Start by identifying the specific type of stimulation you want to target. Popular options include:

• External Pleasure: Clitoral vibrators, suction toys, and bullet vibes.
• Internal Pleasure: G-spot vibrators, prostate massagers (P-spot toys), or anal plugs.
• Dual Stimulation: Rabbit vibrators that target internal and external sweet spots simultaneously.

Determine how the toy will fit into your shared intimacy. If you are shopping for lesbian sex toys or partner play, consider versatile options like strap-on dildos, strapless vibrators, or remote-controlled toys that allow your partner to take the reins. For solo play, focus purely on your personal comfort, size preferences, and favorite vibration patterns.

Always prioritize body-safe, nonporous sex toy materials. Medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, and stainless steel are hypoallergenic, easy to sanitize, and completely free of harmful phthalates. If choosing budget-friendly porous materials like TPE or TPR, always use them with a condom and clean them thoroughly.

If you are a beginner, start small. Look for toys with insertable lengths under 5 inches and a slim girth to allow your body to adjust. You can always upgrade to larger sizes or specialized shapes (like curved shafts for targeted G-spot or prostate hits) once you know what feels best.

Safest nonporous sex toy materials

Nonporous materials do not have microscopic holes, meaning they cannot trap bacteria and are 100% body-safe. The gold standards include:

• Medical-Grade Silicone: Flexible, durable, and warms up to body temperature. Note: You must never use silicone lube with silicone toys, as it will permanently dissolve the material.
• Borosilicate Glass & Stainless Steel: Hypoallergenic, completely rigid, and excellent for temperature play (can be warmed or cooled under water). They are highly recommended for G-spot, prostate, and anal stimulation.
• ABS Plastic: A smooth, rigid plastic commonly used for the hard shells of vibrating bullets and wands.

Porous materials

Porous materials have tiny microscopic pockets that can harvest bacteria over time, even after being washed. They include:

• TPE / TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer/Rubber): Very flexible, soft, and realistic texture, but requires meticulous cleaning and drying.
• Jelly Rubber & PVC/Vinyl: Often used in cheap, entry-level novelty items. They frequently contain chemical plasticizers (phthalates) and have a strong distinct chemical odor. If you use jelly or PVC toys, it is safest to cover them with a condom during use.

Nonporous materials like medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, and stainless steel are vastly superior because they do not have microscopic holes. They are 100% body-safe sex toy materials that can be easily sanitized to remove all bacteria.

Conversely, porous materials (like jelly rubber, vinyl, and latex dildos) trap bodily fluids and bacteria inside invisible surface pockets. Even after a thorough wash, they can harbor microbes that lead to bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, or UTIs.

This is why Wet For Her dildos are made from high quality materials, such as 100% medical grade silicone to ensure all products are phthalate-free while providing a silky texture that is easy to clean and maintain.

Phthalates are chemical plasticizers used to make cheap plastic and vinyl sex toys soft and flexible. However, they are known endocrine disruptors—meaning they can leach into the body through sensitive mucous membranes and interfere with your hormones. High-quality brands prioritize phthalate-free sex toys to eliminate this chemical risk.

Regular sex toy cleaning prevents harmful bacteria buildup, reduces the risk of infections (like UTIs or BV), and extends the lifespan of your adult novelties.

Use a specialized antibacterial foam sex toy cleaner or mild, unscented soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol, or dish soaps, which can degrade the material and cause skin irritation.

Silicone, glass, and metal sex toys

Because silicone, glass, and stainless steel are nonporous sex toy materials, they are the easiest to sanitize:

• Wash thoroughly with warm water and soap or toy cleaner.
• Pro-tip: 100% non-vibrating silicone, glass, and metal toys can usually be boiled for 3–5 minutes for deep sterilization.

If you are new to penetration, start with an insertable length of 4 to 5 inches and a slim girth (around 1.2 to 1.4 inches in diameter). This range allows your pelvic floor muscles to relax and adjust to new sensations without causing strain or discomfort.

When browsing, look for the Size Guide and two distinct measurements listed on the product page:

• Total vs. Insertable Length: Total length includes the base or handle. Look specifically for insertable length to know exactly how much of the toy goes inside you.
• Diameter: Diameter is the width of the toy at its widest point. Girth is the circumference (the measurement all the way around). You can find the girth by multiplying the diameter by 3.14.

Using sex toys for solo play

Sex toys offer targeted stimulation that manual touching often cannot match, making it easier to reach climax and explore what feels good. Masturbation with sex toys releases endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, which naturally reduce stress, lower anxiety, improve sleep quality, and boost your mood.

Improve intimacy in a relationship

Incorporating adult novelties into partner play breaks up bedroom routines, introduces novelty, and fosters open communication. They are perfect for clitoral stimulation during penetration or as a dynamic part of foreplay to ensure both partners are fully aroused and satisfied.

Help to reach climax

Up to 75% of individuals with vaginas require direct clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm—something intercourse alone often cannot provide. High-frequency vibrators and air-suction toys offer consistent, intense stimulation that bridges the "orgasm gap" and makes climax much more accessible.

Adult toys are beneficial for sexual health

Regular sexual arousal and climax increase blood flow to the pelvic region, which helps keep vaginal tissues healthy and elastic. For those going through menopause, utilizing vibrators can help maintain tissue health and alleviate discomfort associated with vaginal dryness or tightness.

Take it slow and prioritize comfort. Choose a beginner-friendly small dildo or vibrator to prevent discomfort. Ensure you are relaxed and already experiencing some natural sexual arousal before attempting insertion—the goal is pleasure, not pain.

The correct way to apply lube

Coat the tip and shaft of your toy generously with a body-safe sex toy lubricant, smoothing it down with your hands. If you feel any friction or dryness during play, don’t hesitate to reapply. Remember: Always match your lube to your toy's material (use water-based lube for silicone toys).

Start with vaginal or G-spot stimulation

1. Warm up externally: Gently rub the toy along your labia and clitoris first to increase blood flow and arousal.
2. Insert gradually: Gently part your labia and insert the toy one inch at a time.
3. Target the G-spot: Once comfortable, angle and thrust the toy against the front wall of the vagina (closest to your belly button) to stimulate the G-spot.

Safety rules for anal sex toy play

• Use the right toy: Only use toys specifically designed for anal penetration that feature a wide, flared base.
• Prep the area: Apply extra lubricant and stimulate the outside of the anus and perineum first to help the muscles relax.
• Hygiene rule: Never transfer a toy directly from the anus to the vagina without washing it thoroughly first, as this introduces harmful bacteria that cause infections.

Clean after using your sex toy

Always sanitize your device right away. Proper sex toy care involves washing the toy immediately after use with warm water and an antibacterial sex toy cleaner to prevent bacteria buildup and maintain the toy's lifespan.

While your body produces natural lubrication when aroused, using a dedicated sex toy lubricant is highly recommended every single time. Lube reduces friction, enhances physical sensations, prevents microscopic tears in sensitive skin, and allows the toy to glide effortlessly for maximum pleasure.

Let’s just say it – lube and sex toys are like peanut butter and jelly. You can never have “too much” lube, especially when trying out a new dildo.