If you read tabloids or lifestyle magazines, you have probably heard at least some horror stories about accidents and injuries related to the use of sex toys: a butt plug is sucked into someone's butt and stuck firmly there. A penis ring gets stuck on someone's penis, cutting off blood flow and causing "penis suffocation." When someone is on it, the sex swing will collapse, wrap them around a rope and/or chain, knock them to the floor, and knock them down.
"Thankfully, these accidents are not common," said Lisa Finn, a sex educator who belongs to toy retail chains Babeland and Good Vibrations. The injuries caused by sex toys are usually quite minor—think simple scratches, bruises, and skin irritation. A recent analysis of emergency room visits related to sex toys shows that injuries have been on the rise over the past decade or so. However, sexual health experts believe that this only reflects the gradual disappearance of taboos surrounding sex and toys, leading to a steady increase in usage, and may be more willing to seek medical assistance after an accident.
Casey Tanner, a sex therapist who works with toy brand LELO, said: “Compared to actual medical crises, we are more likely to experience embarrassing or embarrassing moments in sex toys.”
Nevertheless, as sex educator Martha Tara Lee pointed out, “any injury to the sex zone can be terrible, even traumatic.” Therefore, it is best to avoid toy-related injuries as much as possible— —And be prepared to react when they do happen. Fortunately, sex toys and sexual health experts provide a lot of advice in both areas. Mashable recently talked with more than a dozen experts on how to prevent or manage sex toy injuries. This is what they told us.
Many of the reported "sex toy" injuries actually do not involve sex toys at all, instead reusing everyday items as temporary toys. "Of course, everyone likes multifunctional items," said Amy Boyajian of the sex toy retailer Wild Flower. "But I don't recommend using household items as sex toys," just because they are not used for sexual purposes. "I heard that penis owners use key rings as penis rings, just to remove them after erection," Boyagian pointed out. "I heard that people use cooking and cleaning products as lubricants just to stimulate, burn, or deteriorate. I heard that people use various things as dildos and vibrators just to make them cut, scratch, or irritate them. Pinch them during use", usually in sensitive areas.
Likewise, a considerable number of accidents involving actual sex toys are due to people trying to use them for games, and they are not intended to promote or enhance. For example, Tanner points out, “People who are newer to anal plugs or vibrators usually use small, lipstick-sized vibrators as penetrating tools.” However, most of these vibrations are usually designed and promoted for external sexy areas. Because they are so small, they are easily lost in the orifice. Our anus tends to tighten in such a way that it can suck objects inwardly-unlike the vaginal canal that ends with the cervix, the anal cavity leads to the colon and then the intestines. This is why well-designed anal toys always have a large handle or a flared base: it prevents them from being inhaled. Anything without this design feature may enter your internal organs. (Most of the recorded toy-related emergency room visits involved items stuck in and on people's buttocks.)
However, even people who use the toy on their body parts will encounter problems if they don't actually know how to use it safely. It is worth noting that wearing a penis ring that is too tight, or wearing it for more than 30 minutes at a time, will usually start to damage the penis tissue. Using non-waterproof toys in the bathtub or shower may cause electric shock. “Some toys use powerful magnets,” added Rosara Torrisi, a sex therapist and owner of a toy store That Drawer, “so people who wear any type of pacemaker should not use them.” However, due to lack of knowledge, people often do all of these.
"Most entertainment products, especially luxury goods, have very detailed instructions," Li pointed out. "Read them!" Torrisi added that if you are confused about how to use a particular toy or possible complications or limitations related to your health or anatomy, you should contact the toy manufacturer or retailer. They are usually able to provide you with reliable information or at least point you to medical resources to best tell you how to safely enjoy your toys.
But even people who use toys as expected, fully understand how they work, still face some risk of injury-usually when they are eager to use new toys, or even if they use toys they have used in the past, they use too much force or too much force. Fast. Using new toys that are larger than you are used to, or using old toys in ways you are not used to, may wear or tear sensitive tissues. Tears are especially common when using toys larger than one is accustomed to or playing with the anus at a faster speed, because our donkeys are not self-lubricating, or are elastic and elastic like most vaginas, and the anal cavity is extremely thin. .
"Lubricants can prevent scratches, abrasions, tears or cracks caused by friction," Finn said. But Tanner warns that if you want to use larger toys, or use toys faster and harder than usual, don't rely on lubricants too much. "When using straps, anal plugs or dildos during insertion, too much lubricating oil can cause slippage. Then the toy will hit the vulva or tailbone, which may scratch the sensitive outer skin, such as the labia."
Finn pointed out that jumping into the BDSM toy world can easily cause people to be burned or scratched and cut by the rope, especially when they use toys that are designed to cause pleasure, pain, or even injury. Lee added that excessive use of suction devices, such as clitoris, nipple, or penis pumps, can also cause bruising on very sensitive body parts and even rupture of blood vessels.
"If you are not familiar with sex toys, please understand its function and correct usage before putting it on or wearing it," Boyajian suggested. "Never surprise people with sex toys in the bedroom, especially without consent," they added. This may seem like a great way to add interest to your sex life, but it is indeed a fast path to chaos and potential accidents and injuries.
"It starts slowly and softly, and then slowly accumulates over time, as you explore your limits," Finn added. "If you are exploring toys with a partner, please communicate throughout the process and prepare a safety word."
"Especially for anal toys, one solution is to train to use larger toys safely and comfortably," a representative of retailer Peepshow Toys suggested. "Start with small things. Gradually increase."
Tanner added that alcohol and drug use may increase the risk of sex toy accidents or injuries-at least in part because these substances can affect our judgment or limit our ability to recall and practice our knowledge of our own body or body. . Toys given. Therefore, in a calm and calm situation, it is usually a good idea to try new toys alone or with a partner.
Although good sex is often chaotic and exploratory, sexual health experts emphasize that if we want to avoid complications, we all need to be picky about toys. Moving the toy from the anus to the vagina to the mouth, and not thoroughly cleaning it between each use is a good way to transfer bacteria, fungi, etc. to all parts of the body. Sharing toys with partners who usually use barrier protection also carries the risk of sexually transmitted infections. And throwing the toy on the floor after use and failing to clean it properly may allow bacteria or irritants to accumulate on it, thereby increasing the risk of irritation or infection the next time it is used around sensitive tissues or wear or tear.
Incorrect cleaning and storage also risk damaging the toy. From a purely economic perspective, this may be disappointing. Ideally, you want to get as much real benefit as possible from your money. But it also brings risks, such as the formation of tiny cracks or debris in wood, stone or glass toys, which may eventually cause abrasions, cuts or pinches during later use. (Some toy materials are also incompatible with certain types of lubricants. Therefore, always make sure you know which lubricant you are using and what your toy is made of to avoid equipment degradation.)
Torrisi said that after each use, "toys should be washed with warm soap and water." "Usually, hand sanitizer is fine." But, again, be sure to read your toy description to see which product is best for it. Some companies make their own quick and easy wipes or detergents customized for toys.
It's easy to forget to clean your toys. For example, if you only use them at the beginning of your partner's sexual activity, put them aside and immerse yourself in the rest of your experience. Or if you masturbate with a toy before going to bed. If you are bothered by this-or just because of cleaning motives-Tanner recommends putting a condom on your toy before use. If its shape allows, then just take it off. You may be able to find a similar solution for non-penis toys—perhaps by clever use of dental dams that have been neglected for a long time.
No matter how thoroughly you wash, some toys—especially those made of cheap jelly-like materials—are porous and it is almost impossible to remove all bacteria and dirt.
Ordinary, cheap toy materials can also contain irritants-many improperly designed lubricants, oils, or other items can also contain irritants. Too many toys even use known toxins, such as phthalates. This additive makes rubber and rubber-like materials more flexible, but due to its obvious health risks, children’s toys in many countries are banned Use this additive. Natasha Marie of the sex toy company MysteryVibe points out that there are not many reliable or reliable studies on the short-term or long-term effects of using toxic materials from uncertain to thorough in sex toys. Therefore, although people have been trying to associate suspicious toy materials with any number of health problems, it is difficult to make a clear statement about the risks. But Felicity of the body safe toy website Phallophile Reviews pointed out that she often hears people complain that toys made with obviously toxic materials can cause itching or burning. (Felicity only uses her name when writing about sex toys in public places.)
To avoid any potential risks, most experts recommend that people only buy toys made from materials known to be safe for humans, such as ABS plastic, ceramics, medical grade stainless steel, pure silicone, heat-resistant glass, stone or wood. Most of them are also non-porous-this is an additional security bonus. Felicity points out that toys made from these materials are now easier to find than they were five years ago.
However, although reputable sex toy manufacturers pay more attention to material safety issues than in the past, and regulators have begun to establish safety standards for this field, the adult product industry is still largely unregulated. It is worth noting that the US government does not really regulate the use of terms such as "physical safety" or "phthalate-free". If enough people report adverse effects, it will only hit the company on safety issues-when people may not associate health issues with toy materials, this is a daunting task, or is a challenge to submit to a federal agency Satisfied with the health statement. And it does not require toy manufacturers to clearly and consistently list their materials. Therefore, it may be difficult for consumers to find toys that they can be sure of are actually safe for the body.
Another senior critic Epiphora pointed out that many sloppy sex toys are also poorly designed. (When she writes or talks about sex toys and related issues, Epiphora uses the same name she adopted.) "Some shapes, movements, or types of stimulation only cause harm," she explained. "I've heard that cheap suction toys stick to the skin and never let go. For products that are used directly on some of the most sensitive parts of the body, this is not ideal." Others are simply made so crudely that they are fast It will fall apart, or their motors will overheat during charging or use, which can sometimes lead to catastrophic results. "We heard that this can cause burns during use, or an explosion or fire during charging," Finn said.
In theory, consumers should be able to view product descriptions and independent reviews to ensure that a given toy meets their safety material, design, and workmanship standards before they can go out and buy it. However, unfortunately, counterfeit products are common on major retail platforms-they look alike but are of lower quality and less safe versions of popular toys at a slightly discounted price. Most retailers do not accept toy returns; if you buy a cheap, crappy toy, you will often be troubled by this loss. Therefore, in practice, finding a retailer you trust to review their toys is as important as finding a specific toy type or brand that suits your body, needs, and safety issues. Then, as long as reliable retailers continue to maintain your trust through quality, stick to it.
Even if you try to follow all the suggestions in this guide, you may still fumble in a sex toy accident or accident. If you do, don't blame yourself for it. Accidents are only part of the realm of human survival. The law of large numbers and inevitable human error say so.
If you start to notice that you feel uncomfortable when using a toy, for whatever reason, Megan Fleming, a sexual health expert working with toy retail giant Lovehoney, recommends treating it as a yellow light. Slow down and evaluate the situation; see if you can adjust. However, if you start to feel any unexpected pain, she will say "That's a red light, you have to stop immediately."
"Don't try to overcome discomfort or injury in order to finish the game," Finn emphasized, whether it is a single game or a cooperative play. "You can make any problem worse."
If after stopping anything you are doing, you find that you have only suffered a minor external injury, such as a scratch on your penis or vulva, then health expert Mashable tells everyone that you should treat it like anyone else. Simple wounds: wash with unscented soap and water, and apply ice if necessary to let it heal. "For internal injuries, please consult a doctor to ensure that any measures you take are safe for your body," Finn warned. Fleming added that you should avoid inserting anything into the anus or vagina until the internal injury has completely healed.
If you experience burning or irritation, Epiphora recommends “shower as soon as possible and rinse the inflamed area with water”. If you use the toy near the urethra, try to urinate to flush it out. Let the area breathe. "Finally," she added, getting rid of "annoying toys."
"If the toy gets stuck in the vagina, don't panic," said Alexandra Fine, the founder of the toy company Dame. "Sit down and squeeze, you should be able to get it out." Fleming added that it helps to wait a few minutes before trying to help the congestion that flows with the arousal subside. Epiphora points out that, similarly, if the toy gets stuck just a little bit above the rectum, you can usually "relax, breathe deeply, and focus on pushing it out, just like a bowel movement."
“For a stuck penis ring, the trick is to reduce the swelling so you can take it off,” said Lisa Lawless of Holistic Wellness, a sexual health education platform and retailer. "Place a pillow behind you while raising it. Keep the heart lower than the penis. Use a cold pack on it, soak in a warm water bath to relax the tissues, and use lubricants may also help you."
However, if you are unable to remove the toy or ring on the penis from the rectum or vagina with moderate and reasonable effort, then please do not try to force it-do not go with other people to find a lost toy tool, or try to cut off the ring yourself. You may end up pushing an object deeper into your body, or causing a torn penis that is already struggling, making the situation worse.
In these events, or if you experience significant and persistent pain or discomfort, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Of course, this may be embarrassing, Boyajian admits, but medical experts do see all this and will usually treat your injuries realistically. Even if you meet a bad doctor who is ashamed of your sexual choices, it is usually better to deal with it immediately than to sit in the injured area and make it worse.
If you are very worried about being humiliated in a sexual health emergency, Torrisi recommends planning ahead: start now to review the sexual enthusiasm and level of experience of sexual health issues of doctors in your area. Talk to friends, check comments, and do your best. Then, if you are injured by toys in the future and do not need emergency services, you can go directly to them or someone they trust.
When dealing with large or small injuries, it is also important to look at things properly. Don't let an accident or bad experience make you bored with toys forever; you will close yourself in a world full of potential fun and exploration to avoid relatively rare and usually minor incidents. Boyajian suggested that in moments of pain, fear or frustration after the accident, “reminding yourself that this might become an interesting story in the future” might help!
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