The sex toy industry is a $15 billion business worldwide, and the types of sex toys can differ from one another, as do the STIs they carry. The difference in the risk of contracting an STI depends on whether the toy is made from porous or nonporous material. Porous toys can feel realistic, but they're more likely to spread STIs.
STIs are common and typically treatable
Although some STIs are curable, others are not. The best way to avoid contracting one is to avoid sexual activity until the infection has cleared. If an outbreak does not go away quickly, seek medical attention immediately. While many STIs are curable, some can be life-threatening. Not treating a sexually transmitted infection can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and long-term pelvic pain. Additionally, untreated gonorrhea can lead to blocked fallopian tubes, infertility, and an ectopic pregnancy.
Most STIs are curable with antibiotics. While some can pass to babies during pregnancy, others are not. If you think you might have an STI, don't worry; there are medications available that can help. These can cure the infection, but you have to take them for life and don't repeat the activity until the condition clears up. Even if the infection is curable, re-exposure can increase the risk of recurrence.
They are caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites
Trichomonasis, or "trich" for short, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is treatable with antibiotics. Most sufferers experience no symptoms at all. Trichomonasis is caused by a parasite in the vagina that is transferred from partner to partner during sexual intercourse.
Infected sex toys can cause several types of sexually transmitted diseases. Bacterial infections can lead to chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and urinary tract infections. Parasites can be spread through sex toys used during masturbation. Infections such as Hepatitis A can also be spread through the use of sex toys that have not been washed.
They are spread by touching
Sharing sex toys is not only embarrassing, but can lead to transmission of STIs. When the sex toys are not properly cleaned after use, bacteria may remain on the toys, which could potentially lead to pregnancy or a bacterial infection. It is therefore vital to wash sex toys before each use, even if they are used between partners. You should tell your doctor about any sex toy sharing you have done before the session.
It is possible to spread STIs through sex toys, especially if they are fluid-borne. Fluid-borne STIs are spread through skin-to-skin contact or through genital-to-genital contact. Fluid-borne STIs can include herpes and other viruses. For these reasons, it is important to avoid sharing sex toys with partners.
They are bacterial
While it is possible for sex toys to spread STDs, it is unlikely that they will be the cause of an STD. However, using sex toys for sexual intercourse may still spread an STI. Because sex toys are contaminated with bodily fluids and skin pores, they are a risk to both parties. To prevent STDs from spreading, be sure to wash sex toys thoroughly after every use.
If you have an STI, throw out the toy after use. When you use a new sex toy, only do so if it is sterile. To be sure, the sex toy should be tested by a health care provider and come back negative. Using sex toys without any symptoms could lead to you remaining infected for years to come.
