Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Sex Toys

Reducing the risks from using sex toys

When using sex toys, you need to be careful not to hurt yourself or your partner with them.

If you use something that's too big, you could rip or tear the skin inside the vagina or anus. Sex toys can break during use and damage the genitals or become stuck deep inside the body.

Prolonged use can also damage the skin of the penis or around or inside the vagina or anus.

If sharing sex toys, bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause sexually transmitted infections can easily be passed between partners.

There is some evidence that squishy 'gel' type toys contain chemicals that may cause cancers and birth defects.

Visit the clinic to read more about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

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Reducing the risks from using sex toys

The health risks from using sex toys can be reduced if you:

• always cover the toy with a fresh condom before use
• change condoms before swapping toys with a partner
• use plenty of condom-friendly lubrication
• only use well-made toys displaying the European safety CE mark
• avoid squishy, gel type toys

For anal use, always use toys with a cord or plug on the end that can't pass inside.

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Safer sex alternatives to using sex toys

Cyber sex and phone sex are both less risky than sharing sex toys.

Find out more about safer sex alternatives.

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