sex machines for women

Yeast infections are a common nuisance. If you're wondering if sex toys can cause them, the answer is yes. However, there are ways to keep you happy and prevent those pesky infections. Here's how to use sex toys safely to get rid of itching!

So, what exactly is a yeast infection?

According to the Mayo Clinic, three out of every four vulva patients will get yeast infections, and many will recur. Although yeast infections are generally thought to affect only vulvar owners, they can also affect penile owners. Although rare, a yeast infection of the penis can cause a burning sensation during urination, sores on the foreskin, itching, painful intercourse, and patchy or small bumps filled with pustules.

Common symptoms of vulval yeast infection:

Itching of vagina and vulva
Burning sensation during urination or sexual intercourse.
Eager to
reckless
White thick vaginal discharge
First of all, what is a cervical infection? Yeast infections are fungal infections that are not considered sexually transmitted infections, but yeast infections can be sexually transmitted. A yeast infection occurs when healthy yeast grows in the vagina beyond its normal range, upsetting the balance of the vaginal environment and causing all these unpleasant symptoms. Sometimes yeast infections heal on their own. If not, there are over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

How Do toys spread yeast infections?
Here's the thing: Your sex toys aren't waiting in a brand new box to infect you with yeast. However, specific materials and other factors will increase your chances of getting one. Let's take a look at how sex toys spread yeast infections.

Sex toy cleaning: Less than you think!
A 2009 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 14 percent of women never cleaned their vibrators before or after using them. I hope things have improved in the last decade since this study was published, because people have come to know that the cleanliness of their sex toys directly affects their health.

As you might have guessed, a big reason people itch after using sex toys is unhygienic habits. Studies have shown that many people do not wash their toys properly, but washing them properly after use can remove residual bacteria from toys.

When cleaning sex toys, you can use a sex toy cleaner or wash with unscented soap and warm water. Scents may increase susceptibility to yeast infections, so be sure to choose unscented ones!

Be careful not to switch sex toys between different parts of the body as this also increases the risk of infection. That means not from genitals to buttocks, unless you run to the sink to wash the toys in between. Let's face it, it's not always practical in the heat of the moment.

If you like to explore different body parts with toys, you can buy a toy for each body part so you can switch toys during sex. The switch between anus and vagina can lead to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. Yeast infections are boring. Make sure you avoid this mistake. If you find yourself in a dilemma and want to change the area but only have one toy, throw a condom on it before you change the hole.

Know your material
Just like you read the ingredients on the back of a product at the grocery store to check what you want to put in your body, you should carefully read the ingredients and materials that make up your sex toy or lubricant before applying it to your most sensitive areas! Some ingredients and materials are safer than others.

Porous toys can increase susceptibility to yeast infections because their tiny holes trap bacteria. More porous jelly toys are made from phthalates, which can store bacteria and are considered carcinogens by the EPA, aka materials you don't want to use around your body!

Some sex toys and condoms are made of latex, which can cause allergic reactions and increase susceptibility to yeast infections and urinary tract infections. If you know you have this allergy, choose latex free.

Be sure to check toys for wear and cracks. Why is that? Like a porous toy, cracks can trap harmful bacteria and cause nasty yeast infections. Proper storage can also extend the life of toys and reduce unnecessary wear and tear. So if you often put your toys in a box and pile them one on top of the other, then now is the time to organize them better so they can continue to inspire joy.

Know your lube
The lube you use with your toys can also significantly affect your likelihood of getting yeast infections. Lubricants are usually oil-based, silicone, or water-based. If you're particularly susceptible to yeast infections, use a water-based lubricant.
Think of it this way -- both oil-based and silicone lubricants are more durable than water-based lubricants. This means that these lubricants can create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to yeast infections.