If you read my recent piece about the 5 Reasons Every Woman Should Masturbate, then you’ll appreciate this follow up regarding the right sex toy to use when pleasuring yourself. Lots of women (like myself) enjoy using their fingers in those intimate private moments. You know your body best and using your own digits is one of the most efficient, and economical, ways to ring in the afternoon with joy. But what about those times when you want a bit more penetration? Or when you’re cute little clit is just begging to be shaken up with a vibrating toy?
Going into a sex toy store and looking for the right toy can be a little overwhelming. There are so many different sizes, shapes, textures and materials! When it comes to size, shape, and texture–you’re on your own. Only you know how big your love canal is, or what kinds of textures will suit you perfectly. If you’re not sure, and it’s your first time purchasing a toy, this is where experimentation comes into play. You’ll most likely need to try a few before you find the right one for you. Of course, this could lead to finding several that you love–the more the merrier! But I want to talk about sex toy materials today; it’s important that you choose a material that is safe and healthy.It might surprise you to hear that not all sex toys are designed with your well being in mind. (Insert shocked gasp here!) That’s right, the sex toy industry is largely unregulated, which means that there are lots of companies out there that are just out to get your money, with no concern about your health.
The most important thing you need to know is this: stay away from phthalates! Phthalates are added to plastics to increase their flexibility. They are also often used in the production of paint, adhesives, insect repellents, and rocket fuel. Unfortunately, phthalates are also added to many sex toys. Why is this a problem, you ask? Well, over time phthalates slowly ‘leak’ out in a process called off-gassing. They release lead and cadmium, which can be absorbed into the body. This dangerous, toxic material is being used in the production of products that are inserted into our most vulnerable places! You’ll find phthalates most often in jelly toys. Jellies are reasonably priced, making them incredibly attractive to consumers, and as their name indicates, they have a soft jelly-like texture that makes them flexible and comfortable to use. But don’t be tricked by their colorful appearance and low prices–jellies are dangerous, porous toys that hold bacteria, are packed with phthalates, and are unsafe to use.
Now that you’re well aware of the dangers of phthalates, let’s talk about a few other materials that are not as dangerous, but possibly just as undesirable as jelly toys. Rubber and elastomers are both low quality materials that are used to make sex toys. I say they’re low quality for the simple fact that they are porous materials, allowing for bacteria to lurk in unwanted, and often unseen, cracks and crevices within the toy.At this point you must be wondering what toys are safe to use, right? Well, you can’t go wrong if you buy toys made from silicone, acrylic or Lucite, glass, or steel. Silicone is soft and durable, and it warms up quickly to body temperature. It is also easy to sterilize between uses; simply boil it or use an anti-bacterial soap to clean it thoroughly. Acrylic and Lucite are hard as rock, non-porous, and make for great prostate stimulating toys; they can be boiled without harming for worry free cleaning. Glass dildos are not only extremely durable (don’t worry, they won’t break while using!), but they are also quite beautifully designed and are cleaned easily with anti-bacterial soap. Steel toys are made of chrome alloy and stainless steel; they are non-porous, easily warm to body temperature, beautiful, and most importantly, pleasurable. They are also very easy to clean by boiling or even dropping in the dishwasher.
The moral of the story is, everyone should know what they’re putting into their body. Do your homework, take your time, and choose a toy that is phthalate free, non-porous, and easy to clean thoroughly. Shopping for a sex toy should be fun, and you might think this is all too much to worry about, but you’d be wrong. Make safe sexual practices part of your fun! Being aware of which materials to steer clear of and choosing wisely is sexy as hell!
