Should You Use Condoms With Sex Toys?
If you don’t, you may be neglecting another level of protection
It’s National Condom Week, and you may be learning some facts about condoms that you never heard before. As I was interviewing experts for my condom myths article, I know I learned something I hadn’t heard before when Bathmate sex expert Kerri Middleton let me know that we should use condoms with our sex toys. I inquired about this further and this is the information she gave me.
What are some reasons that people should use condoms when they’re playing with sex toys?
Sharing sex toys with other people can spread sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial infections due to the bodily fluids held by the toy, so it’s important to use a condom if this applies to you. As much of the public dialogue around condoms is about preventing pregnancy, we rarely ever consider using protection with a sex toy, but it is an issue we should be talking about more.
Not only does it stop the spread of STIs, but also bacterial infections, which can be equally as painful and embarrassing. There has been some concern over the potentially harmful material phthalates, which can be added in the manufacturing stage to make the toy flexible. Even if your toy doesn’t contain this material, bacteria and other nasties can accumulate over time even if you are washing your toy after each use.
“As much of the public dialogue around condoms is about preventing pregnancy, we rarely ever consider using protection with a sex toy, but it is an issue we should be talking about more.”
When is it appropriate to use condoms with your sex toys?
To help prevent the development or spread of such STIs and bacterial infections, it’s important to cover toys with a condom if you’re sharing them. Change condoms each time you change partners or change from vaginal to anal to oral use. However, the safest option is to always buy a new sex toy after using it with another person.
It’s also a good idea to change condoms after each personal use, as bacteria can build up on the toy, even if you clean it thoroughly. Each toy is different, so it’s important to check the cleaning and storage instructions.
What kinds of sex toys should people use condoms with?
The safest option would be to use a condom for every sex toy — penetrative or not — besides ones that stimulate the nipple. This is because cuts and sores can form around the vagina, anus or penis, meaning there is a risk infection can be transmitted.
How do you decide if you should use condoms with your sex toys?
The safest option would be to always use a condom with a sex toy and at the very minimum, thoroughly washing your toy after each use. I’d highly recommend buying a sex toy from body-safe materials like silicone, and also not sharing toys between partners.
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