A Sex Toy Safety Guide

 A Sex Toy Safety Guide

You're developing a close bond with this thing. Choose carefully.

"Your birthright is sexual pleasure. It is an essential source of life, thus it deserves to be welcomed, appreciated, valued, and fostered. That is how "sexual positivity" is viewed, according to Claire Cavanah, co-founder of sex toy boutique Babeland, with locations in Seattle and New York. She claims that a component of this movement is to acknowledge that sex is a "very major element of a good, happy life." And what better means of spreading joy than through toys? toys with vibrations! toys with straps! both toys that resemble flesh in appearance and touch and toys that resemble svelte James Bond equipment! Today, options abound.

We could all use a brief refresher course on the ins and outs (sorry!) of sex toy safety, whether you think of yourself as the FAO Schwarz of sex toys or you can't say the word "dildo" out loud without making some vibrators electric pink:

Recognize your toys. Do your research to determine which materials are safe and which are not since there is no government regulation regarding the safety of sex toys. For instance, phthalates, which are chemicals used in sex toys and other products to soften plastic and increase flexibility, have drawn safety concerns. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, some study indicates that a lifetime exposure to these chemicals may possibly result in cancer and damage to the reproductive system, testicles, and liver. Cavanah and Charlie Glickman, a sex and relationship therapist based in Oakland, California, believe that while no agency is confirming "phthalate-free" claims on sex toy packaging, this suggestion is a good place to start. According to a Kinsey Confidential article, while inspecting the container, keep an eye out for components like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl, and jelly rubber, which frequently include phthalates. Additionally, phthalates soften plastic, so toys that flex or have a jelly-like texture should be avoided.

In relation to soft toys, think about porosity. A toy's pliability doesn't always mean there are phthalates present, but it does signify that the toy's pores can hold microorganisms. The issue with porous toys, according to Glickman, who is also a co-author of "The Ultimate Guide to Prostate Pleasure," is that you can't completely clean them. But don't worry, there's no need to forgo porous pleasures as long as you choose a toy without phthalates. There is a solution to make sure that these kinds of toys are enjoyable and clean: The item will always have a lovely, clean surface if you cover it with a condom, according to Glickman.

The nonporous, sanitizable favorite, silicone toys are sometimes more expensive than soft, jelly-like toys, as Glickman points out. In order to avoid spending money on a silicone toy if you are new to The World of Vibrators and Dildos, try a plastic toy with a condom first to save money. He explains, "If you actually decide it's not for you, then you've only paid $30 instead of $80." "You have the choice to later buy a body-safe silicone product if you decide you truly like it."

Buy from a reputable retailer. According to Cavanah, who is also a co-author of "Sex Toys 101" and "Moregasm: Babeland's Guide to Mind-Blowing Sex," it is crucial to purchase from merchants who are "thoroughly interested in your pleasure and your health" given the lack of regulation, hazy marketing terms, and the likelihood that these items will, you know, go inside you. She calls the goals of shops like Babeland and Good Vibrations in San Francisco "missionary." We want people to enjoy their sex lives and let go of any inhibitions they may have, including the worry about what the device may do to them, she says.

According to Glickman, who includes She Bop and Sugar, which are situated in Portland and Baltimore, respectively, on the list of respectable stores, a qualified seller will have investigated and evaluated the products for you. Examining their websites is one approach to find reputable sellers. Glickman mentions cleaning and maintenance instructions and says, "If you go to their site, they will tell you everything you need to know, since they want you to be satisfied with the toy." "That is the distinction between purchasing from those businesses and purchasing from Amazon, where you receive no information."

Give generously. Toys are not simply for the lonely like in Vietnamese sex videos, unlike what many people believe, claims Cavanah. Couples frequently use them to experience their first orgasm, or to have more orgasms or larger, harder, wilder ones. Bringing toys into your relationship or bedroom is not inappropriate. However, even when riskier, wilder orgasms are involved, it's crucial to use some prudence. Debby Herbenick, co-director of Indiana University's Center for Sexual Health Promotion, advocates being aware of your partner's history of sexually transmitted diseases. Before one person uses a toy, cover it with a condom; if the other person uses the object as well, remove or replace the condom.

While using the same object both anally and vaginally, condoms are also crucial. If possible, use a specific toy for each part, but if not, Herbenick advises placing a condom on one before inserting it into the other after removing the object from the anus or vagina. "You don't want to spread anus to vaginal bacteria."

After each use, wash the toys. Glickman asserts that keeping a toy clean is wise given its intended use and that porous toys respond well to any antibacterial soap, even dishwashing soap. He instructs that doing so will help avoid mold, saying, "Wash your toy for 15 to 30 seconds with detergent and hot water, and let it air dry before you put it away." According to Glickman, silicone toys that aren't vibrators can be cleaned and sterilized by being placed in hot water or the top rack of a dishwasher. Just be sure you do the dishwasher emptying because otherwise we can have a difficult talk. sextubearea.com