Sex Definitions / Question
Published: May 23, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
What is a dildo?
Signed: Curious About Dildos
Dear Curious About Dildos,
A dildo is a sex toy. They can take on many shapes and sizes but traditionally, they are shaped roughly like a penis. They can be used by either men or women to stimulate the vagina or anus for sexual arousal. Dildos can be used during masturbation or with a partner.
Dildos can be useful to learn about your sexuality. They allow the person being penetrated to be in complete control of the range, speed and type of motion as well as the angle of penetration. In addition, dildos allow the user to adjust the size and thickness of the penetration. A dildo can also provide a welcome change when you are masturbating, acting as another source of stimulation. You can explore your body without fear that a slip or misjudgment by your partner will cause pain or discomfort.
It is important to follow safer sex guidelines while using a dildo as most of them are made from a porous substance (i.e. rubber, jelly, wood) and these materials can collect infected semen, blood, urine or vaginal discharge. When a person shares a dildo, they risk sharing infections and STDs as well. Whenever you are using dildos with multiple partners you should cover the dildo with a condom. Change the condom after every partner.
As with all sexual activity with a partner, be respectful of yourself and your partner's body when using a dildo. Dildos should be used carefully because sudden pressure can cause discomfort. Always take it slow.
For more information on dildos, visit http://www.sexhealth.org/bettersex/dildos.shtml
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Alcohol kills 6.5 times more youth than all other illicit drugs combined.
