Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Sex Toys?
If you've been wondering whether or not you can catch a sexually transmitted disease (STD) through sex toys, the simple answer is yes. Sex toys are safe if you clean them well. This is why the Japanese adult toys industry manufactures toys that can easily be cleaned. STDs can be transmitted through different sex toys, including vibrators as well as dildos.
Most people assume that just because the STDs don't usually survive for long outside the body, they can't be transmitted through sex toys. You should be very careful and avoid such reasoning. Among the STDs, sex toys can transfer from one person to another, including Herpes, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. This is done through the sharing of sex toys that have body fluids from an infected person.
It's dangerous to share sex toys. It would be best if you didn't use them with anyone else for your health safety. However, if you do share, it's wise to clean them very well before doing so.
How Can I Catch STDs That Sex Toys Transmit?
Just like when you have regular sex with a person, fluids from the vagina or penis from an infected person can lead to you getting infected. If you share your sex toys with an infected someone who has cuts or openings producing fluids around their penis, anus, or vagina, then several infections can be transmitted between the two of you.
The blood and bodily fluids will be attached to your sex toy, and if you use it without cleaning, it can infect you with different STDs, including Syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis B and C, among other STDs sex toys may transmit.
You probably know about Bacterial Vaginosis, or you've heard about people who have suffered from it. It's an infection caused by a lack of balance of healthy bacteria in your vagina. Any woman who participates in sexual activities is capable of suffering from Bacterial Vaginosis. It's yet another infection that you can get from sharing your sex toys.
This is a prevalent problem mostly for women who engage sexually with other women. If the person you're having sex with has the infection and you share a toy, then you'll also be infected. If you also have sex with multiple people and share toys with them, your chances of getting infected are also high.
Will I Be Safe From STDs If I Clean My Sex Toys?
Yes, this is the safest way to ensure you don't get infected from sharing sex toys. However, don't just do basic cleaning on your toys. Ensure you clean them rigorously to be on the safe side. Every manufacturer has instructions that come with their sex toys on how they need to be cleaned appropriately. Check on the manuals to get the information on the particular toy you're using.
Before you use your sex toys, you should know that you should clean them, especially if you're going to use them on sensitive areas such as your vagina, anus, and mouth. This also applies to after you finish using them.
Clean them rigorously to get rid of any fluid that might be left lingering on the toy. If you're going to use the toys with your partner, on each other, clean them as well. Also, ensure you know whether your partner has any infections. Communicating and being open about diseases is the best way to avoid the risk of transmission.
You might be wondering what you should do to the toys that might get ruined if you fully immerse them in water. Well, you can still clean such toys. All you need to do is take out the batteries from the toy. Afterward, get to cleaning all of the parts that touch your skin and your body fluids as well. If you're using silicone toys, they're easy to clean and disinfect since they can withstand high temperatures. Proper cleaning gets rid of bacteria that is from STDs sex toys.
How Do I Properly Clean My Sex Toys?
How you properly clean your sex toys depends on some factors:
- If your sex toy has parts that can't be immersed in water or it uses batteries
- What material your sex toy is made of
As we discussed earlier, every sex toy you purchase will have instructions on cleaning it from the manufacturer. You should follow all the instructions carefully to avoid damaging them. The easiest way to clean it is through soap and warm water after the use of your toys and before. When used in any openings in your body, or you're using them with someone, ensure they are clean beforehand.
Your toys might develop cracks or get worn out and hence create avenues for bacteria to grow. Regularly check your sex toys to ensure they aren't broken to reduce the chances of being infected. Also, you must avoid sex toys made from latex if you are allergic to the material. It might lead to rashes, burns, and other horrible side effects.
How Can I Avoid Catching STDs Sex Toys Transmit?
There are several ways you can avoid or reduce the risk of getting infected with STDs through sex toys. The following are some of the ways you can do so:
- Always make use of a new condom when you're using penetrative sex toys such as dildos, vibrators, or onaholes for men. Just like having sex with humans, a condom will ensure you're protected from any STDs your sexual partner might have.
- If you have multiple partners, then there's also a need to use different sex toys with each one of them. This will highly reduce the risk of transmission.
- Avoid using your sex toys with other people as much as possible. Don't get used to the habit of sharing them since there are consequences.
- The main thing is always to ensure your sex toys are clean. Clean them before keeping them away and also after someone else uses them.
How Do I Get Tested For STDs?
You might be concerned about your health or have symptoms that would suggest you have an STD. The best thing to do is to get tested at a genitourinary (GUM) clinic or a sexual health clinic near you. They'll advise you on the best treatment.
