Division of Campus Life
BWell Health Promotion
Tags Sexual Health Empowerment

Sex Toys

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Sex toys can be a way to explore pleasure and sensation, whether using them by yourself or with others.

There are many misconceptions that sex toys are only used by people who choose to remain abstinent or do not currently have sexual partners. The truth is, people choose to use them when they are alone, with their sexual partners, or while partners are present. Whatever you choice, it's important to understand how to best clean the toys and how to protect yourself against STIs if you choose to share sex toys with others.

Types

Sex toys can range from objects that tickle and vibrate, to various products that are inserted into the vagina or anus. Some sex toys are meant to be used more gently, while others are used for sexual acts involving dominance and submission (BDSM) such as restraints, blindfolds, and whips. Some examples of sex toys are vibrators, feathers, dildos, harnesses, butt plugs, cock rings, and anal beads.

How to Bring Sex Toys into Your Relationship

Sometimes it's hard to communicate our sexual desires to our partners, especially when wanting to bring something new into a sexual relationship. Some people may feel threatened by the thought of having sex toys added to their sexual life or they have stereotypes about who uses sex toys. Honesty and open communication are the best strategies for talking with sexual partners about sex toys. Your partner needs to understand where you're coming from, what you're interested in doing, and how you will respect their boundaries, in order for sex toys to be a healthy, pleasurable part of your relationship.

The Best Way to Use Sex Toys

No matter what sex toy you choose to use or how you choose to use it, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the experience pleasurable and help protect yourself from STIs.

  • Before using the toy check for any imperfections, including rough seams, tears, or cracks.
  • Using lubrication is a great way to help enhance the pleasure and safety of sex toys. Ask your salesperson which lube is best for the toy or follow the instructions that come with the toy. For example, silicone lubes break down silicone toys after awhile. Flavored lubes may cause yeast infections for some females because the sugar can disrupt the balance of pH in the vagina. Oil-based lubes will break down latex condoms and dental dams, which will increase your risk for contracting STIs.
  • If sharing sex toys, such as dildos, butt plugs, or vibrators, use condoms and dental dams to help prevent the spread of STIs. If switching the toy to another person, make sure to use a different condom or dental dam. Remember, soap alone is not effective for removing STI bacteria or viruses from the toy.
  • Don't insert a sex toy in the mouth or vagina if it has been used in the anus without a condom or without being washed properly. This could spread bacteria and viruses and cause infections in the urinary tract or intestines. If a condom was used with the sex toy, replace the condom with a new one before inserting the toy in the mouth or vagina.
  • If it hurts, stop. If you are using toys with a sexual partner, earn trust with one another. If you want to try again, relax and add extra lube if needed.

The Best Way to Clean Sex Toys

Proper cleaning of sex toys is essential to avoid bacterial infection or transmission of STIs. While some STIs die once the fluid they live in dries, others (such as hepatitis and scabies) can live for weeks or months outside of the body. If you want to prevent pregnancy, it is also important to be remove sperm that may be on the sex toy before using near or in the vagina. It's important to keep the instructions for cleaning the sex toy and to follow them carefully. If you feel that cleaning the toy properly would be too time consuming or unrealistic for you, think about buying a different toy. The information provided below gives a general overview for cleaning different types of toys and isn't meant to replace the manufacturer's instructions.

Basic Toy Care

For basic toy care, remove any batteries. Never submerge electrical components in water. Use a damp, soapy washcloth to clean your electric toys, preferably with anti-bacterial soap. Keep toys stored in a container or pouch (to keep them clean) and in a cool, dry place.

Glass

Wash glass toys with soap and water. Pyrex toys are dishwasher safe. Do not expose glass to extreme temperatures.

Stainless Steel

If attached to an electrical device, use warm soapy water, being careful not to submerge any electrical components. If there are no electrical components you have 3 options: Boil or soak in a 10% bleach-water solution for 10 minutes, or place it in the dishwasher.

Hard Plastic

Clean with anti-bacterial soap and water. Do not boil.

Silicone

You can choose from 3 options to clean a silicone toy. Either boil for 5-10 minutes, put it in your dishwasher (on top rack), or wash with anti-bacterial soap and warm water. Do not boil silicone vibrators because you will destroy the vibrator mechanism.

Rubber materials

Rubber materials are porous and difficult to clean. In addition, their composition is not always known or may contain phthalates, chemicals which have been shown to be harmful to your health. For these reasons, it is recommended to use condoms with these types of toys.

Cyberskin and Vinyl

Cyberskin is soft and porous, often used for dildos. Wash cyberskin and vinyl toys delicately with warm water only. Air dry and powder a small amount with cornstarch to keep them from getting sticky.

Nylon

Nylon harnesses and toys can be machine or hand washed with a mild anti-bacterial soap.

Leather

Wipe leather products with a damp, soapy cloth or with leather cleaner. Do not soak leather. After cleaning, you may recondition your toy using a leather conditioner. Protect metal parts from tarnish by applying a coating of clear nail polish.

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