Sex toys: How to care for them

The history of sex toys goes back thousands of years. In 2005, archaeologists discovered a 28,000-year-old polished stone dildo in a cave in Germany. Some people even credit Cleopatra with inventing the first vibrator over 2,000 years ago: a papyrus cone filled with bees. Five hundred years earlier, the poet Sappho had already alluded to the use of wooden or leather artificial phalluses by women on the island of Lesbos. In the Middle Ages, sophisticated products made from more elaborate materials were reserved for the wealthy, while more modest individuals made do with what nature had to offer [2].

In the second half of the 20th century, sexual liberation and the recognition of female sexuality greatly contributed to popularizing these toys, despite the persistence of certain taboos. A second wind came with the advent of the Internet, providing consumers with the opportunity to trade the backrooms of erotic stores for the anonymity of ordering online!

More than half of women in the United States have used a vibrator, and this number climbs to more than 75% in women who have sex with women [3].

Although people of all ages use sex toys, recent French statistics show that 43% of Generation Z (born after 1996) and 38% of Generation Y (1981–1996) are their biggest fans. This percentage drops to 20% for Generation X (1965–1980) and to 11% for people born before 1965 [4].

Sex toys can significantly enrich our sex lives, but they are not without health risks. Some models contain substances that are potentially allergenic or harmful to our health, and their use—especially when shared—increases the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STIs). In addition, these accessories must be adapted to users’ preferences and anatomy to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

The main allergen found in sex toys is latex, widely used in the manufacturing of condoms. Latex allergies occur immediately, sometimes severely, and in some cases can lead to anaphylactic shock [5]. Other products can cause irritation of the vaginal wall, a tissue known to be very sensitive, or trigger contact dermatitis, which often appears a few hours after use. The substances contained in lubricants, often used in conjunction with other products, can also play a role in allergic reactions or irritations.

Sex toys are often made from materials such as plastic, silicone, and rubber. Some contain potentially dangerous substances, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Of these substances, phthalates, known to be endocrine disruptors, are the most concerning [6].

Since sex toys are not considered medical devices, they are not subject to strict manufacturing and distribution regulations. That said, as stipulated by Health Canada, manufacturers, importers, and distributors of these consumer products must ensure that their products are safe and meet all safety standards to ensure that they do not present a danger to human health or safety [7]. Ironically, there is a standard for phthalates… but only in children’s toys!

To attempt to regulate this market, an ISO standard was proposed in 2021, specifically for toys that are intended to come in direct contact with genitals and/or the anus [8]. However, ISO 3533 remains voluntary. In the meantime, the best approach is to always check the list of materials used to manufacture the toy and avoid those that have no information confirming that they are phthalate-free.

Shared sex toys can be a vector of transmission of certain STIs. According to the Minister of Health and Social Services (MSSS), the risk is negligible for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis B and low for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the major cause of AIDS. However, the risk is high for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for cervical cancer, as well as for the herpes virus [9]. This is why it is very important to clean sex toys thoroughly. They should be cleaned before they are used for the first time, and between uses. If this is not possible, especially when sharing a sex toy, the best solution is to put a condom over the toy.

The cleaning techniques depend mainly on the materials used and whether or not there are any electrical components.

Remove any batteries before cleaning and never submerge electrical components in water. Use a damp, soapy cloth, preferably with antibacterial soap. After they have been cleaned, store them in a cool, dry place to keep them in good condition.

They can be cleaned with a damp cloth and antibacterial soap. Pyrex, stainless steel, and silicone toys can even be placed in the dishwasher. For optimal disinfection, stainless steel and silicone toys (without any mechanical components) can be disinfected in boiling water for 10 minutes.

Rubber toys are very porous, making them difficult to clean, and they often contain phthalates. To ensure safe use, it is recommended to put a condom over them.

To clean artificial skin and vinyl toys, wash them delicately by hand with warm water only. Air dry them and powder them with a small amount of cornstarch to keep them from getting sticky. Nylon toys can be machine- or handwashed with a mild soap.

There are also cleaning products especially designed for sex toys made with different materials. For further information, you can consult pharmacy websites, among others.

Democratization of increasingly sophisticated sex toys has brought many benefits, by not only enriching the quality of sex life, but also providing medical advantages. These include treating menopausal symptoms, improving sexual arousal, strengthening the pelvic floor, managing premature ejaculation, supporting erectile dysfunction, and increasing libido [11]. With a little care in choosing and using these toys, it’s possible to enjoy their full benefits while minimizing the risk of side effects.