Dildo

Lauren Benefico = =

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= = = = = = = = = = ** DILDOS ** = = = = = =

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = __**Definition**__ =

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A dildo is a phallic shaped sex toy that is utilized for penetration during sex play for pleasure. In general, dildos are modeled after the male penis, even though many are unrealistic to size or shape. __**Uses**__ Dildos have a variety of uses in terms of sexual play. Dildos are used for penetration in the vagina, anus, and mouth. Dildos are used during solo masturbation, heterosexual partner activities and homosexual partner activities. For activities with a partner, many dildos can be placed into a harness or strap-on in order to simulate sexual intercourse (Babeland 2011). __**Usage Tips and Safety Precautions**__ · Dildos must be properly disinfected after each use. The specific cleaning instructions for each material should be followed. · When using a dildo on multiple orifices, disinfecting should take place or a new condom should be put on before switching. · When sharing dildos with partners disinfecting should take place of a new condom should be put on before switching. · Using a lubricant that works well with your material of choice will provide a better experience. __**Types of Dildos**__ Traditional Dildos- these are simple dildos that are designed for insertion. Their shape is modeled after a penis, but come in all shapes and sizes. These can be made out of a variety of materials. Smaller dildos are often use for anal penetration, but can be used vaginally and orally as well. Vibrating dildos have become very popular and many have removable vibrating parts for easy cleaning . Realistic- These dildos are also modeled after a penis, but in shape, size, look and feel. Many of this type of dildo include testicles at the base. These dildos are usually made out of latex rubber, jelly, cyberskin, or vixskin.

Curved- Curved dildos are designed in order to stimulate a women’s G spot vaginally or to stimulate a man’s prostate gland rectally. As the name indicates, this type of dildo has a curve in the design.

Strap on dildos- Many dildos are designed to be placed into a harness which is then strapped onto a person’s body. Strap on dildos allow users to simulate sexual intercourse or fellacio (USCB 2007).

Butt plug- this type of dildo is designed to be used for anal play. Butt plugs are designed in order to prevent damage of the rectum by using large bases to avoid over insertion.

__**Materials of Dildos**__ Dildos can be made of a wide variety of materials. Different materials have different appeals to users. The largest considerations to think of when choosing a sex toy are ability to be disinfected, chemical usage, and personal preference. Many sex toys cannot be disinfected due to the use of phthalate’s within the toy. Phthalates are plasticizing chemicals that soften the plastics that are used in countless products. In sex toys, phthalates can cause the material to break down, release chemicals into the body and trap dirt and bacteria within the sex toy itself (Babeland 2011). **Different Materials:** __Silicon____e__: Silicone is one of the most popular materials for dildos. It is smooth and very comfortable to use. It is a non-porous, pliable, and durable material. Silicone warms very quickly which can be pleasurable for the body. In addition silicone is great for users with allergies because it is hypoallergenic. Cleaning is very easy as silicone toys can be boiled or put in the dishwasher for full disinfecting (UCSB 2007). __Rubber__: Toys made of this material are firm and sturdy and often are used for strap on dildos. Rubber is an inexpensive material so costs are kept low. However, rubber cannot be disinfected to do phthalates within the material. Condoms should be utilized in order to avoid issues with these chemicals. __Jelly:__ Toys made of jelly are squishy, pliable and can feel very realistic. Due to high phthalate usage, jelly toys are highly porous and can be slightly toxic to humans. It is highly advised that condoms are used over these toys in order to avoid any issues with these chemicals and for ease of disinfecting (Good Vibrations 2011). __Silicone/Rubber Mixes__: These toys are popular due to their extra durability and lesser cost. Since it is a combination of silicone and rubber there is a chance that phthalates can be contained. These toys should be used with a condom in order to be on the safe side. __Softskin__- Also called cyberskin this is a material that looks and feels very similar to human skin. It has an interesting balance of firm and flexible and feels very realistic. One type cyberskin can be very difficult to clean. It is recommended to use a condom while using and then wash and dry the dildo. The only problem is that softskin gets sticky after this process so must either be placed in a plastic bag or dusted with cornstarch. Vixskin, one brand of softskin dildos is easier to disinfect by boiling for 5-10 minutes and does not get sticky. __Hard Materials (Hard plastic, Lucite, Acrylic, Glass, Metal and Ceramic)__: These toys are completely hard and have smooth, sleek textures. These toys are safe for used but should be examined for cracks before each use to avoid accidents. These toys can be cleaned by using soap and water. They should not be boiled __**History**__

Although dildos have been used throughout history archeologists have been shy to admit these facts due to the cultural stigma that goes against a sexualized society. Because of this there is little historical information relate to dildos and their uses. The word dildo dates back to the 1500s which means that some form of dildos were around then, even though there is not much historical record. During this time many Mid-Eastern countries use dried camel dung coated with hard resin as dildos. Other early dildos were made of stone, wood, and tar (Go Ask Alice 2008). The oldest dildo on record dates almost 30,000 years old and was discovered in a cave near Ulm, Germany. During the mid 1800s women were advised to use “therapeutic devices” shaped like phalluses in order to alleviate stress and irritability. As the 20th century came, women’s magazines began to advertise dildos as a cure for anxiety and female tension. As time passed, dildos have become widely recognized for being sex toys, although the benefits of less stress may be true regardless (Sex Scrolls 2001).

__**References**__ Babe Land, (April 2011)Dildos. Retrieved from [] Go Ask Alice: Colombia (June 2008) History of Dildos. Retrieved from [] Good Vibrations: Making the World a Sexier Place, (April 2011) How to Choose a Dildo. Retrieved from [] Sex Scrolls, (May 2001) The History of the Dildo. Retrieved from [] UCSB SexInfo Online, (September 2007) Guide to Dildos and Anal Plugs. Retrieved from []