Sex toys are a great way to spice things up in the bedroom, as there’s only so much fun to be had from the old “in-out, in-out” routine. Some of them are designed to assist in foreplay, while others can enhance the pleasure of penetration during sex. The range of sex toys is vast, and knowing where to start when choosing one can be challenging.
However, there are some things you should pay attention to when choosing a sex toy, and the material it’s made from is one of them. Some materials can be toxic, that is, cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even infections.
PVC, rubber, and jelly-like materials are often used in sex toys, but they pose a higher risk of ruining the fun. Glass, although probably least likely to cause an infection, may not be the safest material either. The world of sex toys is your oyster, but be sure to select materials that won’t put your health at risk. Read on to learn more about the materials you should avoid when picking a sex toy.
PVC
PVC is one of the most common materials used in many appliances, sex toys. Whether you want to purchase a vibrator or black sex dolls, you’ll most likely come across some of them made from this material. It’s cheap to produce and easily molded into various shapes, making it ideal for sex toy manufacturers. However, it is not without its dangers.
PVC is made from chemicals that can leach into your body, causing irritation, rashes, and even hormonal imbalances. During its lifecycle, it emits these chemicals, posing significant dangers to those around it. The chemicals it releases have been linked to reproductive issues, liver damage, and cancer. That is more than enough reason to avoid them.
Rubber
Rubber is a cheaper alternative to silicone, and it’s often used in the production of sex toys. But, it has a tad different characteristics that make a significant difference. Rubber is a porous material, which means it can trap bacteria. It is a big problem, as it increases the risk of infection.
In addition, most types of rubber have a strong chemical smell, which can be very off-putting. The chemicals used in rubber production can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Look elsewhere if you’re looking for a safe material for your sex toys.
Jelly-Like Materials
Jelly-like materials are often used to produce dildos and other penetration toys. They are very soft in touch, making jelly seem like good material for a sex toy. Unfortunately, it’s not as good as it looks. Like PVC, it is made from phthalates, which can harm your health.
Furthermore, jelly-like materials are very porous and prone to microtears. It makes them a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to infections. Silicone is a much better choice if you’re looking for soft and safe material.
Glass
Glass sex toys are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a unique sensation and can be used for temperature play. Tempered glass is also much more robust than many other materials, is much easier to clean, and is hypoallergenic. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean glass sex toys are completely safe.
A glass dildo from a reputable brand is unlikely to break during use. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for all-glass sex toys. There have been reports of low-quality glass dildos shattering inside the user’s body, which can cause serious injuries. If you’re going to use a glass sex toy, make sure it’s from a reputable brand and that you inspect it before each use.
Metals
Metals are often used to produce high-end sex toys, as they offer a unique sensation and are durable. Still, some metals can be hazardous. Nickel is a standard metal allergen, and thankfully, it’s rare to see it used in sex toys or other items that get a lot of skin contact.
But, other metals such as cadmium and lead can be found in cheap toys from unknown brands. These metals are very toxic and can cause serious health problems if they break into your body. If you’re looking for a metal sex toy, make sure it’s from a reputable brand and is made from skin-safe metals such as titanium or stainless steel.
In Conclusion
Many materials are used in the production of sex toys, and some are more dangerous than others. PVC, vinyl, jelly-like materials, glass, and some metals are all materials you should avoid when choosing a sex toy. They can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even infections.
If you’re looking for a safe material that won’t risk your health, silicone is the way to go, along with other skin-safe materials. There’s no reason to take the risk with something that could potentially be harmful. So, next time you’re in the market for a new sex toy, be sure to choose wisely!