Sex toys are fun, but using them safley is even funerer.

Sex toys are no longer something to be discreetly hidden away under the bed for solo use during a dry spell. Instead, sex toys are now completely mainstream, and these days, women (and men) are more than happy to go shopping in their local adult store to buy a dildo or some lube. However, whilst sex toys are fun for solo play or with a partner, there are some health considerations you need to take into account before you whip one out.

Is Your Sex Toy Safe?

Well-made sex toys bought from reputable adult stores such as Eden Fantasy are highly unlikely to be dangerous, but irrespective of where you buy your sex toys from, make sure the product has been tested, approved and regulated by the FDA.

Some rubber sex toys are made from materials containing phthalates, which has been found to be carcinogenic. Products made from jelly rubber are also porous, which provides a handy breeding ground for nasty bacteria. So look for sex toys made from high-quality Silicone, elastomers, or even glass, and with no loose wires or battery packs.

Cleaning Sex Toys

You wouldn’t go to the toilet without washing your hands after, so don’t use a sex toy and discard it unwashed. Warm water and mild soap is perfectly adequate for washing sex toys, but you can also buy special cleaner if you prefer.
• DO make sure you wash off any cleaner residue before you use the toy again, or it might cause irritation to your genital region.
• DON’T immerse battery powered toys in water or place them in a dishwasher, unless the manufacturer says they are 100% waterproof.

It’s Good to Share … Sometimes

Using a sex toy with a friend is fun, but while sharing a sex toy does not put you at any more risk of catching an STD than if you are sharing bodily fluids, there are some rules you must adhere to:
• Firstly, don’t share a sex toy with a platonic friend you are not in a relationship with. It is possible to transmit an STD via a sex toy if it has not been properly cleaned.
• Secondly, don’t swap between anal and vaginal play without cleaning the sex toy thoroughly first. The vaginal and anal microflora are totally different and shouldn’t be mixed.
• Finally, consider placing a condom over any sex toys that you use.

Fit for Purpose

Sex toys are usually designed for a specific purpose. For example, a small pocket vibrator is ideal for vaginal and clitoral stimulation, but if inserted in the anus it could cause harm. The same applies to objects not actually designed for sexual stimulation, but capable of providing a thrill nonetheless. If you use a toy for backend play, make sure it has a flattened stopper base or a very long handle, preventing it from getting lost inside you.

There is a lot of fun to be had by spicing up your bedroom routine with some sex toys, but play safely and don’t misuse inanimate objects unless you want an embarrassing trip to the emergency room.