Strap-Ons
A strap-on harness is the fabric or leather piece that holds a dildo in place of the penis. It has: a main belt around the waist; straps between the legs (usually two); and a hole or ring where the dildo passes. It comes with buckles or elastic. Purpose: play where the wearer provides penetration without a penis, or a man adds extra size/shape.
Three main designs. Two-strap (g-string style): one strap at the waist and two through the legs; a stable hold, exposing the vulva for simultaneous stimulation. Brief style: looks like underwear, covers more; more comfortable for prolonged use. Thigh strap: the harness on the thigh; allows unusual positions. Additionally there are strapless (vac-u-hold), held by a vaginal recess without a harness.
Measure the waist. Typical harness sizes: S (60-75 cm), M (75-95 cm), L (95-115 cm), XL (115-130 cm). Points of care. The harness must be tight enough that the dildo doesn't shift, but not so much it cuts off circulation. If between sizes, choose the larger and adjust. Many harnesses have adjustable straps for an exact fit. Leather ones are tighter at first and loosen with use.
Two main connection systems. O-ring: an elastic silicone ring at the front of the harness; a dildo with a wide base passes through the ring and is held by it; advantage, interchangeable dildos of different diameters if it has different O-rings. Vac-U-Lock: a special locking system (Doc Johnson) where the dildo clicks into a socket; a steadier connection, but only with Vac-U-Lock dildos.
It depends on the material. Leather: a sponge with warm water + mild soap, drying with a towel, not in sun or heating; it isn't washed in water. Nylon/polyester: can be machine washed at low temperature or by hand. PVC/vinyl: rinse with warm water. In all cases: the dildo is removed and cleaned separately. Dry fully before storage to avoid mould. Store in a ventilated place.
A men's strap-on is a system letting a man wear an extra dildo over or beside his penis. Variants: hollow strap-on, a hollow dildo the penis fits inside, useful in erectile dysfunction or for extra size; double strap-on, a dildo over the penis for double penetration or parallel use; cock ring with a vibrator/dildo. Purpose: supplementary use or replacing a natural erection without fully removing natural contact.
A hollow strap-on serves three scenarios. Erectile dysfunction: the man keeps natural contact with the partner without needing a full erection; the hollow surrounds the non-erect penis and provides penetration. Extra size: when a larger diameter or length than natural is wanted. A change of material: the hollow is silicone and can offer a different feel. Point: the hollow reduces the direct sensation on the penis, so the man feels less.
Two measurements. Inner diameter (where the penis goes): it must be the same as or slightly larger than the natural penis diameter in its initial state; if too large it slips, if small it won't fit. Outer diameter and length: the external surface that shows; usually 4-5 cm diameter and 15-20 cm length covers most cases. Retention system: a harness or special elastics around the testicles.
Yes, there's a trade-off. Advantages: despite the erection issue, the man keeps participation in penetration; it provides a feeling of contact and warmth to the partner; silicone has a different feel from natural. Disadvantages: the direct sensation on the penis drops due to the intermediate material; orgasm is harder to reach; less internal sensation. Many users report that the psychological satisfaction (participation) outweighs the reduced physical.
It's a practical solution, not a cure. A men's hollow strap-on allows penetration without an erection, but: it doesn't address the cause (cardiovascular, hormonal, psychological); in some it reduces the desire to seek medical treatment; if it's the only solution, it can worsen the psychological dimension. Advice: use it alongside medical monitoring and treatment (Viagra/Cialis, a counsellor, a sex therapist). As a supplement, not a replacement for care.
A women's strap-on is a system letting a woman penetrate a partner. It consists of: a harness around the waist; a dildo that clicks into the harness; and often a built-in bullet or clitoral piece for simultaneous stimulation. Use scenarios: lesbian sex; pegging (a woman penetrating a man); double penetration in a couple; a hetero couple as an alternative. It comes in a variety of harnesses, sizes and materials.
A strapless dildo (vac-u-hold) works without a harness. It has a double head. One end enters the wearer's vagina and is held by the contraction of the vaginal muscles. The other end protrudes for penetrating the partner. Advantages: no harness to shift; the wearer has simultaneous vaginal stimulation from the internal end; a more authentic feel. Downside: it needs strong vaginal muscles (Kegel). Advice: Kegel exercises before use.
For pegging (a woman on a man), factors. Starting size: a small dildo at first (10-13 cm length, 3 cm diameter), increasing gradually. Material: body-safe medical silicone, flexible. A harness with a stable hold: the two-strap or brief style are ideal for pegging. A built-in bullet: so the woman has simultaneous stimulation. Shape: slightly curved for prostate stimulation. Start with gradual intensity and plenty of anal lube.
For first use. Discuss and agree before buying. Choose a small dildo size. Try the harness without activity first: the wearer gets used to the weight and position. Practise with fingers or a small butt plug before moving to the strap-on. Plenty of lube. Slow gradual insertion. Constant communication (how deep, the pace). A short duration the first time. Cleaning afterwards. Orgasm doesn't need to be reached the first time: the goal is familiarisation.
No, separately. Remove the dildo from the harness after use. Clean the dildo: warm water + toy cleaner or mild soap; if it's silicone without electronics, boil for 3-5 minutes to disinfect. Clean the harness: by material (water + sponge for leather, machine for nylon). Dry both fully before reconnecting. Store in a ventilated place, ideally a fabric pouch. Frequency: both after every use.