A leading sexpert has revealed the grave mistakes that people are making with their sex toys.
Intimacy coach and hypnotherapist Kate Shelor said that far too many people are buying cheap toys which can cause major hygiene issues.
‘Silicone, glass, and stainless steel toys can last for years with proper cleaning, but jelly, TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), or cheaper materials break down faster and can trap bacteria,’ she told DailyMail.com.
‘So if it gets sticky, discolored, or smells weird even after washing, it’s time to say goodbye,’ she added.
Shelor said that low budget sex toys can have ‘porous materials,’ which will harbor dangerous bacteria – even when thoroughly cleaned.
‘You may find super cheap toys at certain international online retailers but be aware that the materials may not truly be body safe. And of course, don’t just stick random objects in your body — if it’s not designed for internal use, it does not belong inside you,’ she said.
Daryn Parker, VP of adult streaming site CamSoda, backed up Shelor’s statements.
‘Silicone, glass, and stainless steel toys can last for years with proper care, but it’s important to inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear such as cracks, discoloration, or even battery damage,’ he told DailyMail.com.
Intimacy coach and hypnotherapist Kate Shelor said that far too many people these days are buying cheap sex toys which can cause major hygiene issues and health problems
‘Soft materials like jelly or rubber deteriorate faster and should generally be replaced every one to two years,’ he continued.
‘When they eventually do wear down, individuals or couples in search of a new sex toy should prioritize quality materials like body-safe silicone and easy-to-clean designs.’
Shelor, who hosts the Dirty Secrets podcast, also said that people need to beware of the kinds of lubricants they’re with their toys.
‘Silicone lube can degrade silicone toys, and oil-based lubes don’t play nice with latex condoms. Silicone lube will break them down,’ she explained.
The professional sexpert then shared the biggest mistake that people are making with their sex toys – and it’s one that could land you in the emergency room.
‘The most common one I hear is people using non-anal toys for anal play,’ she said.
‘It’s VITAL that you use toys specifically made for anal play. They will have a flanged base and be built for easy removal,’ she continued.
‘When you use a toy not meant for anal it can easily get stuck up inside your body, often requiring an emergency room visit! Nobody wants that.’
‘When you use a toy not meant for anal it can easily get stuck up inside your body, often requiring an emergency room visit,’ she warned
‘Silicone, glass, and stainless steel toys can last for years with proper care, but it’s important to inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear,’ CamSoda’s Daryn Parker said
For people who want to push the boundaries when it comes to toys, Parker suggested CamSoda’s new ‘teledildonic technology.’
‘If people are in need of a new toy or experience, CamSoda’s teledildonic technology — connected and coordinated devices that mimic real life sexual sensations through pulsating vibrations — offer a unique way to connect with a partner no matter the distance, making intimate moments even more interactive and fun,’ he said.
According to research from Back Market, 50 percent of Brits have never replaced their sex toys.
‘Our data clearly shows Brits hold onto their old sex toys for years because they just don’t know how to dispose of them,’ said Luke Forshaw, head of brand and marketing at Back Market.
‘Just like our everyday devices, sex toys contain electronic components and valuable materials which shouldn’t end up in landfills – but unfortunately do.’
