FEATURE
10 | The CNM Chronicle
March 26, 2013
Play time
How to buy and use the right toy By Adriana Avila and Rene Thompson Managing Editor and Staff Reporter
Shopping for sex toys can be tough for those who do not know what to search for. With the vast variety of toys, the frustration of not knowing what to buy can be overwhelming. Research online and visits to local sex shops can prevent the annoying case of receiving the wrong size or material of a toy without realizing it.
Size (and shape) matters:
Dildoes:
There are various shapes when it comes to Latex: flexible matevibrators and dildos, and run a gamut from smaller, rial that is non-porous penile-shaped to dongs the size of a friendly dino- and can be sanitized. saur. Most sex shops carry a wide variety – from slender and short to long and wide, and are even available double or triple-ended. Research is recommended to know what your body can handle. Using a toy that is too big can cause microtearing, especially with anal play, so a good rule is to start small and work up to larger toys.
Sanitizing:
Hard plastic, jelly-rubber, acrylic, anodized metals and some silicon blends, are not capable of being sanitized because these materials are porous, which means bodily fluids and outside germs can become trapped in the material, making it unsafe for more than one use. Medical grade silicone or Pyrex, though more expensive, are safer for long term use.
Acrylic, hard plastic or PVC: porous materials that cannot be sanitized, but can be cleaned with soap and water, and are best used with condoms.
Anodized aluminum and surgical grade stainless steel: Anodized aluminum is porous, due to the anodizing process and can also cause micro-tearing, while stainless steel is nonporous and can be used for cold sensations.
Lubricants:
Waterbased lubricant: does not stain or dry often and water or saliva reactivates it. It is safe to use on all toys and sex supplies.
Organic lubricants are marketed as natural products not containing parabens, glycerin or animal-based ingredients, and contain mostly botanicals and plant extracts.
S i l ic one lubr ica nts do not dry out easily and should not be used on toys that cannot be sterilized.
Oil-based lubricant does not dry out easily and is edible. Only use oil-based lubricants with polyurethane condoms because oil lubricant breaks down latex materials. Oil is an ingredient that can cause excretion, so if used anally, expect a visit to the restroom.
Lubricants that contain glycerin or sugar feed yeast, making it more likely for women to get an infection – ya know, down there. There are also specialty warming and cooling lubricants for desired sensation, and anal-specific lubricants tend to be more viscous, which helps the lubricants stay in place.
One-hundred percent medical grade silicone: is a flexible and durable non-porous material, and is safe to sterilize. Glass or Pyrex: are hard non-porous and safe to sanitize. Both absorb heat and cold for different sensations.
Silicone blends, or Jelly Rubber: porous materials that cannot be sanitized and can contain phthalates, which may be linked to cancer according to zerobreastcancer.org.
GRAPHICS BY JASMINE CHAVEZ