One chemical commonly used in sex toys is phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals that aid in binding things together and make plastic more flexible. Phthalates are usually found in the rubber of cheap sex toys. In the past two decades, phthalates have become the subject of a major public health concern. The exposure to phthalates has been linked to male fertility issues, obesity, type 2 diabetes, asthma, neurodevelopmental issues, and more. For this reason, many progressive sex toy stores, such as The Smitten Kitten, Babeland, Good Vibrations, and others, have made it a top priority to ensure that the items sold at their stores are phthalate-free. Unfortunately, it is common for sex toy packages to read “phthalate-free” yet still contain hazardous materials. It’s important to read about all the ingredients listed on the packaging to ensure safety. Other chemicals to look out for include: A handy trick for checking unsafe materials is the smell test. If a product has a strong smell, that’s a good indicator that cheap, unsafe materials were used to make it. Nonporous sex toys are smoother and have a water-resistant surface. These materials do not harbor bacteria because they can be sterilized with boiling water, bleach, or in a dishwasher. (Here’s more on how to clean your sex toys.) (And don’t forget to use lube, too! Here’s how to find the right vaginal lubricant for you.) As part of her work she has guest taught human sexuality at several universities across the east coast. Lisa obtained her Masters of Education in Human Sexuality at Widener University’s Center for Human Sexuality Studies. She is continuing her studies at the University as a doctoral candidate. Lisa is a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapist (ASSECT).
