Dildos

“I wasn’t sure about buying a realistic one, but I’m really glad I did. The dual-density one is soft on the outside and firm inside, it warms up quickly and feels really natural. So much better than the cheap plastic one I had before.” Siobhan, Cork

Realistic dildos are shaped like the real thing, with a detailed tip, veins and often balls. The best ones use dual-density silicone: a soft, squishy outer layer over a firmer core, so they bend a little but still give you something to work with. They warm up to body temperature quickly, which makes a big difference to how natural they feel.

Vibrating dildos give you the full feeling of a classic dildo with a motor built into the shaft. Most have several speeds and patterns, from a gentle buzz to a deep rumble, and a curved tip helps them reach the G-spot or prostate. Some also come with a remote, so your partner can take over the controls.

“The suction cup is really strong. It stays put on the shower tiles and on the floor, so I can go hands-free and try different angles at my own pace. It also fits my harness, which makes nights with my partner a lot more fun.” Chloe, Galway

Suction cup dildos stick to any smooth, flat surface: tiles, glass, a door or a laminate floor. That frees up your hands and lets you ride, change angle and control the depth yourself. They’re waterproof too, so the shower is fair game. For the best grip, wet the cup slightly and press it onto a clean surface.

Double-ended dildos have a shaft at each end, so two people can enjoy one toy face to face. They’re popular with lesbian couples, but plenty of straight couples and solo users love them too.

Using a strap-on harness? Look for a dildo with a wide, flat base. Most suction cup dildos fit a standard O-ring harness, and the flared base stops the toy slipping through the ring.

• Silicone: smooth, non-porous, easy to clean and warms up to body temperature. A great all-rounder.
• Glass and metal: firm, heavy and perfect for temperature play. Warm them under the tap or cool them in the fridge.
• TPE and TPR: soft, stretchy and lifelike, and usually cheaper. They’re slightly porous, so clean them well after every use.

The one lube rule to remember: never use silicone lube with a silicone dildo, as it can damage the surface over time. Stick to a good water-based lube. Glass and metal toys are fine with either.

Cleaning: wash your dildo after every use with warm water and mild soap or a toy cleaner, let it dry fully and store it on its own. Different materials touching in a drawer can react and go sticky.