sex toys is not safe for your health?

The topic of sex toy safety is not one people generally feel comfortable discussing; however, there are some very real considerations when it comes to your health and the sex toys you use. A healthy sex life is nothing to be ashamed of, but it is important to remain educated about the items used in or on your body.

How could a sex toy be dangerous?Aside from operator error, the main concern with sex toys is they are not regulated medical devices. What that means to the consumer is the FDA does not regulate what such toys are made out of. It’s possible one or more ingredients or materials in your sex toy could  potentially lead to cancer or allergic reactions. That being said, not much in the way of scientific investigation has been done along these lines, so while it can’t be said sex toys will cause cancer, it can’t be said they won’t, either.

The New York Times’ About.com reports evidence that phthalates has been found in a number of sex toys on the market, and studies have indicated large doses of phthalates cause damage to the liver, kidneys and hormones of mice.
In fact, in a 2002 FDA warning, the government cautioned about phthalate toxicity in male infants related to vinyl medical device exposure. Used to soften plastic, phthalates can break free from items over time and travel into the body.

• Sexually transmitted diseases

  

   Not everyone shares sex toys, but for the group of individuals who do, and those with multiple sexual partners, The Information Standard cautions there is potential for contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through sharing sexual accessories.

Toys can transmit diseases such as herpes, chlamydia and syphilis, as well as blood-borne illnesses like Hepatitis and HIV.
To prevent sex toys from being a breeding ground of disease, individuals should:

• Consider not sharing sex toys
• Clean toys after each use with warm water and soap, and let air dry
• Store toys in clean and air-tight containers
• Clean toys between use on different parts of the body
• Use covers or condoms on toys used on multiple partners
• Inspect toys regularly for damaged areas that may harbor bacteria