I have to admit, when I first heard the term “STD from a dildo” I was a bit taken aback. I mean, could it really be a thing? Was it like getting a sexually transmitted disease from sharing a pillow or something? My curiosity was piqued and so, of course, I went to research this phenomenon.
Turns out, yes, it is absolutely possible to get an STD from a dildo. A dildo can still be a vehicle for an infection to travel from person to person, especially if it’s not cleaned after use. Gross, I know, but it’s true. Some of the most common STDs that can be transmitted from a dildo include chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV.
The best way to prevent getting an STD from a dildo is to practice safer sex…by using a condom (or similar barrier) on the dildo each and every time you use it. Even if it’s for a quickie, it’s still important to use a condom. If you use a dildo often, it’s also a good idea to buy condoms that are specifically for sex toys and replace the condom after each use.
It’s also important to keep the dildo clean between uses. This means washing it with warm water and a mild soap or using an antibacterial toy cleaner that is specifically designed for sex toys. It’s advised to never boil or put a sex toy in the microwave to clean it as that can cause damage to the toy.
Speaking of damage, the materials the dildo is made of matters when it comes to STD prevention. Silicone, glass and stainless steel dildos are all considered non-porous and can be cleaned more thoroughly than porous material such as jelly rubber, latex and PVC. If you go with a porous material, be sure to use a condom every time as these materials cannot be completely sanitized.
Lastly, if you’re sharing a dildo with someone else, it’s important to be honest about your sexual history and to get tested for STDs regularly. Don’t be afraid to have an open and honest conversation with your partner, that way you’re both on the same page and know exactly what kinds of risks you’re taking.
I know, it all sounds like a bit of a daunting process, but it’s actually much simpler than you think. Like any other sex act, you just need to make sure you’re being responsible and taking the necessary steps to stay safe. As long as you do that, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy playing around with a dildo without worry of catching an STD.
Now lets talk more in depth about the consequences of engaging with a dildo without putting the properly precautions. As a college student, I’m well aware of the importance of using condoms and limiting sexual activity without one. Unfortunately, the idea of using a dildo often goes out the window and many people forget about the risk of STDs that can be associated with it.
The risk is real and it could be just as unenjoyable as the consequences of having other kinds of unprotected sex. Whether it’s anal, oral or vaginal sex, the risk of STDs also applies to dildos, since bodily fluids could still be exchanged through contact.
Covering dildos with a condom can reduce the risk of spreading STDs, but it isn’t without flaws. If the condom is too small, it can tear when being worn. Also, if a dildo is silky or smooth, a condom might slide off or break, making it necessary to use additional lubricant to keep it in place.
Additionally, if a dildo or toy is porous, it can absorb bacteria from the environment, and that bacteria can be transferred to the next person who comes into contact with it. Even if the dildo is covered with a condom or disinfected thoroughly, it will still be impossible to get the bacteria out of the porous surface.
It’s also important to consider that even if a person is not engaging in ‘traditional’ sex, STDs can still be transmitted through the use of a dildo. Even if a dildo is never shared or used without a condom, bacteria from any bodily fluids that come into contact with the dildo can still be transmitted from person to person.
So in conclusion, whether you’re engaging in ‘traditional’ sex or using a dildo, it’s absolutely essential to take proper precautions to avoid the transmission of STDs. Talking openly with your partner about your sexual history, wrapping the dildo in a new condom each time and cleaning it after each use are key ways to reduce your risk.