Are Sex Toys Safe? When & Why We Recommend Them
Are sex toys safe? The short answer is yes-when used correctly and chosen with care, sex toys can be an empowering, healthy, and fun part of sexual wellness. At OWN Your Pelvic Health, we often recommend certain products not just for intimacy, but also for pelvic floor therapy and overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll cover what makes sex toys safe, what tools we sometimes prescribe as part of treatment, and how to choose the right product for your needs.
Understanding Sex Toy Safety
Sex toys are widely used, but not all products are created equal. Safety depends on:
Material quality: Look for medical-grade silicone. Avoid products with phthalates or porous materials that can harbor bacteria.
Cleaning and hygiene: Wash before and after use with mild soap and warm water (or a toy cleaner). Store them in a clean, dry space.
Body-safe design: Smooth edges, appropriate sizing, and products designed for internal or external use matter for both comfort and safety.
Lubricant compatibility: Silicone toys should be used with water-based lubricants to prevent material breakdown.
When chosen wisely, sex toys can be safe, enjoyable, and even therapeutic.
When We Recommend Sexual Health Support Tools
As pelvic floor therapists, we sometimes recommend specific tools not only to enhance intimacy but also to help with muscle relaxation, pain reduction, and body awareness. Here are some of the products we suggest most often:
Dilators
Dilators are often used in pelvic floor therapy for conditions like vaginismus, painful intercourse, or scar tissue restriction after childbirth or surgery. They come in graduated sizes to help retrain the pelvic floor muscles, reduce fear of penetration, and restore comfort.
Wands
Pelvic wands are a powerful self-care tool. They allow you to gently massage trigger points in the pelvic floor muscles, reduce tension, and improve blood flow. Many clients find wands helpful for managing chronic pelvic pain or postpartum tightness.
Lubricants
While not technically a “toy,” lubricants are essential for safe and comfortable use of any product. They reduce friction, protect tissue, and can make intimacy more enjoyable. We often recommend body-safe, pH-balanced lubricants, and sometimes pair them with products for postpartum dryness or perimenopausal changes. We love the brands Kindra and Uberlube.
Vibrators
Vibrators can be used for pleasure, but they also have therapeutic benefits. Vibrations improve blood flow, enhance arousal, and can even help relax tight pelvic muscles. They’re especially supportive for people experiencing low libido, postpartum nerve sensitivity, or pain conditions.
Kiwi
A vibrator designed by a woman who experienced her own pelvic pain and created the OhNut & Kiwi to support healing for herself and others.
Ohnut
A stackable buffer ring that helps control penetration depth, often recommended for painful sex.
Choosing the Right Product for Your Needs
With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips for choosing the right product:
Clarify your goal: Pleasure, pain reduction, pelvic floor rehab, or all of the above?
Check for certifications: Look for “medical-grade” or “body-safe” on labels.
Start simple: Begin with smaller or external products before moving to internal use.
Ask your provider: If you’re in pelvic floor therapy, your therapist can guide you toward the safest, most effective products for your body.
Can I Use Sex Toys While Pregnant?
For most people, sex toys are safe during pregnancy as long as there are no medical restrictions (like placenta previa, risk of preterm labor, or vaginal bleeding). Here are some guidelines:
Check with your provider: Always get clearance from your OB or midwife if you’re unsure.
Stick to external use in early pregnancy: Vibrators or clitoral stimulators are typically low risk
Avoid introducing infection: Clean products thoroughly and avoid sharing toys.
Listen to your body: If you experience cramping, bleeding, or discomfort, stop and consult your provider.
Pregnancy can bring dryness, sensitivity, or discomfort. Sometimes, adding a vibrator or lubricant can improve intimacy and help partners feel connected. We also recommend learning about pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy to support comfort and prepare for birth.
Sex Toy Safety, Confidence & Pelvic Health
So-are sex toys safe? Yes, when chosen thoughtfully and used with care, they can be a safe and empowering part of your wellness journey. At OWN Your Pelvic Health, we see them as more than pleasure products- they’re tools for healing, connection, and confidence.
Whether you’re exploring intimacy postpartum, addressing pelvic pain, or simply curious, remember: safety, hygiene, and body awareness are key. And if you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to guide you.