There was a time when sex toys were popularly known as “
dildos
.”
Consolation, according to the Royal Spanish Academy, is “rest and relief from the pain, annoyance or fatigue that afflicts and oppresses the spirit.”
Definitely, that name was not correct for
dildos
.
Over the years, sex toys have evolved, accompanied step by step by culture and
technology
.
Thus, they changed from the materials and functionalities to the name given by brands and users.
The variety expanded (so much so that there are those who work as "testers" of sex toys), the aesthetics changed and the public diversified.
Multiple applications, incorporation of Bluetooth, artificial intelligence, temperature sensors and USB rechargeable battery are among the technological features.
Appearance, technology and diversity
The evolution of sex toys over the years is remarkable, both in their appearance and their performance.
Bárbara García
, a gynecologist, obstetrician and sexologist, told
Clarín
that there are several points where these changes can be noticed.
The first, he stated, is appearance.
“They went from being something very phallic, large wooden penises propelled to enter and exit the vagina, to being tiny, super aesthetic and with advanced technology,” she said.
Sex toys began with a very phallic concept, until they evolved to the current ones.
Photo illustration Shutterstock.
Another highlight is the focus that the most recent devices made on the
clitoris
, which is what gives the most pleasure, the specialist noted.
The third mention was for accessories for anal penetration.
The sexologist maintained that there are a large number of options and that this diversity enriched consumption.
The doctor (on Instagram, @docbarbaragarcia) prefers to call them “
enjoyment devices
” and explained that they are becoming more and more popular “simply because we understand that they are other tools” to add and enjoy within the field of sexuality.
However, he clarified that "in the consultation it is always suggested that
we diversify
, not always have the same practices, in the same way, at the same time and with the same devices, since this way the brain gets quite bored."
For its part, the RAE referred to the debate around the word “
dildo
” on its X social network account (@RAEinforma).
“Currently, the Anglicism “dildo” is clearly displacing the traditional word “dildo” in use, which today provokes a certain rejection,” the organization admitted.
Along these lines, García emphasized that the dildo “should not be called a dildo because there is no consolation through penetration.”
If anything, he said with a laugh, “
we could call it joyful
.”
“I think that is the paradigm shift: sexuality lived from guilt, fear, shame and sadness, versus empowerment and the right to enjoyment,” he stated.
Francesca Gnecchi
is director of the first erotic boutique with a gender perspective in Argentina, Erotique Pink, and a journalist with a degree in sexuality.
In line with García, she highlighted that for a long time sex toys had phallic shapes and were closely linked to the
porn industry
, with a clearly sexist approach.
Many sex toys currently have USB charging.
Photo illustration Shutterstock.
“For many years, sex toys were produced thinking that women needed a phallus, they were manufactured for women's use, but for the
consumption of men
, they were the ones who went to sex shops to buy,” said Gnecchi ( on Instagram, @alasparatusexualidad).
It took long decades for these devices to change their form, functionality and concept.
Francesca maintained that there was a resounding change when the clitoris began to be made visible and given the necessary importance
as an organ of pleasure
for people with vulvas.
“There, little by little, toys begin to emerge that were no longer phallocentric, but rather were for pleasure without needing a phallus and thinking about the clitoris,” she added.
In recent years, the incorporation of women in the pleasure industry, she noted, has allowed significant advances in the sector.
Thus, "a line began to be developed designed around what they like, with softer products that you see and don't even realize are a vibrator or a suction cup."
Despite this, she admitted, a more feminist perspective is still needed within this area, in order to achieve “
the revolution of women's pleasure
.”
The Fantastic Four: the must-have sex toys
Within the wide spectrum of sex toys available today, there are some whose
popularity is growing
by leaps and bounds.
The sexologist specified that she recommends having several, depending on the sexual practices that each person likes.
In that framework, he mentioned four:
Vibrating ball
: serves to stimulate all erogenous zones and can be passed throughout the body.
The term "dildo" is no longer accepted among specialists.
Photo illustration Shutterstock.
Anal plugs
: the specialist advised starting with the smallest ones, “to try anal pleasure.”
Accessories and costumes
: masks, handcuffs, elements for submission and role play can contribute a lot to the sexual encounter.
Clitoral suckers
: These toys can also be placed on the nipples, testicles and anus, as well as any body surface that can be sucked, García said.
Safety and hygiene of sex toys
Not every accessory is suitable to be used for sexual purposes.
There are safety issues that must be addressed to avoid putting health at risk.
The doctor emphasized the material of sex toys.
In that sense, she urged to verify that they are made of
medical grade silicone
, which guarantees that it was tested and approved to be in contact with the human body.
On the other hand, it is necessary that the material be homogeneous and
non-porous
, since the latter would facilitate the proliferation of germs.
It is very important that anal plugs include a stopper that prevents the device from becoming trapped.
Photo illustration Shutterstock.
Another requirement is the
blunt tip
, that is, round, not sharp, which will prevent injuries.
In the case of those accessories intended for anal pleasure, it is essential that they have a
stop
that prevents the device from becoming trapped, highlighted the specialist.
Regarding the
hygiene
of sex toys, García recommended washing them with
soaps with neutral pH
or those specially produced for the genital area.
It is important to keep in mind that not all toys are suitable for submersion, so this must be taken into account when washing.
The sexologist also warned that
it is not recommended to use alcohol
, since it deteriorates and opens the silicone, which can allow germs to enter.
Finally, the specialist advised storing these accessories in
cloth bags
to provide them with “breathing.”