It’s often talked about that STDs can be contracted from unsafe sex. But what about dildos? Can you actually get an STD from using a dildo? Well, I’d like to start a dialogue about that today.
My first thought when I heard this question was shock. Like, what?! It’s just a toy, not a real person! How is it possible that that could happen? Well, after thinking about it, I saw there are actually cases.
Let me start off by saying that this is very rare. But it can be transmitted through dildos, which is why it’s important to only use clean dildos. That means, if you’re sharing, or using something that others have, make sure you use a condom and thoroughly clean it afterwards. It may also be a good idea to let the person you’re sharing with also knows the risks, so they can be aware and careful too.
Another thing to consider is to make sure the material of the dildo is safe. I had a friend who was buying a dildo that had questionable materials in it and was worried about safety. Thankfully, there are manufacturer safe-lists that are accessible online. They’re good resources to check and make sure you’re getting a dildo from a reputable company.
Then there’s also the thought of if it’s been used before. That’s one thing to keep in mind. But, even if it’s used before, if it’s still in a good condition, and it’s clean, it should be fine.
It’s important to be aware of these things, so you don’t leave yourself at risk. And also, if you’re really worried, it may be better to avoid the risk altogether.
Overall, STDs can be transmitted through dildos, so it’s important to take precautions and be careful. This means making sure the dildo is clean and that you’re not sharing it with random people. Also, check the materials and make sure it’s safe, and if you’re ever worried, it may be better to avoid the risk altogether.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to other things to consider.
Firstly, if a dildo is provided from a sex toy shop, you can be assured that it’s new and clean. They’re regulated so that they’re safe for use and unlikely to transmit any diseases. On the other hand, if you buy a dildo from a dodgy source, you might not be as sure of its safety. So when choosing a dildo make sure you get it from somewhere you’re sure of its safety.
Secondly, even if it’s from a reputed source, it still might be a good idea to use a condom. That way, you can be sure that it’s safe even if it wasn’t new.
Thirdly, when buying a dildo, consider what type you need. Some are more suited for solo play and can be quite simple, with few nooks and crevices to hide bacteria. Others have a lot of nooks or are textured, which makes cleaning them more difficult, so using a condom is a good way to address this issue.
Fourthly, when cleaning a dildo, it’s important to use the right products. Generally, detergents or soaps that contain alcohol or chlorine bleach are not recommended. They can damage the surface of the dildo materials which could, in turn, make it even harder to clean thoroughly. Instead, use a mild, toy-safe cleaner.
Lastly, if you’re using a dildo internally, it’s important to use the proper lubrication. Water-based lubricants are the best for this purpose because they don’t damage the material of the dildo like oil-based lubricants do. They also don’t leave a sticky residue.
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of using a dildo and some steps to take for safety, let’s move on to the other question: can you actually get an STD from a dildo?
First of all, it’s always a good idea to protect yourself while using any kind of sex toy. That means using a condom, cleaning the toy before and after use, and checking that the material is safe.
But the chances of actually getting an STD from a dildo are very slim. Unless the dildo is shared, or purchased from an unreliable source, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern. However, if the dildo is shared, then it’s important for both parties to get tested for STDs before using it.
In terms of cleaning, it’s also important to be aware of which cleaning products to use. Some common household cleaners are not safe for use on sex toys because they can damage the material or leave behind residue that can harbour bacteria.
It’s also important to pay attention to the material of the dildo. Some materials, such as rubber, plastic, and silicone, are non-porous, meaning they don’t contain tiny pores for bacteria to hide in. Wood and glass are also non-porous materials, so it’s best to stick with these materials if you’re worried about transmission of STDs.
If the dildo has been shared, it’s important to use a condom and to clean it with a toy-safe cleaner. But even in extreme cases, the risk of STD transmission through a dildo is very low.
So can you get an STD from a dildo? In short, yes. But the chances are very slim. It’s always a good idea to be mindful of the precautions we’ve discussed, and to pay attention to the materials you’re using. As long as you do those things, you should be safe.