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Chapter I, Begin Here

A woman reading in bed by warm lamplight.

Chapter I

Begin Here

Every curiosity has a chapter. This one opens the door.

Most people arrive at this subject with more questions than vocabulary. That is entirely normal, and it is the reason this chapter exists.

Curated selections

All

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Sections

  1. 1How to identify what you are looking for
  2. 2Understanding product descriptions
  3. 3Materials and sensitivities
  4. 4Choosing a comfortable starting point
  5. 5Cleaning and storage fundamentals
  6. 6Battery-powered versus rechargeable
  7. 7Reading dimensions carefully
  8. 8Privacy and discreet storage
  9. 9Questions to consider before purchasing
  10. 10When to consult a healthcare professional

Read

Notes on materials and fit
Materials first
Material is the single most useful thing to check on any listing. Look for a named material such as platinum-cured silicone, borosilicate glass or ABS plastic, and treat vague descriptions with caution.
Dimensions are not decoration
Manufacturers usually publish total length, insertable length and widest diameter separately. Read all three, and compare them to something familiar rather than guessing.
In this chapter
How to narrow down what you are actually looking for · How to read product descriptions, materials and dimensions · The difference between battery-powered and rechargeable products · Cleaning, drying and storage fundamentals · Which questions to answer before you buy, and when to ask a professional.

A collection for this chapter

The Considerate First Drawer

Everything a first collection needs, and nothing it does not.

The full collection

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