Top X Beginner Concerns When Buying Sex Toys
Buying your first sex toy can be exciting—but it also comes with a lot of questions. If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone. From safety and size to materials and privacy, beginners often share the same concerns before making their first purchase. In this guide, we’ll break down the top things people worry about—and help you feel more confident, informed, and ready to explore.
Q1. What material is body-safe?
Answer:
When it comes to sex toys, material matters — not just for how they feel, but also for hygiene, durability, and safety. Here’s a breakdown of common materials, so you can choose what suits your body and needs best.
Materials to Avoid
In summary, sex toys made from medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and high-quality TPE are considered safe and are recommended for both beginners and advanced users. All GITM products meet these high safety and quality standards.
Q2. How do I choose the right size and type?
Answer:
① Know your anatomy and average dimensions
Understanding your body helps you choose toys that match your comfort and goals.
Clitoris: Though only a small portion is visible externally (the glans), the clitoris is a much larger organ, extending up to 3.5 inches (9 cm) internally with legs (crura) and bulbs around the vaginal canal (source: Journal of Sexual Medicine). It has over 8,000 nerve endings, making it the most sensitive erogenous zone in most people with vulvas. Toys like suction stimulators, bullets, or vibrators work well here.
Vagina: The average vaginal canal is about 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm) deep at rest, but can expand up to 5–7 inches (12–18 cm) when aroused. G-spot stimulation typically occurs about 2–3 inches in, on the front wall.
Penis: The average erect length is about 5.16 inches (13.12 cm) and girth 4.59 inches (11.66 cm) (source: British Journal of Urology International). Masturbation sleeves should be sized to match for a snug but comfortable fit.
② Choose Beginner-Friendly Sizes
For vaginal (internal) stimulation: Start with toys that have an insertable length of 3 to 6 inches and a diameter of 1 to 1.6 inches. These sizes are generally comfortable for most beginners.
For external stimulation (clitoris, nipples, perineum): Size matters less here. Instead, focus on the shape, texture, and vibration patterns that feel good to you.
For penis stimulation: Choose a toy (like a sleeve or masturbator) that matches your length and girth to ensure a snug, pleasurable fit.
③ Pick the right type for your goal
External stimulation: Small, discreet, great for clitoral stimulation—perfect for beginners.
Such as licking, sucking and vibrating toys, which are always in small size.
Internal (vaginal): Slim dildos and G-spot toys with curves are ideal for first-time use.
Penis toys: Masturbation sleeves or electric masturbators are a good way to start. They are easy to operate and can give a quick taste of what it feels like to stimulate the penis and experience ejaculation.
④ Listen to your body
Discomfort, pain, or excessive resistance is a sign to stop. Use water-based lubricant to reduce friction, and clean toys thoroughly before and after use.
Q3. What type of sensation am I looking for?
Answer:
For people with vulvas:
For beginners, it is always recommended to start with external stimulation. Begin with simple options. If you’re not sure what type of sensation you’re looking for, you can choose based on intensity: wand > licking = sucking > vibrating. These options also avoid penetration and are easy to control.
For players who want to level up to internal (vaginal) stimulation: slim dildos and G-spot toys with curves are ideal for first-time use. With slim dildos, you can control the speed, rhythm, and intensity 100% by yourself. G-spot toys are designed to easily target your G-spot—one of the most important areas to stimulate when it comes to internal pleasure.
For advanced players, it’s time to explore multiple-stimulation sensations—such as toys that combine internal and external pleasure, like dual-stimulation vibrators, rabbit-style toys that stimulate both the G-spot and clitoris at the same time.
For people with penis:
For beginners, penis toys: Masturbation sleeves or electric masturbators are a good way to start. They are easy to operate and offer a quick taste of what it feels like to stimulate the penis and experience ejaculation.
For players who want to level up, go for penis toys like pocket pussies or dorsal butts, as they are great for practicing, preparing for real partnered experiences, and training stamina.
Q4. Is it easy to clean and maintain?
Answer:
Hygiene is one of the most important factors when choosing a sex toy. Cleaning depends heavily on the material — specifically whether it is porous or non-porous.
🧼 Non-Porous Materials (Safer, Easier to Sanitize)
These do not absorb fluids or bacteria, making them ideal for long-term, hygienic use.
Common non-porous materials include:
- Medical-grade silicone
- ABS plastic
- Borosilicate glass
- Stainless steel
How to clean:
- Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap after each use.
- For a deeper clean, boil silicone, glass, or stainless steel toys (if they're non-vibrating and waterproof) for 3–5 minutes, or place them on the top rack of the dishwasher (no detergent).
- Wipe down ABS plastic with antibacterial soap and a damp cloth—never boil plastic or battery-powered toys.
- Always dry with a clean towel and store in a dust-free pouch.
⚠️ Porous Materials (Harder to Clean, Less Safe for Long-Term Use)
These materials have tiny holes that can trap fluids and bacteria, even after cleaning. They wear down faster and are not ideal for internal use, especially without a condom.
Common porous materials include:
- Jelly rubber
- Low-grade TPR (thermoplastic rubber)
- Low-grade TPE (thermoplastic elastomer)
How to clean:
- Wash with warm water and antibacterial soap immediately after use.
- Pat dry thoroughly.
- Use a condom over the toy during use to reduce exposure and extend lifespan.
- Avoid sharing with partners unless used with a condom.
- Replace these toys regularly — they cannot be fully sanitized.
Storage: Always dry the product thoroughly after washing and store it in a dry place.
In short: All GITM products use only non-porous, high-grade materials, making them much easier to clean and safer for beginners and experienced users alike.
Q5. Should I use lube or condoms?
Answer:
Absolutely—lube and condoms can make toy play safer, smoother, and more comfortable, especially for beginners.
- Lube: Yes, you should use lube—especially with internal toys. For most sex toys, water-based lube is the safest choice. It’s compatible with all materials and easy to clean. Avoid silicone-based lube on silicone toys, as it can damage the surface.
- Condoms: Using a condom on your toy is a great hygiene hack—especially if you’re:
- -Sharing the toy with a partner
- -Switching between vaginal and anal use
- -Using a porous toy that’s harder to clean
It also makes cleanup easier and extends the life of the toy.
In short: Lube for comfort, condoms for hygiene. Both are beginner-friendly essentials.
Q6. What’s an appropriate price range?
Answer:
It’s wise to begin with affordable options and expand as your preferences become clearer—but always buy from a trustworthy brand. Never go for the cheapest option just because of the price.
For example, if you see a wand vibrator sold at a much lower price than others, think twice. In most cases, price reflects quality. Extremely cheap toys often come with low-quality materials or poor construction, which can lead to malfunctions or even health risks.
So: choose budget-friendly, not bargain-bin—your body deserves better.
Q7. Are there beginner-friendly toys?
Answer:
Yes, there are beginner-friendly toys.
For beginners with vulvas:
It’s generally recommended to start with clitoral (external) stimulation devices, as they offer intense pleasure without penetration. This makes them less intimidating, more comfortable, and beginner-friendly. Clitoral stimulation is also one of the safest and most accessible ways to explore sexual pleasure—and for those who care, it helps preserve virginity.
Great beginner options include:
vibrators with:
- Sucking sensation
- Licking sensation
- Vibrating sensation
- Vibrating sensation (Wand vibrator)
For beginners with penises:
Masturbation sleeves or electric masturbators are great starting points. They’re easy to operate and offer a quick, safe way to explore what penile stimulation and ejaculation feel like through different textures and sensations.
Q8. Is this purchase discrete and reputable?
Answer:
These are valid concerns—privacy and safety matter when shopping for sex toys. To avoid unpleasant surprises, always buy from trusted, reputable retailers and avoid unregulated sources, such as generic online marketplaces that may sell low-quality or counterfeit products.
At GITM, we prioritize your privacy. All packages are shipped discreetly, with no brand names or content labels—so you can shop with confidence and peace of mind.
Q9. Will frequent use desensitize me?
Answer:
No permanent desensitization or nerve damage
A national survey published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found no long-term negative effects associated with vibrator use. The most common side effect reported was temporary genital numbness, which resolved without intervention (Herbenick et al., 2009, The Journal of Sexual Medicine).
Temporary habituation is possible—but reversible
According to a study in the Journal of Sex Research, temporary desensitization may occur after high-intensity use but is fully reversible. Experts compare it to the temporary buzzing sensation in your hands after clapping—it fades quickly with rest (Queen et al., 2010, Journal of Sex Research).
Vibrator use can enhance sexual health
Further research confirms that vibrator use is actually linked to improved sexual function, including better lubrication, increased arousal, and higher satisfaction levels (Herbenick et al., 2010, The Journal of Sexual Medicine; Reece et al., 2009, The Journal of Sexual Medicine).
Summary:
- Temporary numbness is rare and not harmful
- Sensitivity returns quickly with rest
- Vibrators do not cause permanent desensitization or nerve damage
- Many users report better overall sexual well-being
