From lubes and vibrators to BDSM toys and butt plugs, there is a plethora of uniquely designed sex toys for your sensual pleasure. As wonderful as keeping your favourite sex toy handy for those dripping-wet moments is, sex toy-related injuries are a reality. (Ouch!) Fortunately, we got the dish on common sex injuries and how to avoid them for your benefit.

Avoiding sex toy injuries for ultimate pleasure 

The magical world of sex toys has a little something-something for everyone. No matter sexual preferences, kinks, sexual fantasies, and intimate desires – it can be discovered within this realm.

Despite getting wrapped in the excitement of involving sex toys with your sexual partner/s or going solo, there are some precautions that we should all be aware of not only for safety and well-being but also to maximise pleasure for all.

Lost butt plugs

Yes, you read that right. One of the most common sex toy injuries is getting something stuck in the butt. Unlike the vagina canal, which has an ending – the cervix – the anal canal does not, explains sex educator Lisa Finn to Healthline.

That’s why it’s important to use anal sex toys ONLY. Household items that look like they could make a could anal erogenous zone partner is never a good idea. (You know those Christmas tree-shaped ornaments from your local homeware store that look like they would make the perfect festive anal sex toy? No, they’re not for sexual exploration.) 

Butt plugs are specifically designed with a wide base to avoid accidentally going too far up the digestive channel and leading to a frightening and potentially awkward ER visit.

If something does get stuck in your anal canal, it’s best to seek medical help immediately. And even though you may feel a bit awkward, your butt’s safety is more important. (And who are they to judge? No kink-shaming here.)

Genitilia are tough, but still deserve goddess treatment

Sometimes, we can get too excited in the moment and go a little too hard with sex toys. If there is too much friction, micro-tears, chaffing, fissures, or abrasions can occur in the vagina and anus, and the penis. What is the best practice with any sex toy?

Read the instructions before use. Always. Even if you know what it does.

Getting to know a new sex toy — really, really well – ensures that you know how to use them correctly.

Can you use the toy in the shower or bath without getting electrocuted? Not all toys are waterproof.

Is the vibrator for external or internal stimulation? Smaller ‘bullets’ or small vibrators should be used externally only and not inserted in vaginas or anuses.

Are the materials used safe for the body? Healthline shares the safest materials for sex toys: medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, stainless steel glass, and borosilicate glass, such as Pyrex.

All these questions should be considered and can be answered by reading the included pamphlet. Make sure to use lube to avoid friction.

Keeping your sex toys clean

Cleaning a sex toy isn’t always a top priority after having a fun solo mission before bed or a delicious sexual experience. But it is essential to keep it clean to avoid infection.

Always use warm water and soap, dry it off properly and store it in a clean and protected area. Are you concerned about what soap to use? The Waterfeel Toy Cleaner is the perfect stress-free cleaner for any sex toys. You will thank yourself for it later when you don’t get any irritation or uncomfortable urethra pain! 

And after a while, sex toys do get old. Inspect your sex toys to see if there are any tears, cracks or malfunctions. These are, unfortunately, the perfect spaces for bacteria to sneak in and ruin things. If so, it’s time to get back and look for a new sex toy companion!

What to do if you have a sex toy injury?

If you have any tears or irritation after using a sex toy, check in with your body and rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10. If the pain is a 6, it’s safer to go to your doctor or the emergency room if it’s worse.

If a sex-related injury has occurred to your sexual partner, offer any assistance they may need. Drive them to the doctor, offer to cover half of the medical bill, and be supportive during the episode – their pain and concern are overwhelming!

Have some pain but it’s not necessary to seek medical assistance? Keep the area clean by using warm water and scentless soap. Avoid putting any topical creams on the area unless someone in the medical industry has told you to do so. You can also apply an ice pack to the area to help with the swelling.

Other, not so common, sex toy-related injuries

Besides getting something stuck in the anal canal or going a bit too rough and causing some internal ouchies, sometimes sex toys can go wrong:

• Cock strangulation: Cock ring got stuck, and now it’s strangling your penis? Take a deep breath in, wait for the erection to go down and try and take it off. Don’t force it or try to cut it off. Rather go to the doctor.
• Rope burns and bruises: Into bondage? Rope burns and bruising can occur – that’s why a safe word should always be there for you and your partner when things don’t feel good.
• Burst veins: Overpumping the penis, clitoris, vulva, or nipples can cause burst veins and cause swelling and pain. Remove the pump after the area is erect to avoid sex toy injuries.

Last words

Sex toys have opened up an entirely new world within sexual exploration and sensual play. But sometimes, things go wrong in the heat of the movement. Avoiding sex toy injuries takes getting to know your sex toys before using them. (Read the instructions beforehand.) Only use anal sex toys for butt stuff, keep your toys clean, and always use lube to avoid too much friction. You got this!