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Step 1
A sex toy is an item that is used to increase pleasure during erotic activities. Plants like carrots or cucumbers may be used as sex toys, or manufactured items like vibrators may be used. Increasingly, items like dildos and blowup dolls are specifically sold as sex toys.
Sexual excitement for many people involves fantasy and role playing. Sex toys may be an important part of such fantasy. Some people enjoy pain, and special paddles, pinchers, or restraints may be used as sex toys by a domineering partner. Just as long as there is no cutting or bloodletting involved, such erotic practices are not conducive of HIV transmission. People may experiment, for example by having their nipples pinched with a clothespin or pincher, and unexpectedly find that something they might have considered painful can be exciting instead. The main consideration is what the persons involved consent to do, and what they can do without endangering their health or their partner’s health. -
Step 2
Before inserting a sex toy into the vagina or anus, it should be thoroughly washed in hot soapy water. As long as the hand is clean, the fingernails are clipped closely and smoothly, and there is no cut or bleeding sore on the hand, gently inserting a finger into the vagina or anus is not conducive to HIV transmission. With physical objects, as long as the object is smooth and well lubricated, and is inserted gently, it can be quite pleasurable. Obviously no object made of glass or any other breakable material, or with any jagged edges, should be utilized.
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Step 3
Common sense should be used in regards to any choice of object, and nothing should be inserted so deeply into the orifice that it cannot be easily pulled out. For those persons who strongly desire the sensation of penetration, but who do not want to take the chance of disease transmission that comes with intercourse, a sex toy is a viable alternative. Each person should use their sex toy exclusively, and should not insert it into another person’s body. If a sex toy is shared, however, before being used it should be washed again with hot soapy water and covered with a new condom for each person. For other ideas, see my “How to enjoy sex safely without HIV and AIDS risk” article.
