Sex toys can be a great way to spice up your sex-life and increase sexual pleasure. A sex toy is a toy that is used to specially stimulate your genitals or anus to produce sexual arousal or orgasms. Some toys can vibrate and pulsate which can cause pleasurable sensations and enhance your sex-life. They can be used to explore what feels good for your body and comes in all shapes, sizes and sensations. 

With this in mind, let’s find out whether sex-toys are safe, how to clean a sex toy safely, how to choose the best sex toy and four of our favourite sex-toys that will ensure it'll be a night to remember. 

Are sex toys safe? 

Sex toys are completely safe, providing they are used correctly and are washed before and after use. There’s a misconception that sex toys can’t spread sexually transmitted infections, but because they still have the potential to spread sexual fluids from partner-to-partner, there’s still a chance of transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. 

In order to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections;

• Wash sex toys before and after use with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds (just as you would if you were washing your hands) and towel-dry afterwards. 
• Use a condom - this can either be on the penis or on the penetrative toy, if you’re using one. 
• Don’t share sex toys - have a different one for each partner.

How to clean a sex toy?

Depending on what toy it is and whether it contains batteries will determine how to clean your sex toy. Each sex toy should come with its own instructions, which advise you how to wash it. It’s important that you follow this advice as some sex toys may need a special solution, rather than just soap and water. 

The majority of sex toys can be washed with warm soapy water. It’s also advisable to wash your sex toy if you are changing the location of the sex toy during sexual activity - for instance if you are moving from anus to vagina. 

Also make sure you are checking for any cracks or breaks in the sex toy as germs can get in and could cause an infection. 

How do I choose the best sex-toy? 

Everyone has their own sexual preferences, and sex toys are no different. Some prefer a sex toy that’s a little more gentle, while other’s prefer ones with more intense sexual pleasure. The trick is to ask yourself what you’re looking for in a sex toy? Are you looking for one to stimulate your genitals? Or for penetrative sex? One that you can wear for hours at a time? One that can be used for anal sex? Once you know the purpose of the sex toy you want - you can buy one you like the look of and try it out. 

Four of our Favourite Sex toys 

Here are a few of our favourite sex toys for intense sexual pleasure;

Finger vibrator

A finger vibrator is just the thing to get that heart racing. Slide the vibrator on your finger, or hold it in the palm of your hand (you can also use lubricant to increase the pleasurable sensations) and rub it along erogenous parts of your body or slide it against your genitals. It can be used for solo-sex (perfect if you want to treat yourself) or as part of a couple. 

Dildo 

A dildo may be a classic sex-toy, but it’s still one of our all-time favourites. Dildo’s come in all colours, shapes and sizes and are perfect for penetrative sex, anal sex or even just stimulating the genitals. Dildos can be used with lubricant for extra pleasure and comfort, while some also vibrate to give that extra bit of stimulation. 

Jiggle balls

Did you know jiggle balls are a firm favourite with celebs such as Khloe Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow? Jiggle balls are perfect for not only increasing pleasure but also for strengthening the genital muscles. Comprising of two small balls that can be inserted into the vagina, they can be worn throughout the day, giving you constant sexual satisfaction as you walk around. 

Penis ring

A penis ring not only increases pleasure for both parties, it also helps to maintain an erection for longer. Penis rings can be used with lubricant and are super stretchy for the ultimate comfort. You can get ones with ridges or ones that vibrate, depending on your sexual preference.