Science supports these studies. A woman’s sexual response mechanism in her brain comprises two parts: the Sexual Excitation System, or SES, and the Sexual Inhibition System, or SIS. The SES acts as a woman’s sexual accelerator and responds to the things we see, hear, smell, touch, taste or imagine that we deem “sexy.” The SIS, on the other hand, responds to those things that are perceived as a “potential threat,” including unwanted pregnancy, relationship issues and negative body self-image. Sex toys improve orgasms by turning on all the “ons” and eliminating all the “offs.”
However, when it comes to sex toys, cleanliness is of the essence because where unwanted pregnancy and other sexual “offs” are eliminated, there are other dangers involved that we should be aware of.
Sex Toys Carry Diseases
No, you won’t have to worry about an unwanted pregnancy while using a vibrator, but adult novelties can carry sexually transmitted diseases and blood-borne infections when shared, and if not cleaned properly, can cause other infections. Sex toys have been known to pass on diseases like chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis B and C and HIV when not properly cleaned and maintained.
There is also an increased risk of developing bacterial vaginosis in women who have female sexual partners who have a history of sharing sex toys or whose partners have bacterial vaginosis. Because of this, Planned Parenthood and other organizations recommend using condoms on your sex toys to keep them clean.
The Journal of Sexually Transmitted Infections found that men and women may be at risk for spreading human papillomavirus (HPV) by sharing sex toys, even after they are properly cleaned. HPV, a common STD that is linked to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus and penis, was found on the studied toys, regardless of material -- both before and after cleaning.
You can avoid infections by:
● Keeping your sex toys clean by washing them with soap and water and using special cleaners that are available at adult novelty shops to kill STDs and blood-borne diseases.
● Covering penetrative sex toys, such as vibrators, with a new condom every time, especially if you are sharing them with a partner
● Not sharing sex toys or having a different set of sex toys for each partner
● Checking sex toys regularly for any scratches or breaks in the surface material, where germs could be present and spread because this can increase your risk of infection.
● Washing sex toys between uses and after using them on different parts of the body.
Sex Toys May Cause Infertility
Knowing what your device is made of is important as well. Many toys are made in China, where safety regulations and restrictions are much more lax, and many toys are made of plastics, such as PVCs, which contain phthalates. These substances are suspected hormone disruptors and may cause kidney, liver and other organ damage in high levels.
Many countries have banned phthalates in certain products, including children’s toys, because of their demonstrated dangers, but there is little research still on how these chemicals may affect our bodies during adult playtime. Some manufacturers are moving away from using these types of materials because of theoretical concerns about risks. The Swedish government is now investigating the effects of these hormone-disrupting chemicals.
The effects are of these chemicals in the amounts that are found in sex toys on the reproductive system is still unknown, but researchers encourage you to take the following steps to minimize exposure until research better outlines our true risks:
● Look for toys labeled “phthalate-free.”
According to the Kinsey Institute, there are no safety regulations currently in place for the U.S. sex toy industry, which means that “phthalate-free” claims aren’t necessarily verified by an independent party, nor are companies held accountable for their claims. However, it is a good place to start.
● Stay away from certain materials.
Sex toys that are made from a jelly-like rubber, vinyl or PVC usually contain phthalates. They also tend to be more porous than other toys and are more prone to cracking, which gives bacteria and viruses places to hide. If the toy’s packaging does not include a list of materials, use the following rule of thumb: toys that are bendy or squishy typically contain plasticizers to give them those qualities, and unless they say “phthalate free,” they should be avoided.
● Silicone and glass toys reign supreme.
Sex toys made of stainless steel, medical-grade silicone, or Pyrex glass are non-porous and plasticizer-free. They also tend to be much firmer than your average rubber sex toy and are more expensive than products that contain phthalates.
● Beware the term “novelty toy.”
“For novelty use only” is a label that manufacturers use to get around certain standards of disclosure for personal products. These products tend to be the least expensive and frequently come from foreign markets, such as China, where 70 percent of the world’s sex toys are made.
● Use the smell test.
If you’ve ordered your toy online (or purchased it sealed from a store), and you open the package to find any sort of chemical, rubbery or “new car” smell, it is a sign that your purchase contains phthalates and may be risky to use.
● Shop online.
Online adult toy stores often contain detailed product descriptions, which include any products used in their manufacture. Many online stores only sell “phthalate-free” products, and those that don’t will at least be able to provide you with the information you need to make an educated purchase. They may allow you to open a second tab to research a particular product or model prior to purchase, rather than relying on a store clerk for information.