Sex Toys - Should We Use Them?

Any lubricant that has glycerin in it should probably be avoided. Water based lubricants are one of the safest in any form of usage and are recommended for usage with sex toys. Silicone or oil based lubricants are fine for usage with toys that aren t made of silicone, but will stick to and corrode the materials if it is. Lubricants with glycerin can increase your chances of getting a bacterial infection.

Sex toys made of hard and nonporous materials are the safest for use. Materials like ABS plastic, metal and glass are the safest materials for sex toys to be made out of. If you want to opt for a flexible dildo, a flashlight or another sex toy that requires a soft material, make sure that it is made out of silicone. High-end sex dolls are usually made of silicone as well. The inflatable variety usually makes use of Phthalates, which can be carcinogenic to humans and thus should be avoided.

While you might think that cleaning a sex toy with anti-bacterial solutions will prevent you from getting infections, they can actually end up drying and irritating your privates when you use the toys later on. The safest bet is to invest in toy cleaners specifically made for this purpose. If you do not have a toy cleaner at hand, it is best to use soap and water and of course, avoid using a dishwasher as it can corrode the materials.

If a toy is shared among different people without being cleaned properly, it can pass on STDs. Toys made of porous materials might still be unsafe to use even after cleaning. In case of toys like dildos and plugs, it is best to use them with a condom on even if you are not sharing the toy with a partner.