how-long-does-yeast-infection-live-on-a-sex-toy

how long does yeast infection live on a sex toy

Gosh, nobody wants to talk about yeast infections, let alone when they come in contact with – ahem – certain ‘objects’. But it’s important to know, though, how long a yeast infection can live on a sex toy, because if we don’t take care, it could get transferred to us, or our partners!

I remember my friend telling me how she found out the hard way how long a yeast infection can live on a sex toy. She’d just gotten a new one of those…vibrator sorts of things, for Christmas from her boyfriend. But she forgot to clean it properly before using it.

Sure, she had wiped it with a tissue, thinking that’s all she needed to do, but oh man…that was not enough! She ended up with an itchy, burning sensation down there.

My friend’s doctor told her that yeast infections can actually live in between the ridges and crevices of the toy for, get this, up to three months! Can you believe it? Three months is a pretty long time, so it’s really important to make sure that we’re cleaning our toys properly and regularly.

We don’t necessarily have to throw away our toys every month, but we should be taking the time to properly clean them with soapy, warm water and then let them air dry.

When making sure that the sex toy is completely dried, it’s important to consider the material that it’s made from. Different materials require different cleaning methods so make sure to check out the particular instructions as written by the manufacturer.

If, after cleaning the toy, it’s still damp, it’s a good idea to put it into a bag with a few rice grains so that it can dry completely. Rice is great at soaking up the moisture, so you don’t have to worry about a possible infection.

Now that the outer surface of the sex toy is clean and dry, there is one more step to take to make sure that you don’t get a yeast infection. Just make sure that you don’t use the sex toy right after you’ve put it away and that you wait a few hours to let it ‘rest’ before putting it into use again.

It’s also very important to make sure that you and your partner are using condoms and/or dental dams, so that the yeast infection won’t be spread to your partner during intercourse.

And lastly, sex toys if you think that you’ve got a yeast infection, it’s always important to go to the doctor to get it checked out. The doctor can advise on the best treatment to take and will also be able to advise on measures to take to make sure that you don’t get another yeast infection again!

More about yeast infections

Yeast infections can be caused by something as simple as not drinking enough water, not cleaning the sex toy correctly, or using a product that is not suitable for the material of the toy. Yeast infections can also be caused by a weakened immune system, diabetes, a poor diet, or stress.

It’s also possible to get a yeast infection from tight-fitting clothing, or from going swimming in a pool or taking a bath where other people’s bacteria is mixed in with the water.

How to prevent Yeast infections

The best way to prevent a yeast infection is to make sure that we practice proper hygiene and keep our immune system strong with a healthy diet. Wearing loose fitting clothes that are made from breathable fabrics is also important, and it’s a good idea to switch out of a wet swimsuit or underwear as soon as possible after swimming.

It’s also important to make sure that any toys that are used, either alone or with a partner, are cleaned thoroughly before and after each use. And of course, the use of condoms or dental dams can prevent the spread of yeast infections.

Yeast infections during pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, you may be at a higher risk for getting a yeast infection since a higher level of estrogen can make the vagina’s pH levels become more alkaline and thus, make it easier for yeast to proliferate.

It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant and suspect a yeast infection, since a lot of the medications for treating yeast infections are not suitable for pregnant women. Your doctor will be able to suggest specific remedies and dietary changes that can help reduce the chance of getting a yeast infection.

Treating yeast infections naturally

There’s a lot that you can do at home to treat yeast infections naturally and one of the most popular treatments is eating or drinking yogurt which contains active cultures, as this will help to restore the balance of healthy bacteria in your body.

You could also try adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and use it as a cleanser for the outside of the vagina which can help to keep the yeast in check.

Baking soda baths are also excellent for treating yeast infections. Simply add one cup of baking soda to your bath water and soak your body for a minimum of 15 minutes. This will help to alkalize the skin and create an environment that yeast does not thrive in.

Using coconut oil as a lubricant is also a great way to help prevent yeast infections since it doesn’t create an environment that is favorable for yeast to proliferate. Be sure to use a natural, organic coconut oil for this to ensure that it’s free from any potential contaminants.

Finally, it’s wise to avoid using scented soaps and products to clean the vagina since this could disrupt the bacteria balance by leaving an alkaline residue that can make it easier for yeast to thrive.

More about cleaning sex toys

It’s important to remember that not all sex toys are created equal and that different materials require different methods of cleaning. If you’re not sure which material your toy is made from, you can usually find this information in the description of the product or in the instructions that come with the toy.

For example, some materials such as elastomer, jelly rubber, or any type of porous material should never be boiled or placed in the dishwasher. This is because these types of materials can absorb the water and be difficult to completely dry out, or may crack if placed in the dishwasher.

Silicone toys are probably the most durable toys available and usually don’t require any special cleaning methods other than hot, soapy water and air drying.

Glass toys are another great option, but since they can break, it’s important to take extra care when cleaning them. A mild cleanser that is designed for cleaning glass should be used and it’s important to make sure that the toy is totally dry before storing it away.

If you’re using a toy that has an insertable battery, it’s important to remember that these types of toys should never be submerged in water, as this could cause a short circuit. In this case, use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue that may have gathered around the battery compartment.

In conclusion

When it comes down to it, the key to preventing yeast infections is to take proper care of our toys and our bodies. Be sure to clean your toys before and after each use, and to take measures to keep your body healthy so that yeast infections don’t happen in the first place. And remember, if you think you might already have one, it’s best to consult your doctor for the best course of action.