STDs- Can I get them while using a toy?

We were warned about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) nd other infections at regular check-ups in school. We were looking at photos, horrified, and whispering to each other that this could never happen to us. You know, the prince on the white horse, virgin and prepared to live and sleep with you till death do us part, and similar stories. 

Even for those of us who swore we will be alone for the rest of our lives, the plans did not realize, and sooner or later, the princes came, crumpled our sheets, and left. Most of us passed the first test of sexually transmitted diseases without any troubles. 

Soon both, princes and princesses began to use the erotic toys. Some to enrich their relationship, others found the solution in vibrator when we could not share bed pleasures with a real person, and at the same time consoled ourselves that we could not get pregnant and get sexually transmitted diseases. But is it true? Are we really on the safe side using erotic toys than if we are 'hugging' with our partner or a boy next door?

Around December 1, most of us remember those pictures seen in the elementary school and grab the free condoms that students share with people on the street. Unfortunately, we mainly talk about sexually transmitted diseases when it comes to sex and rarely think of a vibrator waiting on the nightstand. 

Despite the often mistaken belief that this is possible, we can also get the disease using sex toys. Unfortunately, we are not like Virgin Mary, although we sometimes lack sex. Our good toy friends can transmit chlamydia, syphilis, genital herpes, and bacterial vaginosis. Less frequent are Hepatitis C or B, and HIV.

But please don't panic and start throwing erotic toys in the trash. Such harsh measures are unnecessary; you just need to have a sharp eye and Saturday cleaning fever to prevent viruses and bacteria transmission with your favorite toy. 

Three measures to keep erotic toys safe to use:

• Use them alone or with no more than one partner;
• Follow the one-on-one principle - one toy for one part of your body;
• Clean, inspect, clean, inspect.

Use them for your pleasure only 

Like by sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases are also spreading by toys, especially in recent times, when the popularity of so-called toys for couples is growing. Suppose you stick to the principle of "better using a condom than having a beer belly for nine months" with your partner during sex. In that case, you also stick to it while using erotic toys - not in order not to get pregnant, but to enjoy safe sex with your partner, starring in his eyes and not facing away from each other when overcoming gonorrhea. Some doctors in such cases recommend protecting toys with a condom before use. In case this bothers you or the toy is of such a shape that the protection is not possible, rinse it thoroughly under hot water and disinfect it before and after each use.

One on one principle

This principle basically means one partner, one toy. The same can be said for all the holes of your body, so one hole, one toy - one for the mouth, one for the butt, and one for the peach. This makes it easier to prevent infections, and you also have an excuse why you urgently need at least three toys. 

Clean, inspect, clean, inspect

If you ignore or forget the first or second piece of advice, you should not overlook this one. No matter which toy we use to bring us pleasure, be it masturbators, balls, vibrators, dildos, eggs, we must not forget basic hygiene. It is essential to wash the toy thoroughly before and after use. You can also buy cleaners in erotic shops depending on the material of the erotic toy. Pay special attention to wrinkles and waves, in which bacteria like to stay.

I advise you to check every now and then to see if the toy is scratched, if it has been affected by the ravages of time, or if the wild game's damage is visible on it. If so, you may want to treat yourself by buying a new one to avoid bacteria and unnecessary problems. After cleaning, store the erotic toy in a well-chosen storage bag, where it will safely wait for you until the next use.

Yes, diseases can also be transmitted by erotic toys, but this rarely happens, especially if we maintain minimum hygiene standards. Although all the names of sexually transmitted infections sound scary, there is no reason to panic. It only takes a little caution and routine before and after the toy's use. That way, the peach or the cock will stay healthy. 

You can read more about it here:

https://www.bustle.com/p/can-you-get-sti-from-a-vibrator-yup-but-heres-how-to-prevent-it-59757

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/are-sex-toys-safe/