Practice Safer Sex When Using Sex Toys

Many people use sex toys as part of their sexual practices. Sex toys are readily available online and in assorted stores. They can be used by an individual or by partners during sexual activity.  Sex Toys are a huge industry, an industry focused on intimacy and pleasure. Yet there are absolutely no regulations surrounding the sex toy industry!  So how does one practice safer sex when using sex toys????

Know What You Are Putting in Your Body?

Sex Toys are made from many different materials, often assorted types of plastic, silicone, wood, ceramics and even glass. Many people are cognizant of not purchasing plastics containing harmful chemicals. Water bottles and food storage containers advertise BPA free. Phthalates have also been recognized as something to avoid in plastics.  Both of these chemicals are known as endocrine disruptors and can create havoc with our endocrine or hormonal systems.  These are the very systems that control our sexual development and functions.

So, if we are careful not to expose ourselves to these chemicals in our food containers, cosmetics, and other daily use items, are we ensuring that the sex toys we insert into our bodies are also free of them? Investigating your toys before using them aids in your overall health and wellness.  Always know what you are putting into your body – any part of your body!

Use a Condom

Using a condom, especially when sharing sex toys, simply makes sense – because shared sex toys can share more than pleasure!  A shared toy can be a means of transmission of an STI or other infections. Reduce the chances by using a condom. And when switching from anal to vaginal penetration with a toy, always use a new condom for your toys.

Using a condom even with your own personal toys can be wise to avoid any external contaminants from entering your body. These can come from where the toys are stored, how they are handled, or simply their chemical make up.

Wash and Dry Your Toys

Yep……every single time you use them!  Washing your sex toys should be done after each use OR between usage when switching from anal to vaginal if not able to use a condom. Not all sex toys are phallic shaped for easy condom application. Washing it before switching is imperative. Another option is to have more than one of the same toys, using one for anal and one for vaginal so you can wait until after sexual activity to wash them.

Keeping your toys clean will help reduce transmission of many different infections, from UTIs (urinary tract infections) to STIs. Most toys will contain cleaning instructions, but you are usually pretty safe with good old soap and water.  And always make sure it is dry before putting away to prevent any mold or other issues.

Use the Proper Lubricant

Lubricant is a sex toy’s friend!  Lubricant can help increase pleasure and safety by reducing the possibility of tears to sensitive tissues due to dryness.  So, is any lube ok to use with your sex toys??? NO!  This is where it is important to know the composition of your toys. DO NOT use silicone lube on silicone toys.  The lube will adhere to the toys and begin to damage the toys. You can use silicone lube on other materials such as non-silicone plastics, ceramic, glass and wood.  Water based lubes are the best option for toys as they will not damage or interact with the toy’s chemical make-up.  And do not use petroleum oils or creams as a sexual lubricant either.  If you are not sure what material your toy is, a water-based lube is your best bet!

Summary

Without any regulations surrounding sex toys and their components, every one using them must make smart choices for one’s safety and, therefore, one’s utmost pleasure.  Know as much as you can about what you are putting into your body – whether it is food, cosmetics applied to one’s skin, chemicals in one’s everyday life and, yes, even one’s sex toys. Safer Sex needs to be practiced in all of one’s sexual activities.