Sex toys

Question 1

what are sex toys?

Answer 1

are objects or tools people use to increase pleasure during sex or masturbation, achieve orgasm, experience new sensations, to help treat medical conditions, to play different roles during partnered sex, to try new things, reduce stress, increase body positivity, and much more

Question 2

what are 5 body safe materials for sex toys?

Answer 2

1. 100% silicone: non porus, soft, flexible
2. hard plastic: firm, not softened with phthalates
3. borosilicate glass: durable, firm, withstand a wide range of stresses and temperatures, can be decorative
4. stainless steel: similar to glass, a bit heavier, very hard to break
5. ceramic: similar to glass

Question 3

what are 4 sex toy materials to avoid?

Answer 3

1. jelly-like: porus, harbour bacteria, stick and melt together, cannot clean
2. soft-plastic: softened with phtalates (linked to negative reproductive health side-effects)
3. anything that gives off a scent, leeches colours or oils on the packaging
4. look out for toys marketed as “silicone-like”

Question 4

describe water based lubricant

Answer 4

• water-soluble
• can be safely paired with body parts, condoms and dental dams, and all sex toy materials
• does not last as long as other types of lubes, may need to reapply
• minimal flavour, won’t stain

Question 5

describe silicone-based lubes

Answer 5

• not water soluble, can be safely used with body parts and condoms and dental dams and MOST sex toys
• do not use with a silicone toy
• lasts for a long time, it is good to use in the shower
• doesn’t taste great, and may stain sheets

Question 6

describe hybrid lubes

Answer 6

• water-based plus a bit of silicone
• most brands are safe to use with silicone toys
• hybrid lube is also great with body parts, condoms, dental dams and other toy materials
• will last longer than water-based lubes, feels less stick and more like lotion/natural lubrication

Question 7

describe oil based lubes

Answer 7

• will last longer than water-based lube, but NOT safe with latex
• most condoms and dental dams are made of latex, but not all of them
• generally good to pair with body parts and sex toys, but may through off the pH of some vulvas and not the best choice with sex toys because it’s harder to wash off

Question 8

how should you care for sex toys?

Answer 8

• clean toys before and after each use
• use a mild dish soap and warm water
• you can submerge water-proof toys in water to clean
• do not submerge water-resistant toys (run them under the tap instead)
• air dry to use a microfibre cloth to dry (avoid lint)
• you can boil toys that are 100% silicone – do not boil toys with electrical components
• if you are sharing a toy with partners, wash between people or use a condom
• if you are alternating between anal, vaginal, and/or oral use, wash between or use a condom

Question 9

what are some other considerations when purchasing sex toys?

Answer 9

• price
• noise levels
• battery vs rechargeable
• accessibility
• app control

Question 10

what are some common myths/misconceptions

Answer 10

• you can get addicted to a vibrator or desensitized by it and be unable to enjoy other sensations
• sex toys are mainly for people with vulvas
• if your partner wants to use a toy while having sex it means you are not enough