Sex toys and condoms have both hustled their way into our homes and nightstands as staples to sexual pleasure and health. They might seem like an odd couple at first glance— but hold your horses—or your vibrators. While slapping a condom on your sex toy might sound like the punchline to a joke, it's actually a pro-tip for keeping your prized pleasure possessions in tip-top shape, and your intimate adventures as safe as they are thrilling. So, buckle up (or rather, wrap it up) as we explain how this dynamic duo goes hand-in-hand.
8 reasons to use a condom with a sex toy
Many people wonder what purpose condoms provide with sex toys, considering a sex toy can’t get someone pregnant. But they do serve a purpose, and here are reasons why using a condom with a sex toy can be beneficial, and even warranted.
To prevent STD/STIs
When sharing sex toys, microorganisms from the genitals or anus can transfer to the sex toy and to you or your partner, which can potentially cause STIs, yeast infections, or urinary tract infections. Condoms act as a barrier on sex toys, reducing the risk of STIs and other infections. In situations where multiple partners engage in group sex and share sex toys, the risks increase. So, consider covering your sex toys with condoms, especially those in contact with the genitals of multiple individuals. You could also opt to wash your vibrator between partners or orifices, but using a new condom is simpler and doesn’t require you to break the mood.
To avoid cross-contamination
When pleasure feels oh-so-good, sometimes we forget that switching between areas can lead to bacteria and potential infection (because that thought isn’t sexy). And here using a condom can save you from potential cross-contamination if switching between anal, vaginal, or oral. Bacteria from the anus can lead to infections if they come into contact with the vagina or urethra. After each use, remember to remove the condom and replace it with a new one before trying another orifice. This habit keeps you safe and allows for worry-free exploration.
To enjoy care-free anal sex
Anal sex or anal play like pegging and prostate massage offer lots of pleasure. However, cleaning sex toys after anal use can be a bit of a chore. While it’s normal, you might encounter a little bowel movement or surprise on the end of your sex toy. For easy cleanup after anal, consider using a condom on the sex toy so you can unwrap and throw away any mess!
To make cleaning your sex toy easy
For as much pleasure as they provide, cleaning sex toys can be a pain, especially when you're tired or in a rush. Instead, try slipping a condom over the sex toy before using it, then take it off afterward for easy cleanup. Even if you’re not engaging in anal, using condoms with sex toys makes cleaning them a breeze, adds an extra layer of hygiene, and reduces the risk of spreading any bacteria if you’re switching between vagina and anus or penis and anus. This method is perfect for folks short on time, tired from a long day, but still wanting to enjoy pleasure without all the fuss. It’s still recommended to clean your sex toy properly with soap and water when you have time and before the next use.
To test how different condoms feel
When it comes to finding the right condom, it can feel overwhelming. Instead of bombarding your partner with multiple options, why not try a condom with a vibrator or sex toy first? This way, you can narrow the choices to the ones that feel best for you. Then, when the time is right, confidently introduce a condom that you like. By taking this approach, you can explore different condoms at your own pace.
To practice putting on condoms quickly
When things heat up, fumbling with a condom can get confusing if it folds inward, especially in dimly lit rooms. Not only can this make some people feel awkward, but putting a condom on incorrectly can increase risk of STIs and pregnancy. One way to up your condom game is by practicing putting condoms on vibrators or dildos. It helps you quickly figure out the right way to put on a condom and master the technique in a stress-free environment. By doing so, you can confidently and safely put on a condom when the moment arrives, minimizing any awkwardness and keeping the playful mood alive.
To play while recovering from UTIs and STIs
If you are recovering from a UTI or STI, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, it's essential to take precautions to avoid getting reinfected. This is especially important if the infection is ongoing, or you've recently recovered. Infections can stick around or return, especially if you haven't finished all your antibiotics. To stay safe, mainly when using sex toys during recovery, consider adding a condom for extra protection. Also, don't forget to sanitize your sex toy right after using it.
To protect your silicone sex toy from silicone lube
Silicone-based lubricants are super slick and last longer than water-based lubricants. They're great with condoms, which is why they're a popular choice, and especially beneficial for anal play. But here's the thing: if you use silicone-based lube with silicone sex toys, it can degrade the material over time. To protect your sex toys, a practical solution is to use a condom over the sex toy. Opt for water-based lubricated condoms or non-lubricated condoms, and then add silicone-based lubricant on top of the condom. This way, you get the slickness of silicone-based lube without risking damage to your sex toys.
What are the best condoms for sex toys?
Different sex toy materials have different levels of compatibility with condoms, and not all sex toy materials are safe to use with condoms, like jelly or rubber sex toys. Whether or not you choose to use a condom with your sex toy, it’s recommended to purchase sex toys made with body-safe materials like medical-grade silicone found in sex toys from MysteryVibe. And always read the instructions of use provided by the manufacturer for sex toys and condoms.
Silicone sex toys
As mentioned above, the sex toy material is crucial when choosing which condom to use. If you’re using silicone sex toys, steer clear of silicone-based pre-lubricated condoms. These can degrade the silicone sex toy material over time, causing bubbling on the surface, especially if the sex toy has a thin silicone coating. So, to avoid any damage to your favorite silicone sex toy, opt for pre-lubricated condoms that use water-based lube or ones without any lubrication at all for silicone sex toys. They're easier to clean up and generally a safer choice.
Glass, steel, ceramic, ABS plastic sex toys
When it comes to sex toys made from materials like ceramic, glass, and steel, you have more flexibility in the choice of condoms and lubricants. Pretty much any condom, whether lubricated or not, is compatible with these materials as they are safe and non-porous.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) aka jelly or rubber sex toys
PVC, also known as "jelly," "vinyl," or "rubber," are not compatible with condoms. PVC sex toys are often softened with oils that can degrade a condom. TPR & TPE (thermoplastic rubber and elastomer) are also more porous and softened with oils, which increases the risk of condom tearing.
How to use condoms on sex toys
Combining condoms and sex toys may seem straightforward—just put a condom on the sex toy, right? However, it gets more complex when you consider the diverse array of materials and types of sex toys.
Here are some tips for using condoms on sex toys:
1. Pick the right size: Just like when using condoms for sex, it's essential to choose the right size for your sex toy. Using a condom that's too small or too big can increase the risk of breakage.
2. Check for any damage: Before using a condom on your sex toy, make sure to check for tears or holes. If you find any damage, throw away the condom and use a new one.
3. Roll it down: Squeeze the tip of the condom and gently roll it down the sex toy until it reaches the base, just like you would on a penis. If the sex toy is an odd shape or size, roll it down and tie it at the base. And for sex toys like finger vibrators, put it on your finger, slide the condom over, and tie it at the base. Make sure during the process of tying it that it doesn’t break or snap. If so, start over and try again.
4. Use lube: As mentioned earlier, using lube on the outside of the condom can make certain activities more comfortable and pleasurable. Remember, lubricant should always be used on the outside of a condom, not the inside. Also, make sure the type of lubricant you are using is compatible with the material of the sex toy.
5. Change condoms between uses and partners: Always change the condom if more than one person uses the sex toy, and you're switching between different types of play (like anal to vaginal). This helps prevent transferring bacteria or viruses between body regions and people.
6. Dispose of it properly: After use, make sure to wrap the condom in tissue and throw it in the trash. Don't flush condoms down the toilet, as they can cause clogs.
7. Clean your sex toy: After removing the condom, wash the sex toy with plain soap and water. This is important for maintaining hygiene and ensuring the sex toy is safe for future use.
Takeaway
Even if condoms and sex toys seem like the odd couple, they can be especially when sharing sex toys and maintaining your sexual health. And prioritizing your safety while having fun is sexy. Before you get down to playtime, remember that different sex toy materials are compatible with different types of condoms, so make sure you’re in the know. And if your current sex toys aren’t compatible with any condoms, upgrade your sex toys to body-safe, award-winning vibrators.
