1. Introduction
Sex toys are becoming increasingly popular as people look for new and exciting ways to spice up their sex lives. However, while these toys can bring pleasure and enjoyment, they can also be a source of infection if not used properly. In this article, we will explore the various infections that can be transmitted through sex toys, as well as how to minimize risk of infection and what to look for when purchasing sex toy materials.
2. What are Sex Toys?
Sex toys are items used for sexual pleasure and stimulation. They come in many different shapes, sizes and materials, and can be used alone or with a partner. The most common types of sex toys include vibrators, dildos, anal beads, cock rings and masturbators.
3. Common Infections Associated with Sex Toys
The most common infections associated with sex toys are bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), chlamydia and gonorrhea. BV is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina that causes itching, burning and an unpleasant odor; it can also increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Yeast infections occur when too much yeast grows in the vagina; symptoms include itching, burning and a thick white discharge. UTIs occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract; symptoms include pain or burning when urinating and a frequent urge to urinate even though little urine is produced. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by bacteria; symptoms include painful urination, discharge from the penis or vagina and pain during intercourse. Gonorrhea is another sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria; symptoms include painful urination, abdominal pain or tenderness in men and unusual vaginal discharge in women.
4. How to Minimize Risk of Infection from Sex Toys
The best way to minimize risk of infection from sex toys is to practice safe sex by using condoms on all penetrative toys (such as dildos) during use with multiple partners or if you are unsure if your partner has any STIs/STDs (sexually transmitted infections/diseases). Additionally, it’s important to keep all toys clean before each use; this includes washing them with warm water and mild soap before use as well as after use with multiple partners or if you are unsure if your partner has any STIs/STDs (sexually transmitted infections/diseases). It’s also important to avoid sharing sex toys between partners unless you have washed them thoroughly beforehand – even then it’s still best practice to use condoms on all penetrative toys during use with multiple partners or if you are unsure if your partner has any STIs/STDs (sexually transmitted infections/diseases).
5. Cleaning and Disinfecting Sex Toys
It’s essential to clean all sex toys before each use – this includes washing them with warm water and mild soap before use as well as after use with multiple partners or if you are unsure if your partner has any STIs/STDs (sexually transmitted infections/diseases). Additionally, some materials require more thorough cleaning such as boiling for 10 minutes or running through the dishwasher on a hot cycle without detergent – always read product instructions carefully before cleaning any toy! After cleaning it’s important to disinfect all non-porous materials such as glass or metal by wiping down with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution – again make sure you read product instructions carefully before disinfecting any toy! It’s also important to note that porous materials such as rubber cannot be disinfected so should only be used alone or with one partner at a time – always check product instructions carefully!
6. What to Look for in Quality Sex Toy Materials
When purchasing sex toy materials it’s important to look for quality products that won’t cause irritation due to chemicals present in some cheaper products such as phthalates which can leach into your body during use – always check product labels carefully! Additionally, it’s best practice to avoid porous materials such as rubber which cannot be disinfected so should only be used alone or with one partner at a time – again make sure you read product instructions carefully! Finally try sticking with body-safe materials such as stainless steel, glass or silicone which won’t leach chemicals into your body during use but do need more thorough cleaning than non-porous materials!
7 Conclusion
In conclusion there is no denying that sex toys can bring pleasure but they must be used safely in order minimize risk of infection from bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), chlamydia & gonorrhea etc.. Always practice safe sex by using condoms on all penetrative toys during use with multiple partners & keep all toys clean & disinfected before each use & avoid sharing between partners unless cleaned thoroughly beforehand! Additionally look for quality products made from body-safe materials such as stainless steel, glass & silicone & avoid porous materials such rubber which cannot be disinfected so should only be used alone or with one partner at a time!
8 References
1) Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/default.htm
2) WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/what-is-bacterial-vaginosis#1 3) Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/yeast-infection#prevention