What diseases can you get from sex toys?
The possibility of contracting sexually transmitted infections from sex toys is sometimes seen as an Internet horror story. However, in fact, there is a real possibility of contracting unpleasant diseases from silicone dildos or vibrating massagers. Especially if a person does not know how to use them or care for toys.
Contents of the article:
- Can you get an STI from a sex toy?
- What sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted through toys?
- What other diseases can be transmitted through sex toys?
- Is it possible to infect yourself with a sex toy?
- The material of the toy matters
- How to clean sex toys?
- How to safely and ethically share toys between partners?
- What to do if you think you have been infected with an STI?
- Pregnancy from a sex toy — is it possible?
Can you get an STI from a sex toy?
If you answered the question in the title very simply, then yes. But don”t worry too much. It”s impossible to use a brand new, clean adult toy and suddenly get a nasty infection. This process is more complex.
If IPP shares one toy out of two with someone who does not take care to clean thoroughly, contamination can occur. In itself it is not a source of infection. Intimate toys are only carriers of infection.
What sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted through toys?
Sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted through adult toys. If the product is used by two or more people, they may be transferred to each other. And if biological fluids (sperm, blood, vaginal secretions) first remain on the intimate toy and then come into contact with the mucous membranes of a person.
For example, if your partner has genital herpes, he uses a toy, and after a while you use it, then there is a high probability of transmitting the virus. And in this case, without condoms or other precautions, it is very difficult to protect yourself.
What other diseases can be transmitted through sex toys?
It”s not just IPP that can be transmitted through adult toys. Urinary tract infections and yeast, bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis can also be transferred to such foods.
Using adult toys first in the anus and then directly in the vagina or on the head of the penis is especially dangerous. It can be transmitted through fecal matter.
- Hepatitis A, B and C;
- Parasites;
- Intestinal amoebas;
- Salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis and others.
The risk here is slightly lower than when alternating anal and vaginal sex. Alternatively, anal and vaginal/penile oral love can be used, but it still remains very high.
Is it possible to infect yourself with a sex toy?
Yes you can. This option is especially relevant for girls. Imagine the situation. You have bacterial vaginosis and use sex toys. Then you notice the problem, go to the doctor, take a course of antibiotics and get rid of the infection. But again, use toys without proper cleaning.
Re-infections are quite possible here. And you risk that the process will become endless. And you will be perplexed: why does the infection come back again and again?
There is another option. If you have vaginal Go disease and use a sex toy to stimulate your anus after vaginal play, you may already be infected with anal Go disease.
The material of the toy matters
The likelihood of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases through sex toys depends on the substance from which they are made. More precisely, is it possible to clean the product efficiently? After all, intimate toys are.
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- Porous (these are all materials that can absorb liquids, dust and other contaminants);
- Non-porous (a more hygienic option that does not absorb moisture and bacteria do not penetrate into it).
If an adult toy is made of a porous material, it will have small microscopic holes. In the latter case, contamination, bacteria and minimal moisture may remain in the product after use. They are then very difficult to eliminate. Even water and detergent does not always remove such particles.
Therefore, it is more hygienic to use adult toys made from inappropriate materials. Among them:
- Silicone;
- Glass;
- Stainless steel;
- ABS plastic.
It”s especially important to choose non-porous adult toys if you plan to rotate them with others. If it is not possible to purchase such a product, you should always use a condom with a porous surface.
How to clean sex toys?
Whatever material the adult toy is made of, it should be washed regularly and thoroughly. Clean water isn”t the only option. The choice of means depends on the material of the toy.
- Silicone. Water and soap are used to clean these products. It is also allowed to boil them;
- Glass and stainless steel. Water and soap, boiling water will do again. If a glass sex toy has been boiling, it is important to let it cool naturally. Do not pour ice water over it to speed up this process;
- ABS plastic. Warm water and soap;
- Latex, elastomer. Water at room temperature and a soft cloth with liquid soap.
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When cleaning adult toys, it is important to choose the right soap. It is best to use products that do not have a strong odor. For example, designed specifically for intimate hygiene. Subsequently, they do not cause irritation to the genitals.
In addition to properly washing adult toys, it is very important to dry them. Bacteria love moisture and thrive on damp surfaces. To prevent this, dry with a clean cloth after washing and leave to air dry for a while.
It is recommended to store intimate gaming accessories in special satin bags, which are usually sold. These containers prevent dust, bacteria, debris, and pet hair from sticking to toys.
As an alternative, you can purchase special boxes or containers for storing goods. However, no matter where they are stored, it is worth washing the toys both after use and immediately before use.
How to safely and ethically share toys between partners?
If you”re planning to replace adult toys, choose products that can be used with a partner and are made from non-porous materials. And trust that your intimate accessories are only for those you trust. Sharing them with random partners is not only unhygienic, but even dangerous.
Toys should be thoroughly washed immediately after use and then passed to a second person. If this option seems inconvenient, it is recommended to purchase duplicate intimate accessories. Make sure everyone has their own adult toys.
What to do if you think you have been infected with an STI?
If you suspect you”ve contracted a sexually transmitted infection through recent contact, the most important thing is not to panic. See a doctor as soon as possible and undergo all necessary tests.
Explain your symptoms in detail to the specialist. And be sure to mention that you are suspicious and that infection may occur.
Your doctor may ask you to come back for a follow-up test in two to three weeks. This is normal practice. After all, most sexually transmitted infections are not detected immediately after exposure. It takes some time.
Remember that most STIs are asymptomatic. Therefore, it”s worth getting tested for sexually transmitted infections once a year, even if you have no concerns. This advice is relevant for anyone who frequently changes partners or whose fidelity has recently been uncertain.
Pregnancy from a sex toy — is it possible?
If partners of different genders have traces of sperm or pre-ejaculate in adult toys, there is a high risk of pregnancy. Use a condom to avoid unwanted consequences. Also, thoroughly clean the adult toy before using a new one.
