What Are the Most Common Dildo Mistakes?
The mistakes that first-time buyers and experienced users make most often — and exactly how to avoid every one of them for a safer, better experience.
Shop DildosThese mistakes range from buying decisions made before the toy arrives through to hygiene habits during and after use. Some affect only the experience; others carry genuine health implications. All of them are avoidable.
Mistake 1: Buying Too Large a Size
This is the most common mistake and the most predictable. Many first-time buyers are drawn to larger sizes, assuming bigger means better. The reality is that a dildo too large for your current experience level is uncomfortable at best and potentially painful — and a painful first experience discourages further exploration entirely.
The fix is simple: start with a size that is smaller than you think you need. A diameter of 2.5 to 3.5 centimetres and an insertable length of 12 to 14 centimetres is a sensible starting range. You can always try something larger once you are familiar with penetrative sensation.
Mistake 2: Skipping Lubricant Entirely
Even when your body is aroused and producing natural lubrication, using a dildo without additional lubricant increases friction significantly. This reduces comfort, reduces sensation quality and raises the risk of minor tissue irritation. For anal use, skipping lubricant is not just uncomfortable — it is unsafe. The anus produces no natural lubrication and insertion without lube can cause small tears in the tissue.
Always apply water-based lubricant before insertion. Reapply as needed. More is always better than less.
Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Lubricant
Silicone-based lubricant on a silicone toy will degrade the toy's surface over time, breaking down its texture and creating micro-pores where bacteria can accumulate. This is irreversible — once the surface is damaged, the toy should be replaced.
The rule is simple: use water-based lubricant with all silicone toys. Silicone-based lubricant can be used with glass and steel toys safely. When in doubt, water-based works with every material.
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Shop NowMore Common Mistakes
Rushing without foreplay. Arousal causes the vaginal walls to expand and produce natural lubrication. Skipping foreplay means the body is not ready for penetration, which reduces comfort and pleasure significantly. Spend meaningful time on arousal before any insertion.
Buying porous materials. Jelly, rubber and TPE dildos cannot be properly sterilised. Bacteria accumulate in microscopic surface pores regardless of how well you wash them. Choose silicone, glass or steel. See our guide to dildo materials for the full breakdown.
Buying from unvetted marketplace sellers. Products claiming to be medical-grade silicone at very low prices from unidentified sellers are almost certainly not what they claim. A strong chemical smell on arrival confirms this. Buy from reputable specialist retailers.
Transferring from anal to vaginal use without sterilising. Moving a toy from anal to vaginal use without full sterilisation introduces faecal bacteria to the vaginal environment and can cause serious infections. Sterilise completely between uses or designate separate toys for each purpose.
Storing toys incorrectly. Storing silicone toys in contact with porous jelly or TPE materials causes the silicone to absorb plasticisers, degrading the surface over time. Store every toy individually in a clean, breathable pouch away from direct sunlight.