Sharing is Caring: The Importance of Safe Sex Toy Practices

Understanding the Risks of Sharing Sex Toys

Sexual toys are fun! We all have our favorites. Sometimes they are only for us, while other times we want to share. However, did you know that you are still at risk of an STI if you share your toys? Just because your body parts aren’t touching someone else’s doesn’t mean you don’t need to take precautions. You can still get an STI if you don’t take proper care when sharing sex toys.

STIs can be transmitted via shared sex toys through the transfer of bodily fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, blood, pre-cum) or through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. If a person with an STI uses a sex toy and it's not cleaned properly before another person uses it, the STI can potentially spread.

Types of STIs and Their Transmission

Any STI that can be transmitted through sexual contact can theoretically be spread through shared sex toys. This includes:

• Bacterial STIs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis. While the risk is considered "negligible" for some like chlamydia and gonorrhea, transmission is still possible if bodily fluids are present.

• Viral STIs: Herpes (high risk), HPV (high risk), HIV (low risk), Hepatitis B and C (risk if blood is present).

• Other Infections: Bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and even fecal bacteria can be transferred via shared toys, especially if used anally and then vaginally without cleaning.

  
  

Material Matters: Porous vs. Non-Porous

The material of the sex toy plays a significant role in the risk of STI transmission:

• Non-porous materials like silicone, glass, and stainless steel are easier to clean thoroughly as they don't have small holes that can trap bacteria or viruses.

• Porous materials like rubber, vinyl, and TPR/TPE can have microscopic pores that can harbor pathogens even after washing. These materials are considered higher risk for STI transmission if shared.

  
  

The Importance of Cleaning

Thorough cleaning of sex toys before and after each use, and especially between different users, is crucial to minimize the risk of STI transmission.

• Using Condoms: Using a new condom on a sex toy every time it is used by a different person or on a different body part significantly reduces the risk of STI transmission.

  
  

Specific Risk Levels

According to one source, the risk levels for various STIs are as follows:

• Negligible Risk: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B.

• Low Risk: HIV.

• High Risk: HPV, Herpes.

  
  

General Recommendations to Reduce STI Risk When Using Sex Toys

1. Ideally, each person should have their own sex toys. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination.

2. If sharing is unavoidable, use a new condom on the sex toy for each user and each time it's used on a different body part (e.g., vagina to anus).

3. Choose sex toys made from non-porous materials like silicone, glass, or stainless steel, as they are easier to clean effectively.

4. Clean sex toys thoroughly with warm water and soap or a specialized sex toy cleaner after every use and before a new person uses them. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning. Some non-motorized toys made of non-porous materials can be boiled or put in the dishwasher for more thorough cleaning.

5. Avoid sharing porous sex toys. If you do share them, always use a condom.

6. Regular STI testing is important for all sexually active individuals, regardless of the specific practices.

   
   

While precise transmission rates are not readily available, it is clear that sharing sex toys without proper precautions increases the risk of STIs. Taking steps to clean toys properly and using barrier methods can significantly reduce this risk.

How to Properly Clean Your Sex Toys

Not sure how to properly clean a sex toy? Cleaning your sex toys properly is essential for hygiene, preventing infections, and prolonging the life of your toys. The best method depends on the material of the toy. Here's a general guide and specific instructions for different materials:

General Steps for Cleaning Sex Toys

1. Read the Manufacturer's Instructions: Always prioritize the cleaning guidelines provided by the toy's manufacturer. These instructions will be specific to the material and any electronic components.

2. Remove Batteries (if applicable): If your toy is battery-operated, remove the batteries before cleaning to avoid damage. Never submerge battery compartments unless the toy is explicitly labeled as fully waterproof.

3. Wash with Mild Soap and Water: For most non-porous toys (silicone, glass, stainless steel, hard plastic), warm water and a mild, unscented soap are sufficient. Gently lather the toy, ensuring you clean all surfaces and crevices. Avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, or antibacterial soaps that could irritate your skin or damage the toy.

4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the toy under warm running water until all soap residue is completely gone. Soap residue can cause irritation.

5. Dry Completely: This is a crucial step to prevent bacteria and mold growth.

6. Air dry: The best way is to let the toy air dry completely on a clean surface.

8. Pat dry: If you need to dry it faster, use a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Ensure it's completely dry before storing. Avoid using towels that have been used on other body parts, as they may harbor bacteria.

Material-Specific Cleaning

• Silicone:

- Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap.

- Can be boiled for 5-10 minutes (for non-vibrating toys).

- Top-rack dishwasher safe (for non-vibrating toys; avoid harsh detergents).

- Specialized silicone-safe toy cleaners are also available.

• Glass (Pyrex or Tempered):

- Wash with soap and water.

- Pyrex glass is often dishwasher safe (top rack).

- Can be boiled (place a soft towel in the pot to prevent cracking).

- Avoid extreme temperature changes.

• Stainless Steel:

- Wash with warm soapy water.

- Can be boiled or soaked in a 10% bleach-water solution for 10 minutes (for non-electronic parts).

- Dishwasher safe (for non-electronic parts).

• Hard Plastic (ABS):

- Wash with antibacterial soap and water.

- Do not boil.

• Porous Materials (Rubber, Vinyl, Cyberskin, TPE/TPR, Jelly): These materials are more challenging to clean thoroughly as they can harbor bacteria within their pores.

- Wash gently with warm water and mild, unscented soap.

- Specialized toy cleaners designed for porous materials are recommended.

- Some manufacturers recommend using condoms with these types of toys to prevent direct contact and make cleaning easier.

- Cyberskin and Vinyl: Wash gently with warm water only (no harsh soaps). Air dry and then dust lightly with cornstarch to prevent stickiness (avoid talcum powder).

- Rubber, Latex, Jelly: Clean thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap. Disinfection may not be fully possible due to the porous nature. Consider using condoms with these.

• Leather:

- Wipe with a damp, soapy cloth or a specialized leather cleaner.

- Do not soak.

- Condition with a leather conditioner after cleaning.

• Nylon (Harnesses, etc.):

- Can often be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.

- Hang to air dry.

• Toys with Electronic Components (Vibrators):

- Never submerge them in water unless they are explicitly labeled as waterproof (check the IP rating).

- Remove batteries.

- Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild, unscented soap or a specialized toy cleaner. Pay attention to seams and crevices.

- Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth or allow to air dry.

Additional Tips for Safe Sex Toy Use

• Use specialized sex toy cleaners: These are pH-balanced and designed to be safe for both your body and your toys.

• Consider UV sterilizers: Some devices use UV light to kill bacteria, but they don't remove physical debris, so washing is still necessary.

• Store toys properly: Once dry, store your toys separately in a clean, dry place, preferably in individual bags or containers, to prevent dust and contact with other materials that might degrade them. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

• Always clean before and after each use, and especially before sharing with a partner or using on a different body part.

• If a toy develops cracks or damage, it's best to discard it as it can harbor bacteria and may not be safe to use.

  
  

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your sex toys remain clean, hygienic, and enjoyable for longer. Remember, sharing is caring, but safety comes first!