Parenting

Before You Buy A Sex Toy, Read This

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Sex toys can be a fun way to add some extra spice to your sex life, yes. Maybe you like frosting your own cake and enjoy a few vibrations from a plastic friend. Perhaps you and your partner are obsessed with a cock ring that always seems to do you both right at the exact same moment.

Pure bliss.

The truth is, most of us masturbate, and some like to use things besides our own hands and fingers. It’s normal, natural, and with the right moves and tools, can be extremely satisfying.

Whether you’ve been collecting and playing with toys for your ruby fruit for years, or you are contemplating treating your precious pearl to a handheld love wand for the first time, there are a few things you need to know first.

According to an article in Beyond Delights, there is no regulation when it comes to sex toys in the United States, which means educating yourself is a must. So, just like everything else that touches your body, a little research goes a long way, whether you are purchasing online or at your favorite adult shop.

If you are feeling the urge to walk around a sex toy store, go for it. You may clam up when you get there as it can be intimidating to look over some of these items in a public setting, and still have no idea how the hell they are supposed to be used, or even if they should be used. But if you feel like asking a question, you should. There is no such thing as a dumb question, especially when you are putting something into your vagina, your bum whistle, or have hot little plans to use it on someone else.

And if your questions were not answered to your satisfaction, and you still aren’t comfortable–hold off and do more research before purchasing. I know it’s hard to wait, but your dipstick or bat cave will thank you for it by not getting hurt or infected–that’s the opposite of sexy and fun, after all.

So, what are you supposed to do before you up your freak game?

First, you should only be buying sex toys from trusted, reputable companies. This will mean paying more for a product, but this is an area where you don’t want to skimp.

Look at what the item is made out of. Body-safe materials are what you are looking for. The toy (most often) is going inside your body and coming in contact with very sensitive areas, and we may even share toys with a partner during intercourse. You want to stay away from porous toys as it is a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. You can get yeast or bacterial infections from them, and who wants that?

What is a porous material? Beyond Delights says the following are items to look out for: PVC, latex, thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), silicone blends, jelly, rubber, and cyber skin.

If you have a favorite toy which contains any of those materials and you cannot bear to get rid of it, you don’t have to toss it, simply use a fresh condom for each use (and for each person, if you are sharing with a partner), and it will keep it clean. And keep you safe.

The article also lets you know which materials to look for when selecting a safe, high-quality sex toy: metal, borosilicate glass, ABS hard plastic, specially-treated wood, pure silicone, ceramic, wood, and stone. So many choices.

So, we don’t need to stop tantalizing our treasure troves with fun toys (thank the heavens above). All it takes is some research. I don’t care who you are, an orgasm isn’t worth a gnarly infection or an allergic reaction. Sex and using sex toys should not only be exciting, it needs to be safe for all involved.

That means never put produce inside the vagina or anus, and make sure your toys are legit, and don’t be afraid to let your partner know when you waiting to try some new things.

Now go study up, buy something that’s sure to cream your pie, and don’t forget the lube.