Let’s Talk About Sex Toy Safety

Talking about sex toys can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for many. I doubt a lot of us want to bring up a conversation about our favorite vibrator during regular dinner conversations with friends, family, or coworkers. That is unless you are eating dinner with me, and then we can talk about all things sexual health every time! (Yes, my children hear all about sexual health, and I can tell you why in another post at another time.) My poor family has likely heard entirely too much about the sex toy industry ever since a client prompted me to dig deeper into the topic. Through this digging, one word stuck out among the rest, “novelty.” We all probably know the general meaning of this word, but just so we are all on the same page, “novelty” means something “new or unusual that usually provides fleeting amusement or is often based on a theme.”  Yep, sex toys could undoubtedly be labeled as novelty toys. So, what’s the problem?

“Novelty” Doesn’t Mean Regulated and Why That’s Important

It shocked me when I learned about the regulations placed on the sex toy industry because there are none. Well, I should say that most present rules are easily bypassed by this one simple phrase, “for novelty use only.” By adding this disclaimer, sex toys basically become immune to health and safety regulations. This can be a pretty big deal when we’re talking about toys and devices that spend a decent amount of time in, on, or around some of our most sensitive body parts.

Currently, the FDA does not regulate sex toys unless they can be classified as medical devices used for specific medical interventions or purposes. For example, vibrators may sometimes be used for medical intervention in cases of sexual dysfunction. Also, some devices may be used to assist in Kegel exercises and pelvic floor issues. You can read more about that here. The main takeaway is that these products must be labeled “for therapeutic use” in order to be monitored by the FDA. When a manufacturer advertises as “novelty use only,” none of these regulations apply.

Further adding to these growing concerns, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which oversees the sale of sex toys, has also not published standards, regulations, or mandatory testing regarding sex toy safety yet. However, they do indicate that these toys and devices may be subject to recall if there is a substantial risk of injury to the general public. However, many of those impacted are not likely to come forward and disclose these impacts due to embarrassment, shame, and many other personal reasons. Most importantly, they shouldn’t have to, and with more rigid safety regulations, this concern could be largely avoided.

What Does This Mean For Your Sexual Health and Well-being?

With such widespread emphasis placed on checking our food's ingredients and what we put into our bodies, it’s fair to say that sex toys are generally overlooked. From research and seeking out anecdotal reports, it seems like safety is usually assumed when purchasing a new sex toy. There isn’t a natural inclination to check the label for toxic or unsafe substances used in the production of each toy.

One of the most important topics I have seen across the internet and significant research articles is the use of Phthalates in the production of sex toys. (Nope, I can’t pronounce it right, either, moving on.) I love seeing the awareness placed on this in the past few years, but there is still so much work and areas to grow in regulating its use. Phthalates are classified as plasticizers and are what give sex toys their flexibility. PVC, a commonly used polymer, combines with plasticizers such as phthalates to improve flexibility and processibility. Unfortunately, according to a research study conducted in 2020 evaluating the safety of adult novelty toys, many commonly used materials used in the production of sex toys have significant potential for adverse health effects. This is so important to know considering the recent boom in sex toy sales globally. There was a recorded 30% increase in sex toy online sales in North America during the COVID-19 lockdown, with even higher increases in other countries. Definitely check that research out here.

Tips for Purchasing Safe Sex Toys

Ok, now that we’ve talked about the scary but important-to-know information, let’s talk about what you can do about it to keep yourself safe and healthy. Good news! There are plenty of safe options out there, and I’m very excited to share them with you! No need to abandon sex toys, especially since they can serve some pretty awesome purposes for overall health and wellness.

1.     Cheaper usually does not mean better. If the price of a sex toy looks too good to be true, it’s probably because it is. Not to mention the quality will likely not maintain long-term use, which results in you spending more over time anyway.

2.     Look for keywords on the box or the information manual, such as Phthalates. If you see a word and don’t know what it is, don’t assume it’s safe. Make sure you understand what was used in the production of the toy. Some materials you want to avoid include jelly rubber, synthetic latex, PVC, or vinyl. Safe, non-porous materials include ABS plastic, acrylic, ceramic, glass, wood, and metal.

3.     If you’re purchasing a toy online, make sure you know where it’s coming from. For example, toys from popular websites like amazon may come from multiple different outside sources and lack information about their production. Some good websites to check out are We-Vibe, Lelo, and Womanizer. However, there are more out there, and I encourage you to research them!

How to Take Care of Your Sex Toys

I couldn’t write a blog about sex toys and not include a section on how to clean and care for them properly. A lot of the methods you use to clean and store your sex toys are dependent upon what they are made of and their function. For example, a silicone sex toy should only ever be used with a water-based lubricant, as a silicone-based lubricant can cause the toy to degrade very quickly. This will damage the toy and can pose a significant risk to your health and safety as well.  Good Clean Love has some excellent options for safe water-based lubricants (some great washes and cleaners as well!).

Make sure you are cleaning your toy before and after use. You can use basic antibacterial soap and water and let the toy air dry. There are also plenty of options for wipes and cleansing washes that are pretty cool and effective as well. Be mindful that if your toy has batteries, charging ports, or cords, you’ll want to be cautious when placing it in direct contact with water. Some toys will indicate that it is safe to use in water but always check first to prevent damage or injury. The cleansing wipes I referenced earlier are good alternatives.

Finally, ensure you're storing your toys in a clean, dry place and keep your toys separate. Putting silicone toys together can also cause the toys to degrade and suffer significant damage. I would also emphasize that this is an area where sharing probably isn’t a good idea. If you choose to share toys with a partner or other, ensure you thoroughly clean before and after use and practice safe sex practices such as regular STI testing or using condoms.