For some people, using a dildo comes as naturally as breathing. Others have learnt some things the hard way … but times are a changing… now we have the internet which provides a wealth of information about sex, all presented without euphemisms, whispers or embarrassment, about how to get yourself off and make yourself feel good.

It's all about you when you’re using a dildo. They have no hidden or personal agenda and they exist purely for your pleasure. If you've taken the big first step of buying a dildo, read on for how to get the most 'bang' out of it for your buck!

All by yourself
Hamlet said, 'To thine own self be true'. Following his advice with your new dildo can really help you enjoy it fully. There's always an element of discomfort when you introduce something new into your partnered sex life - getting yourself comfortable with it first, alone, can help ease that transition. Of course, partnering up with it can be a lot of fun later on.

Put on your maid's outfit - cleaning time
Spray 'n Wipe is good for benches - but not necessarily dildos. Many dildos are made of a porous material, and many cleaning products will seep into the material and cause decay over time.  Check the instructions that came along with your sex toy before you use anything to clean it - just like real penises, each one is different.

Wet, wet, wet
Get yourself turned on before you shove that thing in there - the pulling of a dry dildo on sensitive vaginal skin can really kill the party. Your dildo will need its own lubricant as well - ask your sex toy shop which is best for the material it is made of. Experiment with different lubricants - they are not all the same. If you like things to be short and sweet, water based lubricant should be fine. Oil-based lubricant has the staying power for those long lazy afternoons, home alone.

For the love of rubber
Condoms make playing with your dildo much easier - easier cleanup and less wear and tear on your big boy. It's rubber anyway, so you'll feel little difference (and IT won’t know!).

Matching sex toys to their uses
There are different anal and vaginal dildos for a reason - those little holes are completely different! Anal dildos will have a flared base to stop them slipping into the rectum and are completely smooth - your anal skin is especially vulnerable to tears. If you want to use the same dildo for 'front and back' play, use a condom and change it each time you swap, for hygiene control. Gloves are also recommended for safe anal play with your fingers.

It ain't the size of the ship…
Past a certain minimum size, it is much more about what you do with the dildo than how it is shaped or sized. Experiment to find out what feels good for you.

Try things like:

• Starting with just the tip of your dildo, sliding it in and out
• Seeing whether deep, slow, fast or shallow strokes (or any combo) feels best
• Twisting the dildo inside you instead of thrusting. No need to obey the laws of nature now!
• Wiggling it up and down, or side to side, at a particular depth

Fantasy turns into reality
A dildo lends a huge amount of realism to your fantasies. If you don’t have any unfulfilled wishes sexually, think of the best sex you've had so far, and recreate it with your dildo. Alternatively, use a porno to give you some inspiration and ideas, and to base your fantasies around.

Above all, know that sex is something humans naturally do, and our brains are hardwired to like it. If your dildo gets you in a good mood for the day, enjoy that! If it gives your 'real' sex life a boost, why not? Relax about using it, and the possibilities will flow naturally.