experiences as enjoyable as possible. Shopping in store at Afterglow ensures that you can feel and see dildo choices before buying them, increasing user satisfaction. Beginners may prefer a soft, realistic silicone dildo, while more advanced users might enjoy vibrating or specialized dildos with unique shapes and features. It all comes down to what you want!
