Last month I shared, without hesitation, my intimate and embarrassing history with sex toys. This month I have some interesting facts about your lil’ rubber buddy that you may not know.

In all the sex toys surveys conducted from 1976 to 2006, a surprising 20-27% of respondents said that they used sex toys. So, let’s work on a conservative round figure of a third of all sexually active people since the surveys don’t take into consideration all those who are quite obviously fibbing. And most surveys were conducted on women, playing into the myth that men do not use such devices. Yeah, right! Ride that latex pole, gay boys! As an interesting side note, Durex Global Sex Survey showed Australia has the highest vibrator use at 46%. I guess we are a little more honest about our toys than other countries.

- Advertisement -

While toys are usually good fun, some people do have allergic reactions. You may have a latex allergy, or it may be the use of phthalates chemicals in the production of toys. If you do have a reaction, obviously stop using the toy and consider changing to a better quality material – purpose-built glass and metal ones are great if you have an allergy.

An unclean toy can also cause a bad reaction, so ALWAYS wash your toys. If you are sticking your toys into orifices, some pretty obvious hygiene is required. I’ve heard people say that they soak their toys in bleach, stick them in the dishwasher on a hot wash and even microwave them. Harsh methods! Such cleansings can make your usually proudly erect toy seem like it has brewer’s droop. Really, all that is required to keep your toys is a hot soapy bath, this is especially necessary if you are going from one orifice to another. Allow the toys to air dry.

Sharing toys with others can be loads of fun. Variety is the spice of life after all. Use a fresh condom with every new partner and, again, wash in hot soapy water between uses.

Lubes are a topic all their own usually. There really is no choice if you want to keep your toys in tip top condition. Water-based lubes are your best bet regardless of the stuff from which your toy is made. Oil-based lubes, like Crisco, can literally eat your rubber and latex toys away.

And what about the embarrassing case of getting toys stuck up there? According to the research I have found on trips to the ER to retrieve objects lodged in cavities they shouldn’t be, it is pretty run-of-the-mill weekend night work for doctors and nurses at hospitals. I realise that this probably won’t reduce the acute sense of embarrassment you may feel if you turn up with anal balls stuck up a little too far, but the medicos are used to it. So, if they do become stuck, visit the ER immediately to get it out before it causes a problem. Don’t try to retrieve it yourself, as you could cause more damage. In most cases, the object will work itself out with the help of a little local anaesthetic applied by medical professionals. But if your toy has a flared base (remember, no base, no anal), no sharp edges and you don’t get too adventurous, there is little cause for concern.

Finally, toys don’t last forever, whether it is your scalextrix or your favourite dildo. Buy new sex toys to replace older ones. It’s a good excuse for some retail therapy. Include your sexual partner if you can and increase the fun and adventure.

For more information on sex toys, visit sexuality.about.com/od/sextoys/a/sex_toy_basics.htm.

Steve Fragomeni, Project X Team