Dildos and vibrators are part of the long and noble human sexual tradition, and they show no signs of slowing down! But the science and the myth of this fabled phallus have made choosing the right dildo or vibrator tricky. Which design or materials are best for you? Let’s take a fresh look at the world’s most popular sex toy.
The vibrator currently comes in a variety of styles, including:
Realistic: These lifelike dildos tend to be soft, less firm than even jelly dildos. Rigorous cleaning is needed with this very porous material, but they do deliver a realistic and gratifying experience.
Rabbit: Perhaps the most widely known dildo today is the Rabbit, also called Jack Rabbit Vibrators. What makes the Rabbit instantly identifiable is also what makes it so special and so popular. This two-pronged design stimulates the vaginal wall and the clitoris simultaneously. Using a rotating or oscillating shaft and vibrating “bunny ears” to achieve this unique double stimulation, the Rabbit comes in a variety of shapes, materials, colors and design variations. This popular device also comes in a variety of strengths, for the inexperienced and the seasoned sensualist. Jack Rabbit vibrators combine the best of both worlds; vibrators and stimulators.
G-spot vibrators: Available in different materials and various strengths, this vibrator is designed to stimulate the g-spot through direct internal contact.
Clitoral stimulators:
Clitoral stimulators include; the teaser, the hummer, the exciter, the pump, the scoop, the oral sex simulator and many others. Butterfly vibrators are worn like panties. These products are generally designed for external stimulation only.
The Bullet: Bullets are popular for use alone or as a couples toy, with one partner holding the bullet and another works the controls. Also popular as the slightly larger Egg.
Vibrators off all the various styles come in an array of materials, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Hard plastic / acrylic: Hard, inflexible and non-porous, a dildo or vibrator made out of these types of material is a quick and easy tool when you don’t want a lot of hassle or cleanup.
Glass: Colorful blown glass and artful design make them look more like works of art. They’re safe to use and easy to clean. They’re non-porous to encourage hygiene. They can be heated or frozen to produce different effects during foreplay or penetration. They often cost a bit more, but they are built to last.
Silicone: These expensive models are often among the highest quality. They have a very realistic feel and retain body heat for added pleasure and realism. They are non-porous and hypoallergenic and are dishwasher safe.
Jelly: This affordable material is popularly used in making dildos. The extreme flexibility lends a unique sense of comfort. But they are extremely porous and must be cleaned thoroughly and consistently. Condom use is sometimes suggested with dildos of this sort.
Latex: Softer than silicone, but less expensive. Latex is also porous, and some women have proven to have allergic reactions.
Cyberskin: Usually a combination of silicone and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), this is a very effective simulation of the real deal. But extra care is required, as this material is very porous. As with other silicone-based products, only use a water-based lubricant.
Let’s take a brief at what led the vibrator to its place at the top of the sex toy chain. The world’s first dildo is believed to date back to 26,000 BCE, was eleven inches long and made of siltstone. Steam-powered “manipulators” appeared in the 1700s. Dildos have chained with every major technological shift, especially in the last fifty years, when the industrial revolution produced new and cheaper plastics. Today, dildos remain more popular than ever: roughly 36% of the sex toy industry’s $15 billion haul comes from sales of dildos and vibrators.
Along with all that history, inevitably, comes some myth; and the case of the dildo is no exception. Here are just a few unfortunate and unfounded concerns about vibrator use:
Will a vibrator make achieving orgasm through natural intercourse impossible? There is no evidence that using a vibrator will somehow spoil a woman for regular sex or render her clitoris unresponsive. Occupational safety studies, which investigate the impact on tissues of holding a vibrating tool for various lengths of time, prove it. After 30 minutes, the maximum recommended usage time of the average vibrator, no damage had been reported.
Another myth is that vibrator use is so effective that many women simply lose interest in men entirely. No. Men are valuable to women and attractive to them for reasons beyond their penises. No mere toy can truly replace human companionship for those who crave it.
Many associate dildo and vibrator use with people who are lonely or social outcasts. But over 50% of American women have used them, and married women are more likely to use them (roughly 50%) than single women (roughly 28%).
Always wash your vibrator with warm water and gentle liquid soap. Spray with a specialized anti-bacterial toy cleaner, making sure to get into the tiny crevices and parts of the toy your water washing may have missed. Always make sure to completely dry your dildo before putting it way to prevent mold or mildew. If you use a dildo made out of a porous material like Cyberskin, take extra care and diligence to wash it thoroughly, and then sprinkle a little cornstarch to keep it from getting sticky. If you use a silicon-type product, never use silicon-based lubricant, as it can break down the silicon material of your toy! If your vibrator is battery powered, take extra care around the battery housing. Never submerge electrical components in water. Also, check regularly for cracks. If the toy is damaged, simply replace it! With all the different materials and design styles, you may want to experiment with a few to see which suits you best!
