Did you know that the sex toy industry is completely unregulated? This is an important fact to share with your patients, especially those who may not be aware of the risks associated with certain products. While many sex toys can bring fun and satisfaction, some may be made from harmful materials that can cause irritation or discomfort—and that’s because manufacturers aren’t required to follow any safety standards. In an effort to cut costs, some companies use toxic chemicals that could potentially do more harm than good.

As a practitioner, if you are recommending sex toys to a patient, you sure don't want them to come away with an irritation from the materials the toy is made out of- that's the opposite of the goal of helping them find pleasure.

I've never heard of anyone getting an infection from a cheap sex toy- is this a new phenomenon?

Not everyone's body will interact negatively with porous sex toys, and some people aren't impacted by chemicals in the same way as others are. Just like some lubes work for some people and not others.  But, over time bodies often become more discerning and your clients may find that what worked for them before- doesn't any more.

Because sex toys have often been sidelined as taboo, many people haven't been airing their negative experiences with them. And, many people think that their bodies are the problem, instead of blaming the real culprit- toxic sex toys made by cheap manufacturers. 

How to Help Patients Avoid Toxic Relationship… With Sex Toys

For patients who use sex toys as part of their sexual wellness routine, it’s crucial to know which materials are safe and which ones to avoid. That’s where you come in! By educating them on the importance of choosing body-safe toys, you can help them make informed decisions that support their sexual health.

Read on to learn about some of the safest materials on the market:

Silicone is a favorite for many, as it’s soft, flexible, non-porous, and body-safe because it doesn't trap bacteria in it's pores. It’s also great for temperature play and transmits vibration beautifully. Plus, toys made from silicone are easy to clean, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. Whether your patients are looking for dildos, vibrators, or kegel weights, silicone is a great option. And, new since 2023, there are also a few brands that are testing their silicone toys with silicone lube, so your patients can have the best of both worlds and don't have to choose between silicone toys or silicone lube... getcha a toy that can do both!

ABS Hard Plastic
This non-porous material is commonly found in bullet style vibrators. It’s affordable, durable, and easy to clean, making it a solid choice for patients looking for a reliable, safe option. Some folx really like a firmer feel of toy in their hand and on their body. ABS plastic is lighter than other firm materials like glass and steel, and has a sleek feel to it.

Glass & Stainless Steel
If your patients are interested in something more luxurious, glass toys are a wonderful option. These toys are smooth, weighty, and beautiful, with the added benefit of being easy to clean. Glass is also perfect for temperature play, which can enhance sensation. Similar to glass, stainless steel toys are hard, smooth, and weighty, offering a different sensory experience. They’re also easy to clean and great for temperature play, making them a versatile option for many patients.

But aren't body-safe sex toys expensive?

Over the last 10 years, more and more sex toy manufacturers are jumping aboard the "body safe" train, and sex toys made out of body-safe materials have become increasingly affordable.  Clients can find silicone toys at a wide range price points, so arming them with the info about the potential pitfalls of using porous materials, doesn't mean spending an arm and a leg.

As a practitioner, you know that lube can be a game changer for a healthy, comfortable, and pleasurable sex life. The right lube can elevate sexual experiences, while the wrong one can sometimes cause discomfort.

Many pelvic floor therapists, urologists, and sex therapist suggest that their clients use a lubricant during sex play. Our team here at Lotus Blooms is very #prolube.  But, before sending your patients off to a drugstore to grab whatever lube has the prettiest bottle, read through our lowdown on lubes to make sure you are arming your clients with the most up-to-date info on what makes a good lube! 

Here at Lotus Blooms we are very particular about the ingredients in the lubricants that we carry.  We curate our collection of lubes to be as gentle as possible, avoiding commonly used irritants like propylene glycol, glycerin, and parabens.  

So what do you patients need to know?  

First, it's  understand the different types of lubes and how these lubes interact with bodies differently so that your clients will be well equipped to find the option that will work best for their goals.  

There are four main types of lubricants & each category has its unique pros and cons.  But what are the do's and don'ts when it comes to lube? Don’t worry, we're here to help

1. Water-based
2. Silicone-based
3. Hybrid
4. Oil-based

Water based lubricant is a very versatile option; it’s latex (condom) compatible, great for use with silicone, steel & glass toys, and comes in multiple thicknesses.

Silicone lube is wonderful for skin-to-skin touch and it *lasts* and *lasts* and *lasts*. 

Hybrid lubes are a mix of water-based lube and silicone lube. They are generally safe for use with silicone toys and give a little bit more lasting power than a standard water-based lube plus offer a a bit more thickness than most silicone lubes.

Finally Oil-based lubes- these have great lasting power but oil does break down latex and can sometimes get trapped in internal pores, leaving opportunities for infections. Many folx do love coconut oil though, and it can be a great option if it works for an individual's body chemistry.

Why are there so many different types of lubes? How does one choose?? 

Ultimately the best one for each person often comes down to personal preference. That's why we recommend finding a shop where you can compare different options—at Lotus Blooms, we offer testers so customers can feel, smell, and even taste before committing. There’s a huge variety out there, including warming, tingling, and flavored options, so there’s definitely something for everyone.

In addition to personal preference, there are also some guidelines we suggest to folks, to help narrow down the options.

• Thicker lubes (like a thick gel water based option) can be a great suggestion for those who need a bit more cushion to coat and protect sensitive tissues during sex play.  Maybe you feel the negative friction more than you want to during penetration? Try a thick lube!  
  
  Thick lubes are also great for anal play or rougher play- offering a little extra buffer for all that fast fun.
  
  
• Silicone lubes are not always compatible with silicone toys (liquid and solid silicone can bind together), so they aren't always suggested for use with sex toys, but they are amazing for body-to-body touch and play. The lasting power of silicone lube means you're less likely to have to re-apply as often. Plus, it doesn't wash away as easily as water-based lubes, so it's perfect for fun in the bath, shower, or hot tub. They are also extra slippery, and perfect for reducing drag feeling from penetration and friction.
  
  Increasingly, there are more and more silicone toys compatible with silicone lubes, so you still have options! 
  
  
• Lubes with Aloe can be awesome for calming and repairing tissues that become irritated from play, and adding moisture. However, some people are allergic to aloe internally (but fine if it's in hand lotion or something) so if you've ever tried a "natural lube" but had a burning reaction- it might be the aloe!
  
  
• Flavored Lubes: Double check the ingredients on flavored lubes. They can be super fun for oral play and really help to mask the flavor of latex if people are using condoms, but lots of flavored lubes can have sugar derivatives, which can contribute to yeast infections when used vaginally. Even if it's just 'left over" on the body after oral fun, if a sugar-based lube is still on a penis and is then inserted vaginally during penetrative intercourse- the risk is still there.  Our flavored lubes at Lotus Blooms are sweetened with sugar alternatives, so no sugar-derived yeast infections here!

In summary, not all lubes are created equal and neither are bodies! So sometimes it's helpful to talk through 'pain points' with a real person.

For those dealing with conditions like vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, or sexual anxiety, using the right lube can improve comfort, reduce friction, and even alleviate discomfort, which can support both physical and emotional wellbeing during intimate moments. 

But remember, because every person is so different, and bodies and needs change over time, even lubricants with the same base can feel vastly different in terms of texture, cushion, and scent. So if someone hasn’t found their favorite lube yet, encourage them to keep experimenting. Their perfect match is out there and the Lotus Blooms team is here to help your patients swipe right on the right lube. 

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