Are Sex Toys Safe? 5 Things Beginners Should Know Before Trying One

1. Are Sex Toys Safe? 5 Things Beginners Should Know Before Trying One

Are sex toys safe? That’s one of the first questions people ask when thinking about trying one. If you’ve never used a toy before, it’s normal to feel unsure — like, Will it hurt?, Is it clean?, Can I overdo it?

The good news? When you pick the right toy and use it safely, sex toys aren’t just harmless — they can actually boost your confidence, make solo time more satisfying, and even bring you closer with your partner.

What really matters is knowing how to choose something safe for your body, how to clean it, and how to use it the right way. No judgment, no jargon — we’re breaking it down in plain English.

2. How to Tell If a Sex Toy Is Body-Safe (And Which Materials to Trust)

So really, are sex toys safe? It depends on what they’re made of — and sadly, not all are created equal.

“Body-safe” means the material won’t release nasty chemicals, won’t hold onto bacteria, and won’t mess with your skin. You’d think that’s a no-brainer — but tons of cheap toys still use sketchy materials like jelly rubber or PVC that can trap bacteria and even leach chemicals. which can trap bacteria and may even contain phthalates — a group of chemicals banned in baby products but still lurking in some adult ones.

Here’s a quick guide to what’s safe — and what to avoid:

✅ Safer Choices

• Medical-grade silicone – soft, smooth, non-porous, and easy to clean
• ABS plastic – firm and body-safe
• Borosilicate glass / Stainless steel – non-porous and can be sterilized

🚫 Materials to Avoid

• PVC / Jelly rubber / TPR / TPE – porous, can’t be fully cleaned, often contain unknown chemicals
• Unlabeled “soft” toys – if it smells strongly or feels sticky, skip it

Tip: Look for labels like “phthalate-free”, “non-porous”, and always buy from trusted brands.

Want to dive deeper into why phthalates matter? The FDA’s page on phthalates in cosmetics explains which phthalates are still used—and which ones are flagged for hormone disruption.

3. How to Clean Sex Toys Properly (And What You Should Never Do)

👫 Can You Share Toys With a Partner?

Yes, but only with precautions.Sharing a toy can transfer bacteria or even STIs — and that’s one part of the bigger question: are sex toys safe, especially when shared?

Here’s how to do it safely:

• Use a condom over the toy and change it between partners.
• Clean the toy thoroughly between uses, especially when switching from anal to vaginal play.
• Ideally, use separate toys for different partners or different types of play.

👉 Need the right lube or toy cleaner? Check out our Essentials Collection — all safe, tested, and easy to use.

🧪 How Long Do Sex Toys Last?

Even high-quality toys don’t last forever. Silicone and plastic can degrade over time, especially if exposed to heat, moisture, or harsh cleaning chemicals.

Signs it’s time to replace your toy:

• Sticky or tacky surface
• Discoloration or cracking
• A persistent smell that doesn’t wash off

When in doubt, don’t risk it — toss it. It’s better to replace a $50 toy than deal with a nasty infection.

👃 What If My Toy Smells Weird?

A slight smell from silicone or rubber is normal at first, but if it has a strong, chemical odor or smells worse after washing, it could be a sign of poor-quality materials or bacterial buildup.

To help:

• Let the toy air out in a well-ventilated space
• Clean it with a mild vinegar solution (1:10 vinegar to water), then rinse thoroughly
• If the smell doesn’t fade after a few days, it’s probably not body-safe — don’t use it

4. What Are the Real Risks of Using Sex Toys? Here’s How to Stay Safe

Let’s be clear — when used properly, sex toys are very low-risk. But like anything that involves your body, there are a few things to watch out for. Knowing what can go wrong (and how to prevent it) is key to staying safe. In other words, are sex toys safe? Most of the time — if you use them right.

⚠️ 1. Physical Discomfort or Injury

This is the most common concern, especially for beginners. If you use a toy that’s too large, insert it too quickly, or skip lube, you risk small tears, soreness, or worse — especially during anal or deep vaginal play.

How to stay safe:

• Start slow and choose beginner-friendly sizes
• Use plenty of water-based lube (especially with silicone toys)
• Listen to your body — if it hurts, stop. It’s not supposed to hurt.

Tip: Never use anything without a flared base for anal play — it’s not a myth, things can get stuck.

2. Infections from Poor Hygiene

We already talked about cleaning — but here’s the real reason it matters: bacteria and fungi love warm, damp places. If you don’t clean your toy, it can become a breeding ground and lead to UTIs, yeast infections, or worse.

Also avoid switching from anal to vaginal play without cleaning the toy first. Cross-contamination is real.

3. Allergic Reactions or Irritation

Some people are sensitive to certain materials, especially low-quality rubber or unknown blends. You might notice itching, burning, or redness after use — not fun.

Solution: Stick to toys made from medical-grade silicone or ABS plastic. And always avoid toys that have a strong chemical smell or no material label.

🔁 4. Overuse or “Desensitization”

Let’s address a common myth: “Can sex toys make you numb or ruin natural sensations?”

The truth is: no, they don’t damage your body, but if you rely on the same type of intense stimulation (like a powerful wand vibrator) every single time, your body might get used to it. That can make gentler touch feel less exciting.

What to do instead:

• Mix things up — try different toys, speeds, patterns, or even hands
• Don’t rush — give your body time to warm up naturally
• Use toys as a way to explore, not a crutch to “get it over with”

👉 Curious to explore different sensations? Take a look at our Vibrators for Women — perfect for mixing things up with safe, quality toys.

🧠 5. Mental Guilt or Shame

Sometimes, the biggest “risk” isn’t physical — it’s emotional. Maybe you were raised to think sex toys are dirty or wrong. Maybe you feel weird about using them in a relationship. That kind of guilt can eat away at your confidence.

But here’s the truth:
Using sex toys is normal. Healthy. Empowering.
It doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you — it means you’re curious, open, and care about your pleasure. That’s a good thing.

5. Sex Toy Safety FAQs: Straightforward Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Got questions? You’re definitely not the only one. Here are some of the most common concerns people have about sex toy safety — answered simply and honestly.

Q: Are sex toys safe, or can they cause infections?

A: Yes, infections can happen — but only if it’s not cleaned properly or shared unsafely. Always clean your toy before and after use, and avoid using porous materials that can trap bacteria.

Q: Can sex toys get stuck inside me?

A: If you’re using a toy without a base or handle — especially during anal play — it’s possible. That’s why flared bases are non-negotiable for anything going inside the butt. Be mindful of size and design.

Q: Is it safe to use sex toys every day?

A: Totally fine — as long as your body feels good and there’s no discomfort. Just switch things up sometimes and give yourself breaks when needed.

Q: Are cheaper toys always unsafe?

A: Not always, but cheaper toys often use lower-quality materials and skip safety testing. If a toy has no material label, smells strongly, or feels sticky, it’s best to avoid it — no matter the price.

Q: Can I use lube with all toys?

A: Yes, and you should! But choose the right kind:

• Water-based lube is safe with all toys
• Silicone-based lube can damage silicone toys, so avoid that combo

Q: Can I travel with my sex toy?

A: Yes — just clean it, dry it, and store it discreetly in your luggage. Some toys may accidentally turn on during transit, so make sure it’s locked or remove the batteries. And yes, airport scanners have seen it all.

👉 First time buying a toy? Read our full guide: First Sex Toy? 5 Beginner Tips to Help You Choose Safely

So, Are Sex Toys Safe? Here’s the Bottom Line

So, are sex toys safe? They absolutely can be — when you choose quality materials, clean them properly, and listen to your body.

Forget the shame, skip the myths — and explore what feels good, safely and confidently.