Are Vibrators and Sex Toys Safe During Pregnancy?

Quick Answer

For most low-risk pregnancies, vibrators and some sex toys are generally considered safe. However, high-risk pregnancies and the third trimester require extra caution, and some types of play should be avoided. It’s always best to discuss your specific situation with your doctor for personalized advice.

Introduction

So, you’re pregnant and wondering about sex toys. Totally normal! Lots of people have questions about this. This will give you the lowdown on using vibrators and other toys during pregnancy, including what’s safe, what to avoid, how to keep things clean, and even some benefits. We’ll also bust some common myths and talk about other options if toys aren’t right for you.

Is it Safe? Key Factors to Consider

Using vibrators and sex toys during pregnancy is a common question, and the answer depends on a few important things, like whether your pregnancy is low-risk or high-risk, and which trimester you’re in.

Pregnancy Risk Level

For most women with an uncomplicated pregnancy, vibrator use and even that of some penetrating toys is acceptable. This is because of protection by the amniotic sac and cervical mucus plug over the baby. High-risk pregnancies, including those with placenta previa, a history of preterm labor, or cervical insufficiency, require avoiding vaginal penetration. The use of external toys would also have to be approved by your doctor.

Trimester Considerations

Having sex toys in the first trimester is not linked to miscarriage, but hormonal changes can make you more sensitive, so gentler settings might be best. The third trimester brings a slightly different problem. Any kind of orgasm releases prostaglandins, which can sometimes lead to contractions. This is generally not a bad thing, but it’s something to be aware of, especially if you’re at risk for preterm labor. If in doubt, talking to your doctor is always the best option.

Situations Where Extra Caution is Needed: High-Risk Pregnancies

While many pregnancies allow for safe sex toy use, some situations require extra care. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, it’s essential to talk to your doctor before using any sex toys, as certain conditions can make their use unsafe. These mainly involve issues with the placenta or cervix.

Placenta Problems

Placental problems, such as placenta previa and vasa previa, complicate vaginal insertion because it would be risky in terms of bleeding. Placenta previa is where the placenta is overlying the cervix, and vasa previa is where there are exposed fetal blood vessels near the opening of the cervix. These two complications make any penetration, even by a toy, dangerous. Clitoral stimulation externally may be permissible in a few instances, but it is absolutely essential to immediately discontinue in case of contractions. Your physician will best advise according to your particular situation.

Cervical Issues and History of Preterm Labor

If you have cervical insufficiency (if your cervix opens too early) or a history of previous preterm deliveries, you’ll need to be even more cautious. Even orgasms, achieved as they might be, can sometimes cause uterine contractions, something to worry about if you’re already at risk for preterm labor. Your healthcare provider can then counsel you about pelvic rest, which often means sexual abstinence and the use of toys. It’s absolutely important to discuss your medical history and get some kind of guidance from your healthcare provider. They’re the best source for determining what’s safe for you.

Choosing the Right Toy: A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Not all sex toys are created equal, especially when you’re pregnant. Choosing the right device and considering its materials are important for safety and comfort. Here are some tips to help you make good decisions:

• External vs. Internal: Clitoral vibrators like wands or bullets are safer than toys designed for internal use, like dildos or “rabbit” style vibrators.
• Penetration Depth: If you do choose an internal toy, less is more. Toys that are 4 inches or less are generally safer than longer toys that could potentially press against the cervix.
• Material Matters: Silicone is the way to go if it’s medical-grade. It’s non-porous, easy to clean, and less likely to harbor bacteria.
• Avoid Porous Materials: Porous materials like jelly rubber or some types of plastic are difficult to wash thoroughly and could harbor bacteria. If you own a porous toy, make sure to always wear a condom on it.
• Check for Phthalates: Make sure you choose phthalate-free toys. These chemicals are used in plastics at times and have been found to lead to hormonal imbalance. Choose the labeling where the toy is described as phthalate-free.
• Cleanliness is Key: No matter what your toy is constructed of, cleanliness is paramount.

Keeping Things Clean: Hygiene Tips for Sex Toys

Maintaining good hygiene with your sex toys is essential, especially during pregnancy when you’re more susceptible to infections. Proper cleaning can help prevent UTIs and other infections. Here’s a breakdown of how to clean different types of toys:

Cleaning Methods by Material Type

Different materials require different cleaning methods. Here’s a quick guide:

• Silicone and Steel: These materials are the easiest to clean. You can boil them for 5 minutes to sanitize them, or even run them through the dishwasher.
• Plastic and TPE: Wash these toys thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap. Make sure to scrub for at least 20 seconds to remove any bacteria.
• Motorized Toys: Since you can’t immerse motorized toys in water, wipe down all external surfaces with rubbing alcohol after each use. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some may have specific cleaning recommendations.

Shared Toy Risks and Partner Protocols

If you share toys with a partner, taking extra precautions is important:

• Condom Use: Always use a fresh condom on any toy that’s inserted vaginally or anally, especially if you have multiple partners.
• Lubricant Considerations: Avoid using silicone-based lubricants with latex condoms, as the silicone can degrade the latex. Water-based lubricants are generally a safe choice.
• Post-Use Bathroom Break: Peeing after using a sex toy can help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra, reducing the risk of a UTI.

Tips for Safe and Comfortable Toy Use During Pregnancy

Sex toys can be enjoyable and wonderful during pregnancy, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that it is comfortable and safe. The following are some OB-GYN-approved guidelines:

Speed and Intensity: Finding Your Sweet Spot

It is simple to overdo the intensity, yet with clitoral stimulation, more is not necessarily better. Prolonged exposure to high-frequency vibration (anything above 100 Hz) can actually cause numbness, which isn’t especially pleasant. Try the pulsation modes instead. Between 5-30 Hz is a reasonable range to begin with, as these lower frequencies will more closely approximate natural patterns of stimulation and be less likely to cause any issues. It’s a message, not a jackhammer, after all!

Positioning: Getting Comfortable

As pregnancy progresses, the body changes and certain positions feel uncomfortable. After 20 weeks, it’s a good idea to refrain from lying flat on your back (the supine position) during sex or when using sex toys. The reason for this is that the weight of the growing uterus can push on a big blood vessel called the vena cava, which can restrict the amount of blood that reaches you and the baby. So, instead, lie on your side with a pillow between your belly and back. This maximizes circulation and makes everything easier for everyone. Consider it a nice cuddle position—great for comfort and enjoyment.

“Stop Now” Signs: When to Call Your Doctor

Sex toy use is usually safe during pregnancy, but you should listen to your body and be aware of any red flags that tell you to stop immediately and call your doctor. These “stop now” red flags are:

• Bleeding: Any heavy red bleeding that’s not just light spotting is a reason to stop using sex toys and call your doctor right away.
• Fluid Leakage: If you experience a sudden gush or constant trickle of fluid from your vagina, it could be a rupture of the amniotic membranes. Stop and call your doctor right away.
• Contractions: Certain contractions after orgasm are normal, but if you start to have frequent, uncomfortable contractions after the use of a sex toy, it’s time to quit and call your doctor.
• Pain or Dizziness: Pelvic pain, cramping, or dizziness that is sudden or extreme during or after sex toy play is a sign that you need to stop immediately and call your healthcare provider.

It’s always better to play it safe. If you do experience any of these symptoms, don’t delay calling your physician or going to your nearest emergency room.

Busting Common Myths About Sex Toys and Pregnancy

There are quite a few myths floating around about using sex toys during pregnancy, and it’s helpful to separate fact from fiction. Here are a couple of the most common misconceptions:

1. Vibrations Harm the Baby

This is a common fear, but nobody has been able to demonstrate that normal toy vibrations (which are typically less than 80 dB) will harm the developing baby. The amniotic fluid and the uterus itself will both cushion and dampen most external vibrations fairly well. You don’t need to worry about your vibrator shaking things around too much in there.

2. Orgasms Cause Premature Labor

It is true that orgasms release prostaglandins, and these can actually trigger contractions sometimes. But only for women who are already at risk of preterm labor is this usually an issue. For all but a few pregnant people, orgasms, toy-induced or otherwise, have no effect on when labor will be. So, unless you’re instructed to avoid orgasms by your doctor, you’re likely okay.

Keep It Safe and Fun: Using Sex Toys During Pregnancy

Sex toys and vibrators during pregnancy can also be a safe and enjoyable way of maintaining intimacy, especially if pregnancy is low risk. Cleaning and choosing appropriate toys are the most important steps to take in order to ensure safety. For those with high-risk pregnancies or in the later stages, getting advice from your doctor is vital to make sure everything stays safe for you and your baby. Open conversations with your partner and healthcare provider can help you decide what works best for your situation.

If you’re thinking about having sex with toys during pregnancy, it is wise to have this discussed with your doctor so you can get personalized advice and reassurance