How Your Sex Toys Could Be Increasing Your Risk of Vaginal Infections

What’s in your nightstand? If you’re anything like us, you have a sex toy or two (or more) on hand. Sex toys are a great way for both individuals and couples to enhance pleasure and explore their sexualities, but they can also pose certain health risks if not handled correctly —especially when it comes to vaginal infections.

Let’s dive into the connection between sex toys and vaginal infections such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and talk about what you can do to keep these infections at bay.

Sex Toys and Your Vaginal Health

Before we get into how sex toys can contribute to vaginal infections, it’s important to understand the natural balance of the vaginal environment. A healthy vagina maintains a pH of about 3.8 to 4.5. This slightly acidic pH helps keep a delicate balance of bacteria and yeast, which play crucial roles in keeping the vagina free of infections. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to infections like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

1. Yeast Infections

A yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus that naturally lives in the vagina. Symptoms typically include itching, burning, and a thick, white discharge. Yeast infections are extremely common — in fact, about 75% of women will experience one within their lifetimes! Fortunately, prescription antifungals can typically clear up a yeast infection quickly, often with just one dose.

How sex toys can contribute: If sex toys are not cleaned properly after use, and if they are not made with body-safe materials, they can harbor Candida or other microorganisms that can be reintroduced into the vaginal environment, contributing to an overgrowth and resulting in infection. If possible, boiling sex toys are often the most effective way to sanitize them, but you can also use a sex toy cleaning spray designed to cleanse harmful microbes.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the balance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. It’s the most common cause of vaginal symptoms in the US! BV is usually marked by a strong, fishy odor, thin grayish discharge, and vaginal discomfort. Though not always sexually transmitted, BV can occur after sexual activity and is often triggered by factors that upset the vaginal flora. The most effective treatment is often a round of antibiotics — if the infection is not properly treated, it’s easy for BV symptoms to recur until the root of the issue is addressed.

How sex toys can contribute: Using unclean toys can introduce foreign bacteria into the vagina, which may upset the balance of healthy vaginal flora and contribute to the development of BV. Be sure to cleanse toys thoroughly between use!

3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urethra and infect the urinary tract. Symptoms include a strong urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, and cloudy or blood-tinged urine. If you’ve ever felt these symptoms before, you know just how uncomfortable they can be, and you know when you’re experiencing a UTI. UTIs are common, especially in people with vaginas, due to the short distance between the urethra and the anus. More than half of women will experience a UTI, and 20% will experience recurrent UTIs. These infections can quickly become more serious kidney infections, so if you suspect you have a UTI, it’s important to connect with a healthcare provider and get treatment with antibiotics.

How sex toys can contribute: E. coli bacteria, often found in fecal matter, is the most common cause of UTIs. Sharing toys between vaginal and anal use without cleaning them thoroughly can transfer bacteria from the anus to the urethra, leading to a UTI.

4. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and human papillomavirus (HPV), are infections passed through sexual contact. Symptoms vary depending on the infection but can include itching, pain, abnormal discharge, sores, and swelling. While some people experience symptoms with STIs, most people won’t experience any symptoms at all! That’s why it’s so important to test often, especially if you’re sexually active. These STIs can have long term impacts on your health and fertility if left untreated.

How sex toys can contribute: If sex toys are shared between partners without being cleaned or used with a barrier (such as a condom), they can act as a vector for STIs, passing the infection from one person to another. If you suspect you have an STI, connect with a healthcare provider for testing and treatment!

Best Practices for Safe Sex Toy Use and Hygiene

To minimize the risk of developing vaginal infections when using sex toys, it’s essential to follow strict safety and hygiene practices. Below are the key guidelines to ensure that your toys are safe and pleasurable without compromising your vaginal health.

1. Choose the right materials

Sex toys are made from a variety of materials, and some are safer for the body than others. Always choose toys made from non-porous, body-safe materials like silicone, stainless steel, glass, or ABS plastic. These materials are less likely to harbor bacteria and are easier to clean.

• Porous materials like rubber, jelly, or PVC can trap bacteria even after washing, making them more difficult to clean and sanitize.
• Stay away from toys with creases, crevices, or grooves that you won’t be able to thoroughly clean.
• Check for certifications like “phthalate-free” or “medical-grade silicone” to ensure the safety of the material.

2. Proper cleaning before and after use

Cleaning sex toys thoroughly before and after each use is crucial in preventing infections. Follow these steps to ensure your toys are as clean as possible:

• Warm water and mild soap: Most sex toys can be washed with warm water and mild, unscented soap. A good toy is able to be thoroughly cleaned without scrubbing!
• Toy cleaners: Some sex toy manufacturers offer specialized cleaners that are safe for certain materials. These cleaners can be an additional step after washing with soap and water.
• Boiling or sterilizing: Non-electronic toys made of materials like silicone, glass, or stainless steel can be boiled for a few minutes to ensure they are completely sanitized.
• Air drying: After cleaning, allow the toy to air dry completely before storing it. Storing a damp toy can lead to mold or bacterial growth.

3. Use barriers for shared toys

If you plan to share sex toys with a partner or multiple partners, it’s essential to use barriers, such as condoms, to prevent the spread of bacteria and infections. Place a new condom over the toy before use, and change the condom if the toy is being used in different areas (e.g., from anal to vaginal use). This prevents cross-contamination between different areas of the body, reducing the risk of infections like UTIs or STIs.

4. Avoid switching between vaginal and anal use

Bacteria from the anus can easily lead to vaginal infections or UTIs if introduced into the vaginal area. If you plan to use a toy for both vaginal and anal play, clean it thoroughly between uses or use a separate toy for each area.

• Double penetration toys: If using toys designed for simultaneous vaginal and anal use, ensure the toy is made of non-porous, body-safe materials, and clean it meticulously after each use.

5. Storage matters

Proper storage of sex toys is just as important as cleaning them. Always store your toys in a clean, dry place, such as a dedicated toy bag or case. Avoid storing toys in a humid environment, as this can encourage the growth of mold or bacteria. If possible, store toys separately to prevent them from coming into contact with each other, especially if they’re made of different materials that may degrade when in contact. This is extra important when it comes to silicone toys: silicone can dissolve silicones, so silicone toys that are left to touch each other will degrade over time! Most silicone toys come with a satin bag for storage so they can be safely left together in the same box or drawer.

6. Replace damaged toys

Sex toys are not meant to last forever. Over time, they can develop wear and tear, which may create tiny cracks or crevices that can harbor bacteria. Regularly inspect your toys for any signs of damage, and replace them if necessary. This is particularly important for toys made from softer materials, which may degrade more quickly than those made from glass or stainless steel.

7. Consider your body’s signals

If you notice any signs of infection, such as unusual discharge, itching, burning, or discomfort after using a sex toy, stop using it immediately and consult a healthcare provider. It’s important not to ignore these symptoms, as early treatment can prevent further complications. Beyond infections, these symptoms can sometimes be signs of an allergy to a material, like latex. 

Sex toys can be an excellent way to explore your sexual desires, but proper care and hygiene are crucial to ensuring you stay healthy! By following the practices outlined above — such as choosing body-safe materials, cleaning toys before and after use, and using barriers — you can minimize the risk of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, UTIs, and STIs.

Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any concerning symptoms. Have fun and play safe!