Using a dildo can take some getting used to, especially if you haven’t dabbled much in penetration. This is why we suggest beginning with something on the smaller side to make insertion a little easier. Dildos can range in sizes as little as 4 inches and as large as 18 inches. This is why it’s important to pay attention to the measurements on the product page before you buy your new dildo. If you’re still not sure what you’ll be working with, use your trusty ruler to get a visualisation.

Use Lube with your Dildo

Lube is your best friend when it comes to using a dildo (or any sex toy for that matter). A generous helping of lubricant will make your playtime feel even more amazing and give your dildo the slippery ease it needs to glide around your erogenous zones.

If your dildo is made out of glass or metal, feel free to use whichever lubricant you’d like including the silicone, water-based or oil-based kinds. If your dildo is made out of silicone however, make sure you are using a water-based lube only. For more information, read our beginner’s guide to lube.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Properly Use a Dildo

How to insert a dildo

1. Lube up

We said it before but seriously, use lube. Start by covering the tip of the dildo with your fave lubricant, using your hand to spread it down the shaft and don’t be shy, you can never have too much.

2. Take your time

Start slowly and spend some time getting used to the dildo around your genitals.

If you are planning on using it in your vagina, try some external stimulation before penetration by rubbing the dildo along your labia and gently against your clitoris. This will “warm you up”, so to speak, for using a dildo inside you for G-spot stimulation.

The same goes for anal play. Slow stimulation around the anus, butt cheeks and perineum will help to prepare the anus for penetration and pleasure. Make sure your dildo has a tapered end, you’ve used the bathroom beforehand and avoid using your sex toy on any other area once it has been inserted into the anus.

3. See what pleasure you can find

Once you’re ready, spread your labia or butt cheeks using your spare hand (or ask your partner if they’re around) and slowly insert your dildo into your vagina or anus. If you only want to insert a couple of inches at a time then go ahead, this is your playtime so do what feels right for you. For explosive results, use a thrusting motion at an angle which stimulates the G-spot on the front wall of the vagina or alternatively, the P-spot on the front wall of the anus of someone with a prostate.

How to masturbate with a dildo

Whether you’re riding solo or partaking in some mutual masturbation with your partner in crime, your sesh can be made even hotter with a dildo. The best part about masturbation is that you are in complete control of your pleasure so you can explore different techniques and positions as much as you like.

Try thrusting the dildo inside you slowly and then building up speed or experiment with how deep you go each time to see what you’re in the mood for. If you’re up for multitasking, one hand can be in charge of penetrating with the dildo and the free one can be stimulating your other erogenous zones. Throw in a vibrator to the mix and you’ll be laughing.

Don’t just stick to the same positions either. Move around and find angles which can lead to a deep penetration or different kind of stimulation. The world is your oyster when it comes to a dildo.

How to Ride a Dildo

Riding a dildo on your own is not only excellent for getting your kicks, but a great way to practise the real deal as well. Trying different positions will help you learn what you like and what angles bring you the most pleasure so you can then show your partner when it comes time for penetrative sex with them.

There are a number of ways you can ride a dildo. One of the most popular is while it’s fitted into a strap-on harness and used with a partner.

Other Great Ways and Positions to Use a Dildo

Using a Dildo in the Bathroom

If you have a suction cup dildo, you can attach it to your shower wall and use it standing up or alternatively, try it attached to the floor of your bathtub and lower yourself onto it to ride.

Temperature Play

Some of the most popular dildos are made from metal and glass. The best part about them? They can easily be warmed up or cooled down so you can experiment with temperature play.

To cool your toy down, place it in a bowl with iced water or on a clean plate in the freezer and wait until it’s as cold as you like, add a silky silicone lube and run your smooth dildo over your nipples, stomach and other erogenous zones.

To heat it up, you can place your toy in a bowl or pot of hot water. When you’re ready to use, make sure it is not too hot for the sensitive areas you may be planning on stimulating.