Can I use sex toys during pregnancy?
If you are a soon-to-be mom, you likely may have asked yourself that question. Well, the good news is that it is 100% safe to use your favorite sex toys while pregnant.
Health experts have pointed out that using sex toys won’t cause harm to your health and that of your baby. So you can pleasure yourself without holding back.
To ensure that you have a safe and pleasurable experience while using your sex toys there are a few things you should know. This article is going to unveil some of them.
Tips on using sex toys during pregnancy
Talk to your doctor
Before you start using your favorite vibrator, dildo, anal plug, or the toys you are into, you should consider talking to your doctor. Your doctor may give the go-ahead to use your toys if there is little or no risk of complications arising. If, on the other hand, you have any form of infection, health issues, or may have a preterm delivery, your doctor will not recommend that you use a sex toy.
Avoid toys made with some materials
Of course, you have the freedom to choose any sex toys you like. To ensure that no harm comes to your baby, you should avoid toys that contain phthalates. Phthalate, which is used to make certain plastic materials, is a compound that can affect your reproductive health. Even more, it can have a negative impact on your hormones. Before purchasing a plastic toy, you should make sure it is phthalate-free. To be on the safe side, you should avoid plastic toys totally.
Avoid scented lubes
Just like sex toys, lube can be used during pregnancy. However, the type of lube you choose matters. Water, oil, and silicone-based lube are excellent options for pregnant women. Health experts may not recommend scented and flavored lube because they contain sugar and a few other ingredients that can cause yeast infection.
Keep your sex toy covered
If you are going to be using your sex toys with your partner, you should consider covering them with a condom. This may seem extreme, but it is not. You see, when you cover your toys, you are reducing the risk of your having STIs.
Sex toys during pregnancy –dos and don’t
Regardless of the type of sex toy you are using, there are a few things you should do and avoid, to have a safe and pleasurable experience. Below are some of them.
Use your toys for a single purpose
If you are into vagina and anal stimulation, chances are, you have a single toy you use to pleasure both areas. During pregnancy, you should avoid using the same toy to pleasure both areas. Health experts have buttressed that fecal bacteria can cause serious infections if they enter the vagina.
Pregnant women should be extra careful when using anal sex toys. Research suggests that hemorrhoids are common among pregnant women. Note that hemorrhoids may start bleeding when too much pressure is applied while using an anal toy.
Don’t share your sex toys during pregnancy
Never should you share your sex toy with a friend, especially when you are pregnant. Even if they promise to clean them after use, it is wise that you still don’t give them. You see, if they don’t clean the toy properly and you use it afterward, you will likely have an infection. Since you are pregnant, the infection is going to affect you and your baby.
To prevent this, you should avoid sharing your sex toys with anyone.
Clean your pleasure devices regularly
Make it a habit to clean your sex toys thoroughly before using them. Toys that aren’t cleaned properly may contain microbes that can cause an infection. To ensure that your toys and clean and sterile, you should do the following.
Clean your pleasure devices in soapy hot Water
Allow them to air dry or pat them dry before keeping them.
The place you store your sex toys is also important. Instead of tossing them into any drawer, you should store them in a dry and clean place.
Be gentle
Sex toys like dildos are harder than the penis. If you don’t them carefully or you push them too hard, you may end up injuring yourself. Remember that your cervix may be sensitive and fragile while you are pregnant.
You should start slow and increase your speed and intensity gradually.
Final note
Using sex toys while pregnant is amazing as your vagina will be more lubricated and sensitive. Even though sex toys are safe to use during pregnancy, it is still a good idea to consult your doctor before using them. Cleaning your toys regularly and covering them with a condom can reduce the odds of you developing an infection.