Sex Toys And UTIs/STIs: How To Avoid Getting One From Your Favourite Sex Toy

 

Having fun with your partner doesn’t always have to involve using adult toys - but if it does, then it’s important to know how to clean a toy.

Today’s article will answer the questions of whether or not sex toys can cause a UTI or STI, as well as how you can make sure you keep your toy, yourself, and your partner clean and safe.

 

Sex Toys And UTIs (& STIs):

First and foremost, let’s answer two questions:

 

Can A Sex Toy Cause A UTI?

Yes, sex toys can cause UTIs (urinary tract infections) if they’re not cleaned properly.

Sex toys, especially anal toys, can be a breeding ground for bacteria that live in your gut.

If you don’t wash your hands, the chances of getting sick go up - and the same thing goes for adult toys. 

 

Can A Sex Toy Cause An STI?

Sex toys can’t necessarily cause an STI (sexually transmitted infections), but they can transfer it from one body to another.

If you’ve used a toy with more than one partner, the chances of you (or somebody else) getting an STI go up tenfold. Additionally, if you don’t keep your toy clean, the bacteria can stay on your toy, and be transferred when you use them next.

Getting an STI or UTI is actually easier than you think, and improperly cleaned toys definitely puts both males and females at risk.

 

How To Clean A Toy

Sex toys and UTIs should be a natural concern for everybody who uses toys. 

But that doesn’t mean you need to stop using them!

Here are some tips and tricks to keep your toys clean.

 

Cleaning Toys Made From Porous Materials

Porous materials include toys made from latex and rubber. While they may create a more realistic-feeling toy, they’ve got microscopic holes, which bacteria can live ang grow in.

The best way to clean them is by using a toy cleaner, and scrubbing thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use warm water and soap, although even soap and water can’t clean a porous toy 100%.

The best thing to do for materials like this are to use a condom with them to avoid infection.

 

Cleaning Toys Made From Nonporous Materials

Nonporous materials include glass, silicone, and stainless steel.

Cleaning nonporous materials is time-consuming, but some hot water, antibacterial soap and elbow grease can make for a toy that’s properly clean for your next use.

Nonporous toys are great for parties, as they can be washed and given to the next person between sessions.

Once clean, pat your toys dry with a paper towel, or hang them up to dry.

Make sure you store them in their original casing to avoid contamination.

 

Choose The Right Lube

This one may seem odd, but it’s really important to make sure that you use the appropriate lubricant for your toy to avoid damaging the toy.

 

Silicone Lubricants

Silicone lube and silicone toys should never be mixed. It’ll break the toy down into a gummy, mushy mess.

 

Oil-based Lubricants

Oil-based lube isn’t a good idea in general, as it’s not good for vaginal use, and damages the majority of toys, regardless of material.

 

Water-based Lubricants

As a general rule of thumb, water-based lube is the best go-to for penetration-based toys (think dildos and butt plugs), and is safe to use in and around the body.

 

Don’t Use A Toy For More Than One Hole

It should go without saying that a sex toy should only be used on one hole at a time, and should be cleaned in between uses.

Using toys on more than one hole is asking for bacteria to be transferred, and may lead to UTIs and STIs.

 

More Than One Partner = More Than One Toy

If you’ve recently entered into a sexual relationship with a new partner, it may be time to look at buying a new toy with them.

Not only is it symbolic of a new beginning, but it’s also the best way to make sure that any bacteria on your old toys aren’t transferred to your new partner.

 

Cleaning After Sex

Now, it’s not vital that you get up right away and shower.

But, there are some things you can do when you do decide it’s time to clean up. 

For women, there’s no need to use soap - it’s a bad idea, in fact.

Simply use some warm water and rinse off.

For men, you should gently wash in the morning. If you’ve still got a foreskin, make sure you wash beneath that as well to avoid any buildup.

If you’ve had anal sex, make sure you shower after. Anal sex can cause damage to the sphincter, and can allow bacteria to enter.

 

Conclusion

Whether you’re doing it by yourself, or with a partner, it’s important to know how to keep your toys clean. Sex toys and UTIs can quickly spoil the fun. It’s vital that you keep your toys clean in order to ensure you have a good time while keeping things safe.