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Welcome to university, the place where many people first have the time and space to experiment with sex toys. Here at the Centre for Safer Sex and Sexual Violence Support we love sex toys as a way to learn about your own body, play with a partner or partners, or as a tool to make sex easier or more pleasurable. Whether you’re new to toys or looking to buy an upgrade, here are a few things to look out for:
- Material. If you want to be as safe as possible (or if you have sensitive skin) it’s best to stick with silicone or glass. These materials are the least porous, so you don’t end up with little micro-tears in the material where bacteria can live. If nothing else, make sure you get a toy made with a material that’s phthalate-free, as phthalates have been known to cause cancer and other negative complications.
- Vibrating or not? Vibrations can be a lot of fun, and many people enjoy vibrating sex toys. If you’ve never tried a vibrator before, it can be a good way to try something new. If it turns out you don’t enjoy the vibrations you can always keep it turned off forever! Keep in mind that if you want something long lasting and waterproof you’ll need to go with a rechargeable toy. While battery powered toys are often cheaper, they can only really be water resistant and the small parts inside are easily damaged. Consider the pros and cons and pick the product that’s best for you!
- Accessories. If you’re buying a sex toy, lube is key. You’ll want to invest in water-based lube if your toy is made of anything other than glass, otherwise you might only get to use it once! Lube can help ease friction and make everything a little more enjoyable (something that can be especially important if you’re playing by yourself and thus have little to no foreplay). Before and after you use your toy you’ll also want to make sure you have a toy cleaner. Regular soap can wreck the toy or cause yeast infections, so it’s best to stick with a cleaner specifically made for sex toys that’s safe for use anywhere inside or outside your body. Keep in mind any allergies you have when buying lube and toy cleaner, and search out more natural based products (without any glycerin!) if you have sensitive skin or are prone to yeast infections.
To learn more, we highly recommend talking to the experts at your local sex store! You can also come on in to the Centre for Safer Sex and Sexual Violence, where we’re happy to talk with you about any concerns you may have and help you find the best toy for your specific wants/needs.