Do you have a question about sexual health? Submit your own question to our Sexpert!
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and it is always best to talk with your primary care provider if you are concerned about your health. To make an appointment with your primary care provider at UHS, call (585) 275-2662.
Submission: I want to buy a sex toy, but it seems overwhelming…there are so many choices. Are they safe?
There are lots of different sex toys – objects that people use during sex or masturbation to increase pleasure – on the market. It is not uncommon for people to own and use sex toys! As long as you are using them safely, they can be a healthy addition to your sex life. Some different types of toys include:
- Vibrators
- Dildos
- Anal toys (beads or plugs)
- Sleeves
- Penis rings
- Pumps
- Harnesses
- And more!
Visit the Planned Parenthood website to learn more about the various types of sex toys.
The next thing to think about is where to buy sex toys. There are both online and in-person locations for purchasing toys, both with reputable and safe options. A trusted source should be able to provide you with lots of information about the toy, regardless of whether it is a website or a store in-person. Some places you might consider include:
- Show World (in-person store in Rochester)
- Target (both in person and online)
- Adam and Even (online)
Next, it is very important to make sure you are using your sex toys safely. There are a few things to keep in mind:
- If you are using your sex toys with another person during sex, it is important to keep in mind that the bodily fluids on sex toys can spread STIs. To help prevent this, you can wash the sex toy before it touches another person’s genitals. You can also use a condom on the sex toy and switch to a new one before use by another person.
- When using sex toys in your anus, there are some safety issues to keep in mind. Be sure to use a lot of lube, as your anus does not naturally lubricate in the same way that a vagina would. In addition, be sure to wash the sex toy (or use a condom and switch it out) before switching from using the sex toy in the anus to the vagina. Lastly, any sex toy that you are using in your anus should have a wide base. Sex toys without a wide base may get stuck in the anus, and you would need to see a medical professional to get it removed. This is not the case in the vagina due to the cervix blocking the toy from getting stuck.
- Unless you are putting a condom on the sex toy, do not use silicone-based lube. It can react with a silicone sex toy and damage it. Use water-based lube instead.
- Sex toys made from porous materials – silicone blends, jelly rubber, PVC, vinyl, TPR, TPE, elastomer, or other rubbery plastics – absorb germs easier, even with washing them. Using a condom is a good way to prevent this.
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Lastly, be sure you are properly sanitizing your sex toys. Keeping your sex toys clean is important for the health of you and anyone you may be using your toys with. Bacteria can grow on unsanitized toys and lead to vaginal and anal infections. Similarly, STIs can spread via toys if they are used with someone else and not cleaned between users. You should clean toys before and directly after each use. Clean them according to instructions, but generally you will hand wash with a mild soap.
