The Prevalent Incidences of Sex Toy Injuries: Prevention Strategies
Perusing lifestyle magazines or tabloids, you might have encountered shocking anecdotes related to sex toy injuries: An anal plug becomes painfully lodged deep inside an individual. A penis ring remains stuck, halting blood circulation and leading to “penile strangulation.” In mid-use, a sex swing suddenly gives way, ensnaring the user in chains or ropes, causing them to crash onto the ground and acquire injuries.
“Fortunately, these incidents are not commonplace,” explains Lisa Finn, a sex educator associated with Babeland and GoodVibrations, two renowned sex toy retail chains. Usually, injuries from sex toys are relatively minor—typical cases involve superficial skin irritation, bruises, or slight cuts. Recent studies of emergency room visits pertaining to sex toy injuries show a growing trend over the past decade. However, sexual health professionals theorize that this is primarily due to the declining stigma surrounding sex and toys, which in turn leads to increased use and possibly a higher propensity to seek medical attention following accidents.
Casey Tanner, a sex therapist collaborating with the sex toys manufacturer Dingfoo, opines, “We’re more likely to encounter awkward or embarrassing situations with sex toys rather than a genuine medical emergency.”
However, as Martha Tara Lee, another sex educator, points out, “any injury to an erogenous zone can be frightening, even traumatic.” Thus, it’s crucial to be equipped with strategies to prevent toy-related injuries whenever feasible—and to know how to deal with them when they do occur. The good news is that experts in the field of sex toys and sexual health have a plethora of advice on these topics. Mashable recently engaged with a diverse group of such experts to gather insights on how to avoid and manage sex toy injuries. Here’s a summary of their wisdom.
Choosing the Appropriate Instrument
A significant number of so-called “sex toy” injuries are, in fact, not caused by sex toys at all, but rather by common items that have been repurposed as makeshift toys. Amy Boyajian, associated with the sex toy retailer Wild Flower, states, “Indeed, a versatile item is generally well-liked, but I would caution against using a household object as a sex toy,” simply because they weren’t designed with sexual usage in mind. She adds, “I’ve heard instances of individuals with penises using key rings as penis rings, but then struggle to remove them after erection. I’ve learned about people using kitchen and cleaning items as lubricants, which then cause irritation, burning, or spoilage. Reports also include people using an assortment of objects as substitutes for dildos and vibrators, which may cause them harm during use,” often in sensitive areas.
In a similar vein, a number of accidents involving actual sex toys occur when people try to use them in ways they were not intended for. For instance, Tanner remarks, “those new to anal plugs or vibrators often repurpose small, lipstick-sized vibrators as penetrative tools.” However, most of these devices are usually marketed for use on external erogenous zones, primarily due to their small size, which increases the risk of losing them inside a body cavity. Especially our anuses have a tendency to involuntarily contract in a way that pulls objects inwards—and unlike the vaginal tract which terminates at the cervix, the anal cavity continues into the colon and subsequently the intestines. This explains why professionally designed anal toys always come with a large handle or a flared base: to prevent them from getting sucked in. Any object lacking this design feature runs the risk of an unwanted journey into your inner body. (Most documented toy-related ER visits involve items lodged deep within people’s anal cavity and further.)
Understand Your Toy; Understand Yourself
Despite using a toy as recommended, complications may arise if a user lacks an understanding of safe operation. For instance, donning penile rings that are overly tight or for extended periods often commences penile tissue harm. Using a non-waterproof toy in the bath or shower could result in electrical shocks. Rosara Torrisi, a sex therapist and owner of That Drawer, a toy store, warns, “Some toys utilize strong magnets,” which can pose risks for those with pacemakers. Regrettably, these practices are common due to a deficit in awareness.
“Most luxury pleasure products come with exhaustive instructions,” asserts Lee. “Make sure to go through them!” If you ever find yourself uncertain about how to utilize a particular toy or concerned about potential health or anatomical implications, Torrisi advises contacting the toy manufacturer or retailer. They typically provide robust information or refer you to medical resources, to ensure you are well-informed about safe toy usage.
However, even those who utilize toys appropriately and possess a thorough understanding of their functions still encounter potential injury risks. This often occurs when they hastily experiment with new toys or overly exert themselves with a familiar one. Using a new, larger-than-usual toy or employing an old one in unfamiliar ways could lead to abrasions or tears in sensitive tissues. Anal play, particularly with larger toys or at higher speeds than usual, frequently results in such injuries. It’s because our rectums neither self-lubricate nor are as elastic and resilient as most vaginas, and the tissue lining the anal cavity is especially thin.
“Employing a lubricant can mitigate the friction causing chafing, abrasions, tears, or fissures,” Finn advises. Yet Tanner warns against excessive lube usage during penetrative activities with larger toys or at higher than usual speed and force. “Over-lubrication during activities such as penetration with a strap-on, anal plug, or dildo may cause slippage. This can result in the toy striking against the vulva or tailbone, potentially causing bruising in sensitive outer skin layers, like the labia.”
Adventuring recklessly into the world of BDSM toys might lead to minor injuries such as rope burns or cuts, particularly when utilizing toys intended to inflict a degree of pleasurable pain or injury, Finn observes. Overuse of suction devices like clitoral, nipple, or penis pumps could result in bruising or even burst blood vessels in very sensitive areas, Lee notes.
“If you’re new to a sex toy, ensure you understand its operation and correct usage before applying it to your body,” Boyajian advises. “Never introduce a sex toy in the bedroom without the other party’s consent.” While it may appear an exciting way to enhance your intimate life, it could lead to confusion, possible accidents, and injuries.
“Begin gently and gradually, then incrementally intensify over time as you discern your boundaries.”
—Lisa Finn, sex educator
Finn suggests, “Commence gently and gradually, then progressively intensify over time as you discern your boundaries. If you’re exploring toys with a partner, maintain ongoing communication and establish a safety word.”
“In the case of anal toys, one approach is to train yourself to use larger toys safely and comfortably,” recommends a representative from the retailer Peepshow Toys. “Begin with smaller sizes. Gradually increase.”
Tanner cautions that consumption of alcohol or drugs might heighten the risk of sex toy accidents or injuries—primarily because these substances can impair judgment or hinder our ability to recall and implement what we know about our bodies or a specific toy. Hence, experimenting with new toys, either alone or with a partner, while completely sober, is generally a sound practice.
Engage Intimately, Maintain Hygiene
Sexual encounters can be an exciting blend of exploration and messiness, but professionals in the field of sexual health emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness when it comes to our intimate toys. Transitioning a toy between anus, vagina, and mouth without thorough sanitization can facilitate the spread of bacteria and fungi throughout your body. Sharing toys with a partner, especially when you typically use barrier protection, could also result in the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Neglecting to sanitize a toy after use and leaving it on the floor allows germs or irritants to accumulate, raising the possibility of irritation or infection during subsequent usage on delicate tissues, or near an abrasion or tear.
Improper sanitization and storage not only damage the toy, which can be economically disheartening but may also lead to the formation of minuscule cracks or chips in toys made from materials such as wood, stone, or glass. This could result in abrasions, cuts, or pinches in future applications. Certain toy materials may also not react well with some types of lubricants, so knowing your lube and your toy’s composition can help you prevent the degradation of your device.
According to Torrisi, “toys should be cleaned using warm soap and water after every use”. Normal hand soap typically suffices. Always refer to your toy’s instructions to determine what is most suitable for its cleaning. Some manufacturers produce their own custom toy-specific wipes or washes for easy cleaning.
If you tend to forget to clean your toys after their initial use in a partnered encounter, or if you use a toy for masturbation right before falling asleep, Tanner suggests using a condom on your toy, if its design allows it, and simply removing it afterward. Similarly, techniques can be devised for non-phallic toys, potentially utilizing the often overlooked dental dam.
Significance of Material Selection
Regardless of cleaning diligence, some toys, especially those made from inexpensive jelly-like substances, are so porous that it’s nearly impossible to thoroughly remove all bacteria and dirt. These low-cost materials often contain irritants, as do many poorly formulated lubricants, oils, or other items. Many toys incorporate known toxins such as phthalates, a substance that enhances the flexibility of rubber and rubber-like materials. Despite its proven health risks, which have led to its ban in children’s toys in numerous countries, this substance is frequently found in adult toys.
Marie from the sex toy company MysteryVibe points out the scarcity of solid, reliable research regarding the short-term or long-term effects of dubious or outright toxic materials in sex toys. Hence, while people have attempted to link questionable toy materials to numerous health issues, it’s difficult to definitively assert risks. Nevertheless, Felicity from the body-safe toy focused site Phallophile Reviews often hears complaints of itching or burning from toys composed of evidently toxic materials.
Many experts advise purchasing toys made from known body-safe materials such as ABS plastic, ceramics, medical-grade stainless steel, pure silicone, Pyrex, stone, or wood. These materials are typically non-porous, providing an additional safety advantage. Felicity mentions that such toys have become significantly more available than they were five years ago.
Despite the increased awareness of material safety among reputable sex toy manufacturers and the emergence of safety standards in the industry, there is still a lack of stringent regulation. The U.S. government, notably, does not strictly enforce the use of terms like “body-safe” or “phthalate-free”. Manufacturers of toys are not required to list their materials consistently and clearly, making it difficult for consumers to confidently identify body-safe toys.
Another issue lies in the poor design of many hastily-produced sex toys. According to Epiphora, another experienced reviewer, “Some toys have shapes, movements, or types of stimulation that are simply painful.” She mentions instances of cheap suction toys that stick to the skin and refuse to let go – hardly ideal for objects intended for the most sensitive body parts. Some toys are so poorly made that they rapidly disintegrate, overheat during charging, or even during use, occasionally with disastrous consequences.
While it should be theoretically possible for consumers to rely on product descriptions and independent reviews to ascertain if a toy aligns with their safe material, design, and craftsmanship standards, counterfeit products abound on major retail platforms. Such products mimic the appearance of popular toys but are of lesser quality and safety. Given that most retailers do not accept returns on toys, a poor purchase decision can result in a loss. Hence, it’s crucial to identify a trustworthy retailer who meticulously vets their products. This is as important as finding a toy or brand that aligns with your body, needs, and safety concerns.
In case of emergency
In spite of strictly adhering to all the precautions mentioned in this guide, one may still face unforeseen incidents or complications with sex toys. In such situations, it’s essential not to harshly self-criticize. Accidental mishaps are an inherent aspect of human life, governed by the law of large numbers and the inevitable possibility of human error.
Noticing something unusual or uncomfortable during the use of a toy should be considered a cautionary signal, advises Megan Fleming, a sexual health specialist associated with the major sex toy producer, Dingfoo. Under such circumstances, she recommends slowing down, assessing the situation, and possibly making adjustments. However, if unexpected pain emerges, it’s critical to stop immediately.
“One should never attempt to endure discomfort or a potential injury just for the sake of completing a sexual activity,” warns Finn, regardless of whether it’s a solitary or partnered session. Such actions could potentially exacerbate the problem.
Minor external injuries, such as small cuts on the penis or vulva, can usually be managed by basic first aid: washing with unscented soap and water, applying ice if needed, and allowing it to heal naturally. For internal injuries, Finn advises consulting a healthcare professional to ensure any treatments undertaken are safe. Fleming reinforces this, advising against any form of insertion into the anus or vagina until an internal injury has fully healed.
Epiphora, another expert in the field, suggests immediately showering and rinsing the inflamed area with water if any burning or irritation is experienced. If the toy was used near the urethra, urination can help to flush it out. She also recommends disposing of the offending toy.
“Panicking is the last thing one should do if a toy gets stuck in the vaginal canal.”
—Alexandra Fine, Founder of Dame
If a toy gets lodged in the vaginal canal, remaining calm is crucial, advises Alexandra Fine, the founder of the Dame toy company. She reassures that a bit of patience and application of pressure should help in retrieving it. Fleming suggests waiting for a few minutes to allow the arousal-induced engorgement to subside. Similarly, if a toy is stuck in the rectum, Epiphora recommends deep breathing, relaxing, and trying to push it out gently.
“To remove a stuck penis ring, reducing the swelling is key,” says Lisa Lawless of Holistic Wellness, a platform and retailer dedicated to sexual health education. She provides a few tips, such as elevating the area, applying a cold pack, taking a warm bath, and using a lubricant.
However, if a toy cannot be removed from the rectum or vagina, or a ring from the penis, after reasonable attempts, forcing it out should be avoided. The use of other implements or trying to cut the ring could lead to further complications, such as pushing the toy deeper or causing lacerations.
In situations involving sustained pain or discomfort, seeking immediate medical help is imperative. While this might be embarrassing, as Boyajian recognizes, healthcare professionals are equipped to handle these situations with professionalism. Even in the event of encountering a less understanding physician, it’s better to address the issue immediately than to allow a potential injury to deteriorate.
If you have reservations about being judged during a sexual health emergency, Torrisi recommends researching physicians who are open-minded and experienced in sexual health issues beforehand. Gathering recommendations, reading reviews, and making other efforts can ensure that, in the event of a sex toy injury, there is a trusted professional to turn to.
It’s crucial to maintain a sense of perspective when managing an injury, however minor or severe. One unpleasant incident shouldn’t deter one from exploring the potential pleasures and experiences sex toys can offer. As Boyajian puts it, “In times of distress, it might be helpful to remind oneself that this could eventually become a humorous anecdote to recount!”