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Sex Toys & Vibrators While Pregnant
Dr. Lisa Lawless, CEO of Holistic Wisdom
Clinical Psychotherapist: Relationship & Sexual Health Expert
Is It Ok To Use Sex Toys During Pregnancy?
Unless yours has instructed otherwise, doctors typically agree that it is perfectly safe to use most sex toys during pregnancy, and they do not cause risks for pregnancy complications. Vibrators, dildos, and other sex toys can make sexual pleasure feel even better during pregnancy due to a surge in estrogen and progesterone hormones. Pregnancy causes the clitoris and vagina to be more engorged, lubricated, and especially sensitive during pregnancy. Added stimulation through sex toys can feel even more amazing during these nine months.
Listen To Your Body
The best advice is to listen to your body, and should you feel like a vibrator is too strong, try a lower speed or a less intense one. If a dildo feels too large, use a smaller one. You may have to change up some of your sex toys even if you have been using them regularly to accommodate the changes in your body during pregnancy. If something does not feel comfortable or good, stop using it altogether.
Related Guides: How To Use A Vibrator and How To Use A Dildo
Report Any Changes To Your Physician
If a sex toy does not feel comfortable, then discontinue using it and always reach out to your physician with any concerns that you may have. If you begin bleeding or have pain, discontinue use immediately and contact your physician, even if it is just to err on the side of caution.
Keep Your Sex Toys Clean
It is essential to keep sex toys clean in general, but especially during pregnancy. Only use nonporous sex toy materials such as 100% silicone platinum grade, stainless steel or aluminum, glass sex toys, or wood and disinfect them properly after every use. Do not use elastomers like TPR, TPE (like Cyberskin), stone sex toys, rubber, or jelly, as they contain pores that cannot be adequately disinfected. Please see our How To Clean Sex Toys Guide for more information.
Store Your Sex Toys Properly
Not storing a sex toy properly, such as in a dark, sealed container, can cause mold, fungi, and bacteria to grow on the surface. See our guide on How To Store Sex Toys for more information.
Avoid Anal Sex Toys In Your Vagina
Unless you can thoroughly sanitize a nonporous, non-mechanical sex toy that you have used anally by boiling it, then you should avoid using it in your vagina.
Introducing fecal bacteria into the vagina can cause a vaginal infection, so you must clean your sex toys properly and only use certain types, as indicated in our How To Clean Sex Toys Guide mentioned above.
You may want to avoid anal sex toys altogether during pregnancy as it is very easy to develop hemorrhoids and bleed with pressure applied while pregnant.
Get Educated & Read Labels
Use caution when using lubricants that may be irritating during pregnancy that have stimulating ingredients or flavors, and use only those that are pH balanced and have an excellent osmolality for your vagina. Learn more about lubricants throughout Ultimate Lubricant Guide as well as lubricants that are good for fertility and pregnancy.
Avoid Toxic Sex Toys & Porous Elastomers
You will, of course, want to avoid sex toys with harmful chemicals in them, such as phthalates (which we do not carry); however, beyond avoiding toxic sex toys, you will also not want to use porous sex toys. We offer three guides that will help better understand what you need to know to avoid these below. However, always remember that you are also welcome to contact us for suggestions as we are happy to help.
Also, if you are having difficulty with mobility because you feel like you are stuffed watermelon, you can take a look at this:
Take It Easy
Dildos are typically more rigid than a penis, so make sure you are not thrusting too hard or quickly. Also, avoid any dildos that are long enough to hit your cervix and focus more on G-spot stimulation which is only 2.5 to 3 inches on the top of the vagina. In addition, don't be surprised if your nipples are too sensitive for stimulation, as pregnancy can make them especially sensitive.
If you are trying different sexual positions or role-play through things like BDSM, then make sure to play gently as joints are looser during pregnancy. You may unintentionally overstretch or injure yourself by being too rough.
Doctor Said No Intercourse Or Penetration
If your doctor recommends not having vaginal penetration, you can inquire if clitoral stimulation using a vibrator is acceptable or even a wand vibrator to receive a back massage.
In Closing
Make sure you discuss sex toys with your doctor if you have any concerns, as there is no shame in enjoying sexual pleasure during your pregnancy. It can be relaxing and even provide physical comfort and relief during this time when your body is going through so many remarkable changes.