Woah, woah, woah — can you catch an STI from a sex toy?
Short version: Yes.
But don’t panic — you can’t spontaneously contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from a toy out of the blue.
To acquire an STI from a sex toy, someone with an STI must have used it and it must not have been adequately cleaned before you used it.
“It’s not that the sex toy itself infects you,” says clinical sexologist Megan Stubbs, EdD. “The toy can act as a vehicle for infection.”
Here’s what you need to know.
Which infections can be passed this way?
Any STI that spreads through sexual contact can potentially be transmitted via a shared sex toy — including those passed through bodily fluids and those spread by skin-to-skin contact.
If a sex toy has blood, semen, pre-ejaculate, vaginal fluids, or another bodily secretion from person A who has a fluid-borne STI, and that toy then touches the mucous membranes of person B, person B could become infected.
Although direct research is limited, STIs that transmit via skin-to-skin or genital contact may also be passed along by a sex toy.
For example, if a partner experiencing a herpes outbreak used a toy and you used the same toy a few minutes later, there’s a possibility the virus could be transmitted to you.
Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and UTIs can transfer too
It’s not only STIs that can be spread by sex toys.
“You can also pick up a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis (BV), or a urinary tract infection (UTI) from a toy,” says Stubbs.
Sometimes this occurs because you used a toy that someone with BV or a yeast infection used without properly cleaning it first.
Even if the other person doesn’t have one of those conditions, if you have a vagina, bacteria from their genital area can disrupt your vaginal pH and provoke an infection.
If you insert a sex toy anally and then use it vaginally (or around the urethral opening), that can also trigger one of these infections.
If anal play is involved, other infections become relevant
Fecal matter and trace residue are a known risk with anal activities.
According to health sources, feces can carry:
- hepatitis A, B, and C
- parasites, such as Giardia lamblia
- intestinal amoebae
- bacteria, including Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli
These pathogens make anal sex a risk for transmission.
Those risks persist if a sex toy is used for anal stimulation, rather than a finger or penis. (Although using a toy carries a lower risk than oral exposure.)
You can re-infect yourself via a toy
Say you get bacterial vaginosis, use a vibrator, don’t clean it properly, take antibiotics and the infection clears, and then you use the uncleaned toy again — you could very well reinfect yourself.
Yeah, gross.
The same holds for bacterial STIs. For instance, if you have vaginal gonorrhea, use a toy vaginally, then immediately use it anally, you could transmit gonorrhea to your rectum. Ugh.
The toy’s material matters
Whether a sex toy can transmit an STI partly depends on whether it can be thoroughly cleaned.
Porous versus nonporous toys — what to know
“Toys made of porous materials have microscopic pores that can trap bacteria, dust, soap, and fragrances even after cleaning,” explains pleasure expert Carly S., founder of Dildo or Dildon’t.
In plain language: Soap and water can’t completely sanitize porous toys. Yikes.
Common porous materials include:
- thermoplastic rubber (TPR)
- thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)
- latex
- polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- jelly rubber
Nonporous toys — if cleaned correctly — can be fully sanitized.
“A simple rule… is that if it’s safe enough to cook with or eat off, and you might find it in a kitchen, it’s likely a safe, nonporous toy material,” says Carly S.
Nonporous materials include:
- silicone
- pyrex
- ABS plastic
- glass
- stainless steel
If you plan to share a toy, pick a nonporous one
That lets you wash the toy between every user.
“You can also cover the toy with a condom and put on a fresh one before the next partner uses it,” says sexologist and naturopathic doctor Jordin Wiggins.
No need to break the bank: “You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a nonporous toy,” says Carly S. Blush Novelties offers some quality, budget-friendly options.
If you’re stuck with a porous toy, use a condom
Whether solo or with others, put a new condom on the toy every time it’s going to contact a different person — specifically latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms.
Condoms made from animal membrane don’t protect against STIs.
If you use latex condoms, pair them with a silicone- or water-based lubricant like Sliquid Sassy or Uberlube — oil-based lubes weaken condoms and can create tiny holes.
Admittedly, for oddly shaped toys putting a condom on can be awkward.
“Try to twist or tie the condom to remove slack,” suggests Carly S. “Or use a glove, or non-microwavable cling wrap (the microwavable kind has tiny perforations).”
For some toys like penis strokers, your safest option is likely one toy per person.
“Most strokers are made of porous rubber because it’s super soft, and people wouldn’t want to use something that feels like a brick,” explains Carly S.
Fair enough.
Couples who are fluid bonded — that is, intentionally sharing bodily fluids — can share a stroker. If you’re not fluid bonded, buy separate toys.
Another choice: try the Hot Octopuss Pulse Duo, a stroker made of silicone and ABS plastic.
How to clean your sex toys
No matter the material, wash your toy before and after each use. The cleaning method depends on the material.
MaterialPorous or nonporousHow to cleanOther notes of useSilicone NonporousMotorized: Warm water and mild soapNon-motorized: Can also be boiledAvoid silicone-based lubricants. Glass and stainless steelNonporousWarm water and soap or boiling waterGlass may be sensitive to sudden temperature shifts; after boiling, let it cool naturally.Pyrex and ABS plastic NonporousWarm water and soapMost are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. Don’t submerge waterproof-intolerant motors.Elastomer, latex, jelly rubberPorousRoom-temperature water and a soapy washclothEven for solo use, these work best with a condom.
“Make sure the soap is gentle and unscented,” says Wiggins. “Other products can irritate genital tissue.”
For nonporous, battery-free toys, putting them in the dishwasher is another option, per Stubbs.
“We’re not saying to toss them in with yesterday’s pasta dish,” says Stubbs. “Run a wash specifically for your sex toys.”
And skip the dishwasher detergent — just use warm water.
“Dishwasher detergent can include harsh chemicals and fragrances that irritate or cause infections in sensitive areas,” warns Carly S.
Sex toy cleaners are an option
Carly S. notes, “A water-based toy cleaner can be gentler than regular hand soap and might be the better choice.” Handy tip.
She suggests these cleaners:
Zoe Ligon (aka Thongria), sex educator and owner of SpectrumBoutique.com, recommends rinsing off any cleaner with water before using the toy to prevent irritation.
Dry and store toys correctly
“Bacterial colonies thrive in moisture, so dry toys completely after cleaning,” says Stubbs. Pat them with a clean towel or allow them to air dry.
Store toys properly. Many come with satin storage bags — use them to keep dust and pet hair away between sessions.
If your toy didn’t include a pouch, consider buying one:
- Tristan Velvish Toy Bag
- Liberator Couture Case PadLock with Key
- Lovehoney Lockable Sex Toy Case
When should you clean toys?
Ideally, both before and after use.
“If you and your partner are fluid bonded, you can wait until both of you finish using it to wash it, provided neither is highly prone to yeast or UTIs,” says Carly S. “If not, wash between users.”
Washing before use may feel excessive, but consider: “Even if a toy was cleaned previously, do another quick clean before play,” advises Ligon.
That helps keep pet hair and lint out of your business!
How to share toys safely and respectfully
Health and consent both matter here.
Avoid porous toys for sharing
Generally, porous toys shouldn’t be shared among multiple partners unless you’re fluid bonded.
Always clean nonporous toys between users
If you plan to use a toy with someone new, wash it first. Not doing so can lead to STI transmission.
Talk with your partner(s)
“This isn’t only about hygiene — it can be emotional and affects consent,” says Carly S.
If you’re unsure how to discuss toy-sharing, try these prompts:
- “We’ve used my Hitachi together before — how do you feel about me using it with other partners?”
- “I’d love to try my Womanizer with you. Full disclosure: I’ve used it in past relationships.”
- “We both have toys from previous partners — now that we’re exclusive, would you want to buy some toys that are just for us?”
- “We’ve talked about using a strap-on. Would you be open to splitting the cost of a new one that’s only for us?”
Try to have this conversation before things heat up — fully clothed is best!
What to do if you suspect exposure
Get tested. “Tell the clinician what exposure you had and ask for a full panel if possible,” advises Ligon.
If you don’t know what the exposure source was, say so.
Then “get retested in 2–3 weeks or follow your clinician’s timing, since some STIs aren’t detectable immediately after exposure,” she adds.
Reminder: Many STIs show no symptoms, so regular annual testing and testing between partners is recommended.
There’s a (small) pregnancy risk too
If you can become pregnant and you share a toy with someone who has a penis, pregnancy is technically possible if pre-ejaculate or ejaculate is on the toy when you use it.
If you want to avoid pregnancy, discuss contraception with your partner, or clean the toy or use a fresh condom before each person uses it.
The bottom line
Any time you have sexual contact with someone who has an STI or whose status is unknown, there’s a risk of transmission — and that includes shared sex toys.
You can lower the risk by:
- discussing STI status and agreeing on safer-sex practices
- using a new condom on the toy for every new user
- choosing nonporous toys and cleaning them between partners
- keeping personal toys for individual use
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