We are all guilty of making mistakes, especially when trying something out for the first time. However, if you are just venturing into the world of sex toys, you don’t want to make mistakes as the consequences can be very unpleasant.
To ensure that as a curious beginner you get to have the best of experiences, here is a little rulebook to guide you on this exciting journey.
Don’t Panic! It’s Just Some Good Precaution
Whether you’re curious and want to get started on sex toys or a beginner who has only tried one toy and wants to explore some more, one thing’s for sure – safety is sexy.
After all, the last thing you want is an accident or awkward “oops” moment when having some intimate moments. Now that you are here let’s dive into the rules that will help ensure smooth and pleasurable experiences.
Beware of Toxic Sex Toy Materials
As competition in the sex toy market soars, there is an extensive variety of options to choose from. However, since not all pleasure toys are created equally, you must be extra cautious not to go for those made with cheap and toxic materials.
As a general rule, stay away from sex toys made of PVC, jelly, rubber, TPE, SEBS, TPR, and Vinyl, as these materials are toxic and can cause you great harm. Equally, if you opt for a silicone toy avoid silicone blends as these contain toxic chemicals.
You should also make it a rule to skip any shady stuff, especially cheap toys, without proper labeling and clarity on the materials used. To stay safe, prioritize FDA-approved and medical-grade sex toys made from body-safe materials such as silicone, ABS plastic, stainless steel, and glass.
Always Double Check the Product’s Specifications
Did you just come across a good sex toy being advertised on your favorite platform, and you would like to make an order immediately?
Before you do, research must be done to ensure your safety. Among the top considerations when checking a product’s specifications are:
- Size. As a beginner, you should start small and work your way up. To avoid sex toy mistakes, check the length, girth, and overall size of a toy and try to compare it to another item before you make that order.
- The power source. Is the toy rechargeable or battery-powered? Depending on the power source, you should be prepared for the subsequent maintenance and care. For example, if it’s a battery-powered toy, you will need to remove the battery when cleaning it and regularly check its status so it doesn’t start leaking.
- Waterproof vs. water-resistant toys. Yes, there’s a big difference. A waterproof toy can survive a bath or be dipped in water, while a water-resistant toy might just survive a splash. Take note that even waterproof toys shouldn’t be charged near water!
Know Your Lubes
By now, you should probably know that you’ll not just need lubes but a lot of them. Nevertheless, it’s one thing to know you need lubes and another to buy the correct type of lube.
Whether you’ll be using sex toys alone or with a partner, here are classic mistakes to avoid:
- Silicone lube + Silicone toys = a sticky disaster. You must NEVER make this terrible mistake, as it will be a fiasco you don’t want to deal with.
- Water-based lube is your best choice. Keep it simple and exciting by going with water-based lubricants, which are pH-balanced and suitable for even those with sensitive skin.
Did You Read the Instructions?
Despite all the excitement most first-timers have, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Even if you have tried a similar toy before or have a rough idea of how it works, the only way to keep it safe is to take note of the provided usage guidelines.
This way, you will get to understand the proper settings and how long you can use a toy before you need to give it a rest. As a rule, you should also avoid using sex toys for too long without rest as this might damage the toy and also lead to overstimulation or soreness.
Take it Slow, You Have All the Time
If you are just starting out with electric sex toys, especially those that vibrate, it’s best to start with the lowest intensity before gradually trying higher intensities. By taking it slow, you get to make exploration more fun while giving your body and partner the deserved levels of comfort.
If you are using sex toys with a partner, you should also be clear on how you’ll use toys by:
- Discussing boundaries beforehand to avoid surprises.
- Setting expectations as these toys are meant to complement intimacy, not replace it.
- Having safe words to ensure you don’t exceed each other’s comfort levels.
Sharing is not always Caring
Your sex toys should be private and if you must share, let it be with a partner who you trust. Failure to do this, you will be at risk of infections that can be quite unpleasant.
Some best practices to adhere to once you get that sex toy include:
- Avoid cross-contamination risk by using condoms on shared penetration and anal toys.
- Always clean your toys thoroughly between uses and partners
You know Your Body Best
Even when you do everything right, the best judge of how suitable a particular sex toy is remains to be your body. You MUST, therefore, pay attention to body signals, and if you are uncomfortable, feeling pain, or above-normal soreness, STOP using the toy.
If the discomfort persists or you develop allergies, consult with a doctor.
The Rules of Cleaning, Charging, and Storing Your Little Pleasure Partners
Most beginners get so excited to get a sex toy that they forget that, like most other items you own, these toys require proper care, cleaning, and storage. Here are the best practices to have in mind:
- Extreme temperatures (High heat or cold) are a big no, no, and no.
- Strictly store your toys in a dry place where they won’t easily get contaminated. Yes, this means having your toys somewhere private away from your pets and anyone else.
- Have a discreet case or pouch if you have to travel with your toy
- Not all sex toys are to be stored together as some materials degrade if stored together
- Always clean your toys promptly after use and let them properly dry before storing them
- Never leave rechargeable toys plugged in overnight. If your toy is battery-powered, regularly check and replace the batteries before they start leaking
Conclusion
Even the most seasoned sex toy experts were once beginners, and you never have to feel intimidated taking this exciting journey. Instead, use these rules as a map to guide you in navigating these new waters while keeping safe and having as much fun as possible.
Now that you have a good idea of the dos and don’ts, you can explore, experiment, and enjoy responsibly. Like any adventure, being prepared is the key to unlocking all the excitement!