What is a dildo?
A dildo is a type of sex toy. Some people use sex toys tomasturbateor have sex with a partner (or both). Dildos are often shaped like a penis, and they come in lots of different sizes, colors, and materials. They’re usually made of soft materials like silicone or rubber, or hard materials like metal, hard plastic, wood, stone, or strong glass.
A different kind of sex toy is a vibrator. Vibrators run on electricity or batteries, and they vibrate (buzz) when you turn them on. Many people like the feeling of vibrations on theirgenitals, especially theclitoris,penis, andanus. Vibrators also come in different shapes, materials, and sizes. Some are shaped so they can be inserted into avaginaor anus. Others are designed to be used on the outside of your body, like on the clitoris or penis. People can get vibrators and other sex toys online, in some drugstores, and at “adult shops” (you may have to be at least 18 years old to go into some stores that sell sex toys).
If you’re using a sex toy with a partner, it’s important to have safer sex to help prevent STDs. If someone who has anSTDuses a sex toy, the body fluids on that toy can spread the infection to another person who uses that toy. So wash any sex toys with mild soap and water after you use them and before they touch another person’s genitals. You can also putcondomson sex toys to keep them clean and prevent the spread of STDs — just change condoms before the toy touches another person’s genitals. And never put a sex toy that’s been in a butt into a vagina or mouth without washing it or changing the condom first. Butt germs can cause STDs and other infections.
There are a lot of myths about sex toys out there, but the fact is it’s totally normal to use sex toys alone or with a partner — no matter your relationship status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
