A question we are often asked is: Are sex toys safe? People want to know if there are risks to using adult products.

To answer is a little complicated - Adult products and toys are safe when they're bought from a reputable company that cares about its clients and when they're used correctly and kept in good and clean condition. Phew!

Let's break it down a little. Here's what you need to know to use a sex toy safely. Remember, sex toys are like any other product that requires responsible use - there's no increased risk just because they're adult toys!

Buy carefully

Don't be lured into buying a $2 vibrator from an online marketplace. You have no idea where it has been or what it has been made from. Likewise steer clear of second-hand toys. It's one thing to share a toy with a partner with a condom - it's another thing to use a toy previously owned by someone else. STIs can be passed from person to person using sex toys.

If you're buying online make sure the website has a customer service portal so you know there's somebody on the end of the line. Here at Adulttoymegastore we have a hotline and email service. 0800 ADULT TOYS is pretty easy to remember!

When you're buying toys - check that they're what we call "body safe". Here's a list of Five Sex Toy Companies Who Focus On Body Safety.

When using glass make sure it's made from borosilicate. Borosilicate is a strengthened form of glass that is tempered to withstand drastic temperature changes and is hardy enough to avoid chips and cracks. You’re probably familiar with this material as it’s the same type of glass used in Pyrex kitchen products! Try the Icicles range if you're looking for a glass toy.

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If it’s stainless steel you’re after, NJoy is the answer. NJoy toys are made to be durable and able to last a lifetime when cared for correctly.

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When it comes to silicone which is common in sex toys - you need a brand that has high quality silicone. Ovo from Germany is so confident in their sex toys that they offer a 15-year warranty on all of their products. Ovo’s toys are all made from body-safe silicone which is a non-porous material. This means there is no room for any nasty germs to fester and grow in the toy while it isn’t in use. This high grade of silicone also ensures the longevity of the toy.

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Look after your body

Read this guide to sex toy materials and make sure the toy you are using or want to use is safe for your body. Once you know it is, clean it - and then get lube!

There are lots of reasons to use lubricant. For a start, it will make sex better. Secondly, it will help you avoid injuries. You need to be well-lubed to fit large toys inside you or handle friction. Always use lubricant. Since STIs can get in through tears in the skin this is especially important. We have a huge lubricant range so you'll find what you're looking for here.

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Keep your toys clean

It's critical to clean your toys to avoid yeast or bacterial infections, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if you've been sharing toys with an infected partner. Bacteria and germs can easily cling to the material of your favourite vibrator, so you need to ensure its thoroughly cleaned before pulling it out again and putting it in! Just like peeing after sex, washing your toys after every use is a great healthy habit to make, and can save you a lot of future pain and regret. Perhaps the more intriguing reason to clean your sex toys is that it will, in fact, help them last a lot longer and live to their full potential! If you've just dropped hundreds on a new rabbit vibe, the last thing you want is for it to be out of use within a month – so get cleaning!

Here's a guide to keeping toys clean. We have a range of cleaner available.

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Choose safe toys

If you're putting it in your bottom - it needs a flared base. Objects that are inserted too far into the rectum can potentially travel up into, and perforate, the bowel. Your organs are very important and while it’s great to experiment and try new things in the bedroom, your safety should always be your number one priority.

It’s important to use specially designed anal toys because people are putting their safety at risk if they don’t. Safe sex is good sex, and you can cause lasting damage if you’re not looking after yourself and keeping safety at the forefront of your mind when experimenting with anal play. Read our anal sex toy safety guide.

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Never ever use household items. While many objects might resemble your favourite toys, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are safe to use!Household objects can be potentially dangerous to use, as they may be carrying unwanted bacteria or could be made from materials that are not body safe. It's hard to know whether an object such as a hairbrush might contain toxic chemicals such as vinyl or rubber jelly.

Plus, if it's been lying around in your bedroom or bathroom for months, it's probably best to steer clear due to dust and germs! Food can also give you yeast infections or worse. Read more here.

Follow instructions

Use a toy for its intended purpose. If it's not for butts, don't put it in your butt. If it's not for clitoral play, don't put it near your clitoris! Unless a toy is completely water-proof, never use it in the bath! It's all common sense. And you can always contact us at info@adulttoymegastore.co.nz if you have questions!

Want more?

Adulttoymegastore is an online retailer of sex toys distributing across New Zealand, Australia and the USA. ATMS was opened in 2009 and is still proudly New Zealand owned and operated, with over 8,000 products from more than 45 brands to choose from! We take great provide in providing the best products to thousands of happy customers, and have many benefits such as a loyalty programme, free samples with every order, and personalised notes.

Adulttoymegastore has a huge range of sex toys including vibrators, dildos and cock rings for every occasion! With fast, 100% discreet shipping, and price guarantee, ATMS has everything you need to make good sex, great!