How To Avoid UTIs From Vibrator Use
The easiest way to avoid getting a urinary tract infection after using a vibrator is to make sure that your vibrator is clean before it makes contact with your body, but there is a bit more to it.
To avoid getting a UTI from your vibrator, you should:
- Make sure your vibrator is crafted from nonporous material – such as silicone or ABS plastic
- Clean your vibrator before every use and during use if it is being shared between partners
- Clean your vibrator between orifices if you’re using it vaginally and anally
- Use a pH-balanced lubricant that is safe for your vibrator’s material (lube generally does not cause UTIs)
- Avoid most oil-based lubricants, as they not only increase the risk of vaginal infections, they can also degrade latex and rubber vibrators or latex and polyurethane condoms used to cover vibrators
- Urinate after using your vibrator to help flush bacteria from your urethra
The most important part of UTI avoidance during vibrator use is to clean it properly before it ever makes contact with your genital skin and when switching between partners.
Vibrators made from nonporous materials such as silicone or ABS plastic are not only easier to clean thoroughly, but they’re also better for your body overall.
Additionally, if your vibrator can be used vaginally and anally and you intend to do so, always clean your vibrator between orifices.
If you’re covering your vibrator with a condom during use, change condoms between orifices.
Urinary tract infections can be caused by fecal bacteria that make their way into the urethra.
Never place a vibrator (or any sex toy) in your vagina after it’s been in your anus without cleaning it first.
Especially if you’re prone to UTIs already, it’s best to avoid any vibrator contact with your anus — even if just externally, or briefly.
We cannot stress the importance of keeping fecal bacteria away from your urethra.
If your vibrator is well-lubed and “slips” past your perineum (the area located between your vagina and anus), stop what you’re doing and clean it — just as an extra precaution.
On the subject of lube, you’ll want to select one that is pH-balanced and safe for your toy’s material.
A pH-balanced lubricant helps to maintain optimal vaginal health, lowering the risk of infection in the process.
Most oil-based lubricants are notorious for increasing the risk of vaginal infections and although they may not affect UTIs specifically, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Finally, any lubricant that you use with your vibrator should be compatible with its material to avoid degradation.
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