Toygasms! (23 page)

Y
ou’ve certainly heard the message—practice safer sex. But do you?

When you practice safer sex, you act in a way that decreases the chance of contracting or transmitting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and becoming pregnant. According to the National Institutes of Health:

   
Know your partner.
Other than abstinence, a monogamous sexual relationship with an individual known to be free of any STD presents the least risk.

   
Wear latex condoms properly.
Use them for vaginal, anal and oral intercourse. And lube them with latex-approved lubricants only. Or try sexual activities that do not involve intercourse.

   
Store condoms correctly.
Always have them on-hand if the chance exists for spontaneous sex. And use a new one for each sexual act.

   
Stay sober.
Alcohol or drugs may impair judgment, communication and the coordination to properly use condoms.

If you experience an allergic reaction to latex condoms or nonoxynol-9 (an ingredient in spermicides and on many popular condoms), other options may be available. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist, but do not use condoms made of lambskin, since they do not block the transmission of disease.

For more information on safer sex, visit the National Institutes of Health website:
http://www.nih.gov

If you want to share your toys between partners, or even between your own orifices, you can pre-wrap them in condoms. Before you begin, just slip a condom or three over the toy, and peel one off each time you find a new place to put it. Of course, the safest approach is not to share adult toys, but to each have your own to play with! And remember: Never insert anything into your vagina that’s been used anally, until you thoroughly clean the toy.

For the best oral sex protection, dental dams are the best solution. They’re simple squares of latex sheets that fit your mouth and act as a barrier to secretions during cunnilingus (vaginal oral sex) or analingus (anal oral sex). They’re available in a wide spectrum of fun colors. Before use, rinse with warm water, towel dry, and check for holes by holding it up to the light. Because it’s made of latex, use only water-based lube on the dam, as well as on the vagina or anus to amplify the stimulation. Some dams now come with adhesive strips to hold them in place
while your fingers do the walking. A dam will not feel the same as a tongue, but it does feel good. Remember, use a dental dam only once.

Slip into a pair of latex gloves, and with a snap, you’re ready for new explorations! Keep a package of latex gloves handy for anal sex play, or try finger cots—slender latex sleeves that each cover a single finger. They enhance protection against the spread of germs, but even better, create a slipperier surface that will get you where you’re going with greater gusto.

Removing sticky lube and bodily juices from toys are not what America’s soap companies tend to boast about. Yet, the problem remains. Now there are cleaning products that get the job done, especially if you’ve been playing in silicone-based lubes. Take a tube into the shower with you!

Just follow these simple rules of hygiene so you can be free to concentrate 100 percent on pleasure.

   
Wash up.
If you take out the trash and pet the dog on the way to the bedroom, a quick pit stop to lather up with hot water will keep your partner very happy... and healthy.

   
Examine your toys.
Check all toys carefully for sharp edges that can hurt, or splits that can hide bacteria. Sex toys have a lifespan, and even if you’ve grown fond of a particular toy, be sure to replace old faithful when it wears out. And if you improvise your toys, double check that they’re sturdy and won’t break off inside you.

   
Memorize this.
Wear a condom. And use it only once.

   
Be really anal!
Take extra care with anal toys. Wash yourself well before anal play, use lots of lube, make sure your toy has a flared base or handle, don’t back-and-forth into other orifices, be gentle, follow the natural curve of the rectum, never insert anything sharp, and if you or your partner ever feel any pain, stop and try again some other time when you’re more relaxed.

   
Clean your toys.
Before and after each use, wipe your toys clean with a cloth moistened with warm water and antibacterial soap or adult toy cleanser. You can sterilize silicone dildos in boiling water or wash them on the top rack in your dishwasher, but do not attempt this with
any latex or battery-operated toys. Dry washed toys completely before storing them.