Using Sex Toys During Pregnancy
Read about the author Samantha Evans
When you are pregnant you may be concerned or curious if it is safe to use sex toys. It is perfectly safe to use sex toys while pregnant except if you have a history of miscarriage or other high risk pregnancy problems: in which case, your GP or midwife will have advised you to avoid sexual intercourse during the first trimester of pregnancy.
If you are otherwise healthy, there is no reason not to enjoy sex toys. You may find you have incredible or multiple orgasms during pregnancy due to the increased blood flow to the pelvic area. Raging hormonal levels during pregnancy may mean you enjoy sex even more and your sexual desires are very different, just like your taste for food! Just try whatever works for you.
You may wish to have orgasms using sex toys towards the end of your pregnancy as your size and shape changes with the development of your baby and penetrative sex may feel uncomfortable.
Start slowly if you or your partner are unsure or worried. Some men worry they are going to injure the baby when their partner is pregnant but the baby is well protected in the amniotic fluid. Tell your partner what feels comfortable and pleasurable so you can both relax and enjoy the experience.
Foreplay can be enhanced by using a sex toy. If you go off full penetrative sex during pregnancy, sex toys can help you maintain a loving intimacy with your partner. You can achieve strong orgasms using a clitoral vibrator.
Your partner may enjoy using a male product if you are unable to or don’t feel like having penetrative sex to enhance your sexplay.
When using sex toys during pregnancy, follow these useful tips.
Wherever possible, choose phthalate free toys. This advice is recommended for all sex toy choices even if you are not pregnant. Phthalates are used to soften plastic to make them more flexible. They can be toxic, especially for developing children which is why they have been banned from children’s toys.
Phthalates have been linked to many health issues, including fertility as they can disrupt hormonal activity. If a product doesn’t say phthalate free on the packaging or you can’t see what it has been made from by the product description, avoid it.
Many sex toys are made from rubber or a latex type substance. These should be avoided because these materials absorb bacteria and are difficult to clean properly. There have also been allergic reactions linked to latex products.
Silicone products offered a much better, more hygienic solution. The texture of silicone toys is more like that of skin, they feel silky smooth rather than sticky (like rubber or latex toys) and they do not absorb bacteria.
During pregnancy you have a greater risk to developing thrush due to hormonal changes, therefore keeping your toys clean is extremely important. Thoroughly washing them with soapy water, rinsing and drying them and storing them in a dry, clean place after each use is recommended. Again, by choosing a silicone, metal or glass toy you will avoid any bacteria being absorbed by the toy.
Use a good quality lubricant with your sex toy.
Using an irritating lubricant can also help reduce the incidence of thrush which many women are more prone to during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
Made with botanical and organic ingredients that are sustainably sourced, SUTIL Luxe contains ingredients that moisturise, nourish and enhance your intimate health. SUTIL Luxe is a premium lube that feels natural, not intrusive. It gently cushions and glides, blending seamlessly with your own natural lubrication, making you feel wetter. Unlike most other water-based lubes, Luxe is long-lasting and does not dry out, making it economical to use.
If you care about what you eat and use on your face and body, give your vagina the lube it deserves – you won’t regret it!
Non-staining and condom safe.
SUTIL Rich is a thick, velvety water -based lubricant that feels like it’s silicone-based.
Designed with a pH suitable for both anal and vaginal use, the new “Rich” formulation has enhanced viscosity to ease anal penetration and soothe dry, delicate tissues. SUTIL Rich contains small amounts of Horny Goat Weed – a herbal aphrodisiac – that is added, along with Siberian Ginseng and Jujube nut. Traditionally, these herbs are used to increase strength, energy, stamina and vitality, but they also help to boost immune functions and have natural antibiotic and antiseptic properties to fight infection.
Horny Goat Weed is also a vasodilator, which promotes blood flow and increases natural lubrication. Depending on your sensitivity, you may feel a warm, slightly tingly sensation when using SUTIL Rich and if you are new to SUTIL we would recommend trying SUTIL Luxe first (or try both!). They both come in a 10ml sample size, 2–3 uses.
Non-staining and condom safe.
It is not recommended for those who take nitroglycerin, have sensitivities to herbal extracts, or experience vulval/vaginal sensitivity -
In these cases, the SUTIL Luxe is the lube for you.
Olive & Bee is a 100% natural oil-based intimate care cream, made with botanical ingredients that are good for your intimate health and sexual pleasure.
The clever formulation means a little goes a very long way, and it is suitable for the delicate tissues of the vulva, vagina and anus.
Olive & Bee can be used as both a natural moisturiser and a sexual lubricant.
Made with extra virgin olive oil that nourishes and medical grade beeswax Olive & Bee calms the delicate tissues of the vulva and vagina, and helps to restore moisture, reduce irritation, and support sensitive skin.
Lightweight, non-greasy, and breathable this natural formulation is free from preservatives, fragrance and dyes, and melts into the skin to lock in moisture.
It is perfect for daily use to help your vulva and vagina to feel comfortable and healthy, suitable for use on and inside the anus and on the penis and to enjoy long-lasting intimate pleasure
It is best to avoid products that have not be designed for vaginal use such as storecupboard ingredients or those found in your bathroom cabinet. Just because something is safe to eat does not mean it is good for your vagina!
If you use your toy for anal sex, no matter if you are pregnant or not, make sure you thoroughly wash it before using it near your vaginal area. You may wish to use a condom on the sex toy which can be removed after use, especially if you are using a latex or rubber toy which will absorb any bacteria from the anal area.
Empty your bladder before sex if you need to and always after you have sex or even if you are just using lubrication or a sex toy. This advice applies even if you are not pregnant. Your urethra is quite short and bacteria can enter the bladder during sex, causing urinary tract infections. In some cases, urinary tract infections can lead to pre term labour. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water to flush out any bacteria.
Do not use sex toys internally if:
- Your GP has advised you to abstain from sex. This may have been advised if you may have a low lying placenta (placenta previa) or have had a weak cervix in a previous pregnancy.
- You have been told you could go into early labour.
- You have a vaginal infection.
- Your waters have broken.
- If you have ever experienced vaginal bleeding before being pregnant, inform your midwife or GP prior to having sex or using sex toys.
- If you experience any vaginal bleeding during or after sex or after using a sex toy, contact your midwife or GP. A small amount of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is normal and may be due to the cervix being irritated but it is best to err on the side of caution.
Most of all, enjoy having great sex during pregnancy. Although, you may not feel like having sexual intercourse for a while once your baby has arrived, you can enjoy using your sex toy after childbirth to help you overcome any sexual health issues following delivery.