Using sex toys
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Using sex toys: Do’s and don’ts

By Harish P Saturday, April 29, 2017 - 13:00
Sex toys can be a welcome break from the monotony of a regular sex-life. Here’s our rundown of the things you must keep in mind and continue using them rightly!

Do…

  • Pay attention to the toy material
    While rubber and PVC toys are the cheapest, they tend to be risky because their pores allow for bacteria to breed when not properly sterilised. Silicon and glass toys, being non-porous tend to be safer. Glass toys are getting popular because they are easy to wash as well and can be readily heated or cooled for some extra effects.
  • Wash before use and re-use
    Toys are fun but they may easily spread infections during sharing or re-use. This can be avoided by a few simple measures like washing the toy thoroughly before and after use with antibacterial soap and water, sterilising and even using a condom on the toy if possible.
  • Beware of the phthalates
    Different kinds of sex toys come with different amounts of phthalates - softening materials (with rubbery smells). It has been found to be potentially carcinogenic and harmful to reproductive health. So, before buying your sex toy, make sure you check for the phthalate content on the packaging.
  • Choose the right lube
    Toys are often used for penetration. Thus, it’s always advisable to have a lubricant handy around you to make the fun smoother. But choosing the right lube is as important as choosing the right sex toy. When using silicone toys, it’s best to stick to water-based lubes as silicone lubes can cause damage to silicone toys.

Don’t…

  • Go for a toy​ with a single vibrating range
    Vibrators can be the most fun among sex toys. But it’s important to know just how much vibration your body enjoys. It’s best to go for vibrators with a broad range of vibration modes, so that you can tone it up or down whenever you need to.
  • Share it with anyone
    Sharing sex toys with others (even using it on the partner’s genitals after having used it on your own or vice versa) can be a gateway to acquiring an STI among other problems. Mindless sharing can be especially risky during casual flings and one-night stands. So, remember, clean before you share and share not if you trust not!
  • Ignore the width
    It’s important to be mindful about the width of your sex toy. Especially if it’s a butt-plug or a dildo that is going to be used for anal sex. Uncomfortably high widths may cause bleeding/other discomfort to the anus or to any other part for that matter. 1.5 inches wide is a safe number but always safer to think or discuss first.
  • Be afraid to think out-of-the-box
    Not all sex toys are sold in special and secret shops. Some of them maybe lying around right in your very house. Just make sure that you’ve read enough about the safety measures for using the vegetable or hairbrush that you’re already toying with in your head before putting it to use.

Do you have more tips to share on using sex toys? Share your comments below or write to us on Facebook. If you have a question, please visit our discussion forum.

About the author: Harish Pedaprolu is a writer and academic based out of Mumbai, India. He has been writing and editing content for the last 6 years. He has also been researching and teaching philosophy at the university level for the past 5 years. He can be reached out on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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Shera bete ise padhiye: https://lovematters.in/hi/making-love/ways-to-make-love/using-sex-toys-dos-and-donts Yadi aap is mudde par humseaur gehri charcha mein judna chahte hain to hamare discussion board “Just Poocho” mein zaroor shamil ho! https://lovematters.in/en/forum
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