Sex Toys May be Dangerous to your Health

13.08.2012 | By: Kathy M.

Some people say that sex toys are dangerous and that they can cause health problems. But is that really true?

According to statistical data, anal injuries are the most common injuries caused by sex toys. (PhotoXpress)

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Nowadays, sex toys are available in different shapes, material, color, etc. There are many products on the market and both women and men use them frequently, but sex toys still have a sort of bad reputation. You'll often hear the following claims: how sex toys are dangerous to your health, how they indicate that a person has an unhealthy attitude to sex and that just lonely perverts and similar people use them. Even on the front page of newspapers, you can see titles describing how a person seriously injured himself/herself with a vibrator. But is everything just an urban myth , or is there some truth in it after all?

Most injuries are caused by anal sex toys

Studies that focus on injuries caused by sex toys are very rare. This year, Russell Griffin and Gerald McGwin of University of Alabama, School of Public Health, published the findings of their study conducted at the emergency department of a hospital. They monitored the number of people who needed medical assistance because of an injury caused by a sex toy, but they didn’t include injuries caused by objects not intended for sexual games. So, they didn’t include games with a pencil, screwdriver, hair brush and so on. According to their conclusions, in 1995 to 2006:

-    6799 people aged above 20 needed medical assistance in connection with sex toys;
-    more men were injured by sex toys then women;
-    74% of injuries were caused by a vibrator, 13% by a dildo, 2% by various rings and 11% by other accessories;
-    78% of injuries affected the anus or rectum, 18% the vagina or penis and 4% other parts.

The figures certainly show that sex toys are frequently used in the wrong way especially when it comes to such a sensitive part as the anus. Things that aren’t intended for anal use can easily slip inside the anus, because they don't have an enlarged top to prevent the slip. Vibrators are problematic too because they can overheat if used for a long time, and if a vibrator slips inside the anus, it can cause a serious problem.

Can you prevent injuries?

You shouldn’t ignore instructions on how to use a sex toy - they contain important information. In addition to the findings of studies about injuries caused by sex toys, the instructions could serve as advice on how not to have sex or masturbate. Silence, taboos and ignoring the instructions on the use of sex toys can be dangerous to your health. If you’re sufficiently informed, you’ll avoid a number of injuries. So, injuries caused by sex toys can easily be prevented – if you use sex toys in the right way. Before you try out a new sex toy in your hot sex games, you have to carefully read the information on what you can perform with the toy and the preventive measures that reduce risks. In anal games, for instance, you shouldn’t forget to use plenty of lubricant and avoid any objects that can slip inside your or your partner’s anus. In vaginal stimulation too, it’s a good idea to use a lubricant to prevent lesions and unpleasant friction. In case of more complex sex “equipment”, you’re required to have previous experience, so it’s probably not suitable if you’re a beginner.