How Safe is Sharing Your Sex Toys?

You have shared your deepest secrets with your best friend. There is nothing you wouldn't do for her. Well, that was until she asked you if she could try out one of your sex toys. No matter how close you are with your friend,sibling, or partner, sharing sex toys can be a health risk. According to a recent article by Dr. Debby Herbenick, a health educator at the Kinsey Institute, "One of the health-related problems with sharing sex toys is that it is not known how long certain bacteria or viruses can survive in sex toy materials. That means that sharing sex toys can result in sharing infections and putting each other at risk."

Sex toys are made of different types of materials and can vary on how they are cleaned. Sex toys that are made of jelly are porous and can trap bacteria and germs within these pores. You can clean these types of toys with anti-bacterial soap and water, or sex toy cleaners, but there is still a chance that bacteria can be trapped within the pores. Adult products that have any cracks or breaks in the material can also trap dirt and bacteria. Sex toys that are made of silicone, glass, stainless steel and hard plastic, are non porous and can be more thoroughly cleaned. Glass products and non vibrating dildos made of silicone can also be cleaned by boiling. Read the article 'How to Clean Your Sex Toys' for more information. However, regardless if the product can be cleaned more thoroughly, it is advisable to not share your sex toys. Or, if you are in a relationship and want to share your sex toys with your partner, place a new condom on the sex toy each time the product is shared.

Individuals who are curious about trying a sex toy, and have thought about trying out their friend's or partner's toy, are advised to buy one of their own instead of risking the spread of a sexually transmitted disease. Although you may have been tested or your friend has been tested for an STD, it is better to play it safe than sorry. Plus, there are an abundance of sex toys that are affordable, so you can enjoy your own sex toy any time you have the urge.