Sex toys can help you orgasm, but they also increase your risk of contracting STDs or STIs. Here’s everything you need to know.
Do you frequently use sex toys during your intimate relationship? Be aware of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, sex toys themselves do not usually cause STIs. STIs can be transmitted and spread if someone with an STI has used the sex toy you are using before, or if semen, blood, pre-cum, vaginal discharge, or other body fluids come into contact with the toy.
The risk increases if you don’t wash your sex toys properly or share them with someone who has an STD. Sharing bodily fluids through contaminated toys can spread infections. To be safe, wash your toys thoroughly after each use and don’t share them with anyone else. If you do share them, use a new condom each time. Here’s everything you need to know about how STDs can spread using sex toys.
Can sex toys cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
If you don’t follow proper hygiene practices, using sex toys can potentially spread sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Here are some common causes, according to Dr. Vinata Puli, an obstetrician and gynecologist.
1. Share toys
Sharing sex toys with a partner without proper cleaning or protection can result in the transfer of bodily fluids and pathogens, potentially increasing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
![Sex Toys Sexually Transmitted Diseases Risk Sex Toys Sexually Transmitted Diseases Risk](https://images.healthshots.com/healthshots/en/uploads/2021/08/13110215/sex-toys-1-370x207.jpg)
2. Use a condom
Using condoms on sex toys can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases. The risk increases if you share sex toys without changing condoms. Change condoms if your partner uses the same sex toy or uses it on a different part of your body (from the vagina to the anus).
3. Material of the toy
Some materials are more porous than others and can harbor bacteria even after washing. Non-porous materials, such as silicone, are easier to clean and properly sterilize. Silicone sex toys are considered safer than other materials.
Also read
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What STDs Can Be Transmitted Through Sex Toys?
If proper hygiene and safety practices are not followed, several STDs can be transmitted using sex toys. Here are some STDs that can be transmitted and how they are spread through sex toys.
1. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Transmission: HPV can be spread through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, as found in a study published in the StatPearls Journal. The virus can be transmitted to another person by using a sex toy contaminated with HPV without proper cleaning or using a condom. It can cause genital warts, but many people are asymptomatic. Certain strains of HPV can lead to cancer.
2. Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
“Herpes can be spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, and also through sex toys that come into contact with the infected genitals,” the expert said. Look for symptoms such as painful sores or blisters on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.
Also read: 5 Things You Need to Know About Living with Genital Herpes
3. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
According to a study published in the StatPearls Journal, HIV can be transmitted through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluid. If these fluids remain on a sex toy and the toy is not washed and shared, the virus can spread. It may initially cause flu-like symptoms, but if left untreated, it can seriously damage the immune system and lead to AIDS.
4. Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be spread through contact with infected secretions, as found in a study published in the StatPearls Journal. The bacteria can be spread by sharing toys that an infected person has used without washing them or using a new condom. Painful urination, genital discharge, and women may also experience pelvic pain.
5. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea can spread through contact with infected bodily fluids, as found in a study published in the StatPearls Journal. If not washed or protected, shared sex toys can facilitate transmission. Painful urination, pus-like discharge from the genitals, and sometimes asymptomatic, especially in women.
6. Trichomoniasis
“This parasitic infection can be transmitted through contact with infected genital secretions. Shared and unclean sex toys can transmit the parasite from one person to another,” the expert explains. Symptoms can include itching, burning, redness or pain in the genital area, and vaginal discharge in women.
7. Syphilis
According to a study published in the StatPearls Journal, syphilis can be transmitted through direct contact with syphilis sores. If a sex toy comes into contact with these sores and is not properly cleaned, the bacteria can be transmitted. Sores, rashes, and late-stage sores at the injection site can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
How do you use sex toys to prevent STDs?
Here are some tips to consider to help prevent STDs and other infections:
1. Tips to consider before and after using sex toys
- Always wash your sex toys before and after using them.
- Use warm water and mild, unscented soap, or use a sex toy cleaner designed for the specific material your toy is made of.
- Pay special attention to grooves, ridges, or moving parts where bacteria and fluids can accumulate.
- For non-porous materials like silicone, you can sterilize your toy by boiling it, if the toy's instructions allow it.
- Make sure your toys are completely dry before storing them to prevent mold and bacteria from growing.
2. Using condoms with sex toys
Use condoms on sex toys, especially if you share them with a partner or use them on other parts of your body. This is especially important for porous toys that are difficult to clean. Also, change condoms when you change toys between partners or other parts of your body to prevent cross-contamination.
Store properly.
![Things to know about condoms Things to know about condoms](https://images.healthshots.com/healthshots/en/uploads/2023/12/18160706/girl-with-condom-370x207.jpg)
Store sex toys in a clean, dry place. Use individual storage bags or containers to separate them and keep them away from dust and dirt. Do not store sex toys in plastic bags. Plastic bags trap moisture and can cause bacteria to grow.
Also read: We've selected four sex toys that will help you break free from your low libido.
3. Learn how to use sex toys safely
- Wash your hands before and after handling sex toys.
- Practicing good personal hygiene can help reduce the risk of introducing bacteria or other pathogens onto toys or your body.
- Using water-based or silicone-based lubricants can help reduce friction and microscopic damage to the skin, which can lead to infection.
- Do not use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms.
- Inspect your sex toys regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks, tears, or discoloration.
- Damaged toys should be replaced because they can harbor bacteria and are difficult to clean effectively.
4. Avoid sharing
Ideally, sex toys should be kept for personal use only. If sharing is necessary, use rigorous cleaning and protection (condoms) to minimize risk.
5. Choose the right materials
Choose sex toys made from nonporous materials, such as silicone or ABS plastic. These materials are less likely to harbor bacteria and are easy to clean thoroughly. Toys made from porous materials, such as jelly rubber, cyberskin, or some types of elastomer, may be more difficult to clean and sterilize effectively.
6. Educate yourself!
Stay informed about best practices for using and caring for sex toys. Regularly review guidelines and recommendations from reputable sources. Make sure that partners who use or share sex toys are aware of these safety practices.
By practicing good hygiene and taking precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of transmitting STIs and other infections when using sex toys.