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Sex toys can be great allies for pleasure , enriching your sexual experience, but at least once you've asked yourself: "Can I contract an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) from using a sex toy?" The short answer is yes, but the reality is more complex. It's not the sex toy itself that transmits the infection, but it can happen if an infected partner uses it and it's not cleaned properly before using it again .

Can I get an STI from my sex toy?

In practice, you can't contract an STI if the pathogens aren't present on the sex toy. However, there's a small risk of reinfection by using a toy you used while you already had an infection. In this case, if you haven't cleaned the toy properly , the pathogens can survive long enough for you to become reinfected.

What if I share the sex toy with someone else?

Sharing sex toys without proper cleaning increases the risk of contracting an STI. If two people with different infection levels use the same toy vaginally or anally without thoroughly cleaning it between uses, some pathogens may remain on the sex toy for hours or even days, depending on the infection.

What sexually transmitted infections can I get?

Some of the sexually transmitted infections that can be transmitted through sex toys include:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

A 2012 study , published in Sexually Transmitted Diseases , found that shared use of sex toys was associated with these four infections.

Can I get HIV?

The risk of contracting HIV from using a sex toy is extremely rare, but not zero. HIV is transmitted primarily through blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, and vaginal fluids , and contact with mucous membranes is necessary for infection. The risk increases if:

  • The infected sex toy comes into contact with wounds or microlesions .
  • It is used immediately after being contaminated with blood or semen.

Other infections to be aware of

There are also other infections, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) , which can be transmitted or facilitated by the improper use or poor cleaning of sex toys.

  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV) : It is not considered an STI, but can be transmitted through the shared use of vaginal toys.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) : These can be transmitted if bacteria are transferred from the anus to the vagina through an improperly cleaned toy.

How long can pathogens survive on sex toys?

The length of time pathogens can survive on inanimate surfaces varies depending on the type of infection. Here's some information:

  • Chlamydia : Survives up to 2-3 hours in a humid environment.
  • Gonorrhea : Only survives for about a minute.
  • Syphilis : Dies quickly once body fluids dry up.
  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) : It can decrease up to 50% after three days, but can survive for longer.
  • HIV : It does not survive long outside the body. Some research shows that in bodily fluids, if the viral load is high, it survives for a maximum of a few minutes. The average is about a minute.

How to keep sex toys safe

Adopting good hygiene and sharing habits can dramatically reduce the risk of infection. Here are some practical tips for using your sex toys safely:

  • Clean sex toys between uses: Use warm water and mild soap or a specific disinfectant . Make sure the toys are waterproof and easy to clean.
  • Share sex toys ethically and responsibly: Make sure each partner is aware of each other's sexual health and that the sex toy is cleaned properly between uses.
  • Use a condom: If you're unsure about the cleanliness or condition of the toy, you can use a condom as a protective barrier. Change the condom every time you change partners or body cavities (vagina, anus).
  • Don't use a sex toy for anal and vaginal stimulation without thoroughly cleaning it first. This can prevent the transfer of bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
  • Store sex toys in a clean, dry place: Use special bags to keep your toys free from bacteria and dust.

    When it comes to STIs, the material of the sex toy matters!

    Some materials are safer than others. Avoid sex toys made from porous materials, which can retain bacteria and pathogens even after cleaning. Opt for toys made from medical-grade silicone , surgical-grade stainless steel , or borosilicate glass , which are easy to clean and sanitize.

    Conclusion

    Using sex toys can be safe and fun if you follow a few basic precautions. Always clean your toys , consider using barrier methods like condoms , and be mindful of how you share sex toys. By following these simple guidelines, you can continue exploring pleasure without worries!

    Discover our catalog of safe, easy-to-clean products made with high-quality materials to ensure maximum safety and fun.

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    Bibliography

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    2. Anderson, T.A., Schick, V., Herbenick, D., et al. (2014). A study of human papillomavirus on vaginally inserted sex toys, before and after cleaning, among women who have sex with women and men. Sexually transmitted infections , 90 (7), 529–531. https://doi.org/10.1136/sextrans-2014-051558

    3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Body fluids that transmit HIV. Retrieved October 20, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-transmission/body-fluids.html

    4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021, 70(4), 19. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/STI-Guidelines-2021.pdf

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    9. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Washington, DC: ACOG; 2020. Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/urinary-tract-infections . Retrieved October 20, 2022.

    10. Public Health Agency of Canada. (2011). Infectious Substances – Chlamydia trachomatis. Retrieved from the Government of Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment/chlamydia-trachomatis.html

    11. SDSU Student Health Services. (2013). Gonorrhea. Health Matters. Retrieved October 20, 2022, from https://sacd.sdsu.edu/_resources/files/well-being/03747-Gonorrhea_06-2013.pdf

    12. Ortega, V. E., & Genese, F. (2022). Asthma. In Merck Manual Consumer Version . Merck & Co., Inc. Retrieved October 20, 2022, from https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/syphilis

    13. Ryndock, E. J. & Meyers, C. (2014). A risk for non-sexual transmission of human papillomavirus?, Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy , 12(10), 1165-1170. DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2014.959497

    14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Ways HIV is not transmitted. Retrieved October 20, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-transmission/not-transmitted.html

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    17. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). What are condoms? Retrieved October 20, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-prevention/condoms.html

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