Can you get an STD from a sex toy?

Yes, it’s possible to catch an STD from a vibrator and other sex toys. Many STDs can’t survive outside the body for long, but some are tough and will still be infectious for long periods. However, you should never assume that if you leave it long enough, the infection will disappear.

Keep reading to find out more.

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What’s an STI?

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that people get through sexual activity. “Sexual activity” can refer to a lot of things. For most people, it refers to forms of sexual intercourse, like oral sex, anal sex, and vaginal sex. But it can also include other kinds of unprotected sexual contact, like foreplay, digital stimulation, and – that’s right – sharing sex toys.

Most STIs are transmitted through swapping bodily fluids like semen, vaginal fluids, and blood. But some infections, like HPV and Herpes, can be transmitted through simple skin-to-skin contact, like touching an infected person’s genitals and kissing.

Types of sex toy

Sex toys are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and functions. Popular types of sex toys include vibrators, dildos, anal plugs, wearable devices, posture pillows, restraints like handcuffs and rope, fleshlights, sex dolls, penis rings, and more.

The point of sex toys is to help you and your sexual partners enhance your sexual experiences by making them more stimulating, arousing, and pleasurable.

But sex toys also need to be treated with care. They need to be maintained and cleaned properly, because if they’re not, they can pass on STIs.

The logistics of how you get an STI from a sex toy are pretty simple.

Let’s say you (a woman) are getting intimate with a new sexual partner (also a woman), but that partner, unbeknownst to you, has a genital Chlamydia infection. Your partner starts using a vibrator, and hands it to you, and then you use it.

This is how STIs are transmitted when using sex toys. Infected fluids remain on the surface of the toy. These fluids then come into contact with the mucous membranes of the uninfected partner, which allows the pathogens access to your body.

(While the example above uses vibrators, the same could be applied to any sex toy that is used by more than one person during sex.)

Any infection you can get through sex, you can get through sharing sex toys. That’s why it’s so important to care for and maintain your sex toys properly.

The importance of sex toy materials

The material a sex toy is made from plays a crucial role in both safety and the risk of transmitting STIs. Materials can be divided into two types: porous and non-porous materials.

Non-porous materials

Non-porous materials, such as medical-grade silicone, glass, and stainless steel, are considered the safest options for sex toys. These materials don’t absorb bacteria or viruses, making them much easier to clean thoroughly between uses. Using non-porous toys and following safer sex practices can significantly reduce the risk of STI transmission and help maintain your sexual health.

Porous materials

In contrast, certain sex toys made from porous materials like jelly rubber, certain plastics, or low-quality silicone can trap bacteria and viruses within tiny holes in the surface. This makes them harder to clean and increases the risk of infections.

How can I use sex toys safely?

Check sex toys regularly for any scratches or breaks in the surface material where germs could be present and spread, as this can increase the risk of infection. Penetrative sex toys that are inserted inside the vagina or anus carry the greatest risk for transferring infections, so it’s a good idea to put a condom over the toy so that you can just dispose of it afterwards. Using condoms will also lubricate the sex toy, making tearing and, therefore, infections less likely – this will be especially true for anal play.

You’ll also want to clean your sex toys after each use. Consult the instructions that came with your toy, but mild soap and warm water should be enough to clean most items.

If the whole toy can’t be submerged in water, remove any batteries and clean all parts that come into contact with skin or body fluids. Make sure to be thorough so no bacteria or particles are left in any cracks or crevices.

Don’t try to clean your sex toys in a washing machine or dishwasher – this will damage them. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals, such as alcohol-based cleaners or strong detergents, as these can damage the toy’s material and irritate sensitive areas.

I’m worried. I want to get tested at a sexual health clinic

If you’re worried you may have caught an STI, call our friendly booking team for advice and to find a speedy appointment at a sexual health clinic near you.