Can adult toys cause a UTI or STI? They sure can.
Not to worry, though. In order to get infected with an STI from a sex toy, you’d need to use it right after someone who had an STI and didn’t clean it after use. You’d think this wouldn’t be a common occurrence. “It’s not the sex toy itself that gives you an STI. It’s that the sex toy is a vector of infection.” According to one sexologist.
However, it is incredibly easy to get a urinary tract infection from sex toys (for ladies especially). UTIs are a lot easier to get because it's up to the person to keep things in order before and after use, no matter where they are used. One person can give themselves a UTI or other infections by repeating a habit that’s not conducive to hygiene.
Can Adult Toys Cause a UTI or STI?
Types of STIs That Can Spread
Any sexually transmitted infection can be transferred through sexual activity like intercourse or sharing a sex toy –spread via bodily fluids and skin-to-skin contact.
Think of fluids like pre-cum, blood, semen, vaginal discharge, or other fluids on the sex toy or individual that has an STI that is fluid-borne. Any sexual connection between person A (who has the STI) and Person B will raise the risk for person B, for instance, catching herpes, etc.
What About UTIs and Bacterial Vaginosis?
Apart from STIs, you can catch other infections using sex toys if you’re not using them correctly. “You can also get a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or UTI from a sex toy,” says a sex expert.
Sharing sex toys with another person (without proper hygienic practices) will elevate your risk of picking up a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or developing a UTI, thanks to the bacteria and change in the vagina’s pH level.
Women are typically exposed to these types of infections in comparison to their male counterparts.
Why the Material of Your Sex Toy Matters
Keep in mind that using the right cleaning method and amount of cleaning will determine whether you double your chance of infecting yourself or infecting someone else with the same sex toy. It’s about getting to know porous and non-porous sex toys.
Sex toys have microscopic holes as they’re made from porous materials. These holes hold the bacteria and other matter behind, even after cleaning. Essentially, you’re not guaranteed a full clean even after using soap and water.
Types of porous materials (avoid sharing):
- Jelly rubber
- Latex
- PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
- TPE (Thermoplastic elastomer)
- TPR (Thermoplastic rubber)
Types of non-porous materials (shareable):
- Silicone
- Pyrex
- ABS plastic
- Glass
- Stainless steel
If you do share sex toys, pick non-porous ones and use a condom over the toy for both porous and non-porous toys. If you use condoms, choose ones made from latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene.
Latex condoms require silicone-based lubricants or water-based lubricants. Any oil-based lubricant and you’ll degrade the condom, creating microscopic holes in the process.
Best Way to Clean Sex Toys
Put aside your sex toy and the material you’ve chosen; you should always wash toys before and after. It comes down to HOW you wash it, which depends on the material.
- Silicone: Warm or hot water and soap, sex toy cleaner.
- Glass: Warm water and soap (non-fragranced), sex toy cleaner.
- Pyrex and ABS: Warm water and soap.
- Latex and jelly rubber: Water and a soapy washcloth.
Sex Toy Cleaners
Sex experts recommend using water-based sex toy cleaners rather than just using water and soap. The good news is that they’re designed to be gentle on your products and sensitive to your body.
Best-selling sex toy cleaners to try at home include:
1 So pure pleasures disinfectant spray
2. Jo Refresh foaming sex toy cleaner
3. Toy Life misting sex toy cleaner
How to Share Sex Toys Safely
If you’re a sharing kind of person, you don’t have to go out of your way to hide your toys from your partner or friend (whatever your situation is). We’ve broken down some simple yet ethical ways to share your sex toys safely.
- Avoid porous toys.
- Clean non-porous toys before and after use.
- Communicate with your partner/friend.
STI Follow Up
If you think you’ve been exposed, get tested, and a medical professional should request a range of tests. Most STIs are asymptomatic, so even without symptoms, you should at least get tested once a year.
Key Takeaway
At any given point that you have sexual interactions with another person who has an STI or you’re unsure of their STI status, you’re at risk. This means getting active orally or through intercourse, and of course, includes sex toys.
Reducing a woman’s chance of developing a UTI or bacterial vaginosis comes down to being thorough when cleaning the device. It’s about putting in the effort on overall hygiene and aftercare.
