Safe use of BDSM toys. Reducing risk of infections.

It is known that any sex toy, and a BDSM toy as well might transfer an infection from one person to another if shared. Thus safe BDSM activity implies not only safety measures that should be taken in order not to injure the submissive. As well it implies safe use of BDSM toys that prevents the toys' users against transmission of infections.

What BDSM toys present risk of transferring infections?

Actually if seen in this light BDSM toys can be conditionally divided into two groups - higher risk BDSM toys and lower risk BDSM toys. What are these?

Higher risk BDSM toys. First of all these are BDSM toys which come in contact with body fluids - vaginal discharges, saliva, blood, etc. These are such toys as gags, plugs, cutting blades and others.

2.Lower risk BDSM toys. These are ropes, hand and ankle cuffs, floggers and paddles. These BDSM toys are often overlooked as not everyone knows that ropes might abrade skin and absorb blood. Floggers as well can cause minor injures and become contaminated with an infection.

What infections can BDSM toys transmit?

Here we are not going to mention all possible infections. Let us mention only the most dangerous ones, that are ,HIV, hepatitis B (HCB) and hepatitis C (HCV).

HIV is erroneously considered to be very easy to neutralize. Bear in mind: though HIV is not as stable as many other viruses it might survive much longer than expected. So do not think that simple washing can protect you against this deadly virus.

What to hepatitis, it is more spread than HIV. HCV as well as HIV is incurable. What is more, there is no vaccine against HCV.

Everything said above shows that proper use of BDSM toys is of vital necessity. Protect yourself against infections!

How to avoid infections?

1.Avoid sharing your BDSM toys. This is the best way to protect yourself against infection. At least try to limit the number of those who use one and the same BDSM toy. Keep in mind - any shared BDSM toy must be disinfected before being given to another person.

2.Sterilize all BDSM toys you are going to give to another person.

Actually there are 3 most common ways to sterilize a toy.

Methods of sterilization

1.Sterilization in a heat-based sterilizer. There are special sterilizers that can be dry heat and steam based. Heat-based sterilizers can destroy almost all known types of viruses and bacteria. However, they are suitable only for BDSM toys made of materials that can withstand high temperatures - 273f (steam sterilizers) or 320 f (dry heat sterilizer). Necessarily check the instruction to find out whether this or that toy can withstand such temperature.

2.Boiling in water. This is one of the most common way to disinfect a BDSM toy. Actually boiling during 20-30 minutes neutralizes most common viruses. However, we again remind you that not all materials can be boiled. Necessarily check with the instruction.

3.Disinfection with liquid disinfectants. This seems to be the most convenient way to disinfect a BDSM toy. To do this properly scrub the toy, then soak it in a disinfectant for about half an hour.

Most common types of liquid disinfectants

Chlorine.

This is one of the most effective among available disinfectants.

Effective against HCV and endospores.

Suitable for - plastics, stainless steel and play area floors

Not recommended for - latex, leather and non-stainless steel.

Phenolic disinfectants

These are mostly found in mouth washes.

Effective against naked viruses.

Suitable for - any kind of material. To be on the safe side check with the instruction.

Povidone-iodine solutions.

These are broad-acting microbicides. Most available solution of this kind is Betadine.

Effective against HCV and many other organisms such as endospores.

Suitable for a wide range of materials.

Not recommended for persons who suffer from any allergy to iodine.

Ethanol and isopropanol.

These are intermediate level disinfectants.

Effective against HBV, HCV and HIV.

Suitable for most materials.

Some more tips

1.Use insertable sex toys (dildos, vibrators, plugs and others) with a condom for better cleanup.

2.Never insert into vagina a toy that previously was inserted into the anus.

3.Keep in mind - general cleanliness as well counts. Ask your submissive to follow simple hygiene rules. If you flog him and his body is dirty, then the risk of infection is much higher.

Never be careless about possible infections. Keep in mind the three BDSM principles - Safe, Sane and Consensual!