These days, vibrators are all the rage. In fact, studies have estimated that fifty-percent of Americans own a sex toy. From Tupperware-like gatherings to old-fashioned sex shops to candid online shopping, there are many different ways to get a hold of a vibrator (at least in most states.) And it’s no wonder they’re a hit. Masturbation is one of the most low-risk sexual activities in which a person can partake. Using a vibrator to masturbate is also nearly risk-free. Nevertheless, there are a few important things to keep in mind for a healthy body and planet.

Tips for Healthy Vibrator Use:

Protect Your Body: It’s critical to clean your vibrator after each use. If not, you run the risk of growing germs, which may lead to future bacterial infections. This is especially true if the sex toy is used around the vagina and then the anus, and vice-versa… In this instance, the toy should also be cleaned in between uses in these areas. If you’re sharing your vibrator with another person, it’s also possible to spread STDs back-and-forth. Generally speaking, you can clean toys in a mixture of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach- not the other way around! Refer to your product’s manual for more specific cleaning instructions. Additionally, if you’re inserting a vibrator (with chord) into the vagina, cover it with a condom first. That way, you can pull the condom out rather than yanking on the vibrator’s chord. If the chord is tugged on repeatedly, there’s a chance you may tear the wires, potentially giving yourself more of a shock than you probably bargained for. Though these risks are fairly minimal, it’s always smart to be on the safe side!

Protect Your Planet: To many, sex toys seem like a natural step to take in learning more about one’s body and sexuality. As a result, the consumeristic aspect of the sex toy industry is often ignored. When you don’t stop to think about vibrators as products, you may not consider the ways that their production and use inevitably affect the environment. Luckily, there are numerous ways to ‘go green’ in the bedroom. Look for rechargeable toys to avoid wasting batteries. If your vibrator does run on batteries, take them out when you store your toy. By leaving them in, you’ll not only run out of juice faster, but also you’ll run the risk of a battery leak. Additionally, you may want to pick out toys made of medical-grade silicone rather than polyvinylchloride (PVC) and phthalates. Some environmentalist groups, such as the Greenpeace, have worried that phthalates (which make PVC plastic flexible) may have harmful effects on the body, particularly in situations involving a great deal of friction. Without human testing, though, this issue is still highly debatable.

In case you’re concerned, there are a few easy ways to tell if your toy is made of phthalates. Check: does it have an overwhelmingly plastic/chemical smell? Is it squishy and flexible? Is it relatively inexpensive? If so, your product may contain phthalates. Some stores have discontinued all products containing this material, just in case. Others do not intend to do so without sufficient evidence. Ask a store employee or search online to find out more information on specific product details.

As you’ve probably heard, a vibrator can be an extremely effective tool for learning more about your body as well as heating up a relationship. So, if you’re digging the vibes, be safe and have fun!

For more information, watch these episodes:
The Buzz on Vibrators
Vibrators 101