Not sure what kind of dildo will work best for you? A few things to keep in mind as ya shop:

Stick with body-safe materials

As with all sex toys, the material of your dildo matters, ’cause you def don’t want to irritate your most intimate areas with a poorly-made toy. It’s best to steer clear of toys made with PVC, as those tend to be more porous and pretty much impossible to fully sanitize (not to mention they may contain toxic chemicals called phthalates). Instead, certified sex therapist Shadeen Francis, LMFT, CST, suggests looking for toys made from non-porous, body-safe materials. “You have many options, such as silicone, glass, porcelain, and metal,” she says, and it all depends on the sensation you wanna experience.

Get the right size

Just like with any insertable toy (looking at you, butt plugs), you don’t wanna choose a dildo that’s too long or girthy for you to use comfortably. As certified sex therapist Dulcinea Pitagora, PhD, LCSW, CST, previously told Cosmo, it’s better to start small and then work your way up, ’cause no one wants to experience anal or vaginal tearing from a too-big toy. “You can get more pleasure from larger sizes when you’re more aroused,” they explained. Side note: No matter the size of the dildo, lube is your friend.

Consider how you’ll be using

Most dildos can be used for multiple purposes, but if you have a certain penetrative preference in mind, then make sure the dildo you buy will get the job done. For instance, if you want one to use with a harness, then get yourself a dildo with a compatible base. If you’re looking to do some hands-free pegging or have strap-on sex, then go with a double dildo. And, ofc, if you’re using your dildo for different purposes or with a different partner, then a thorough cleaning is very! necessary!