Sexual Health & Wellness
Body-positive, evidence-based answers on pleasure, comfort and sexual health at every stage of life. Practical guidance, with clear advice on when to talk to a clinician.
2 articles tagged #toy care · Clear filters
Safer Sex Basics: Condoms, Toys and STI Prevention Guide
Safer sex basics made simple: how to use condoms and lube correctly, share sex toys safely, prevent STIs, get tested, and know when to see a clinician.
Pelvic Floor Health & Kegel Balls: A Beginner's Guide
New to Kegel balls? Learn how your pelvic floor works, how to choose and use Kegel balls safely, how to clean them, and when to talk to a clinician first.
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Questions these guides answer
How long should I wear Kegel balls?
Start with short sessions of just a few minutes, ideally lying down, and build up gradually as long as everything feels comfortable. Avoid wearing them for hours at a time or overnight. If a clinician or pelvic floor physical therapist has given you a specific routine, follow that. Stop and remove them right away if you feel pain, cramping or soreness.
Do condoms protect against all STIs?
No. Used correctly every time, condoms greatly reduce the risk of HIV and infections spread through fluids, like chlamydia and gonorrhea. They offer less protection against infections spread by skin-to-skin contact, such as herpes, HPV and syphilis, because those can affect skin the condom doesn't cover. Combining condoms with regular testing and vaccines like the HPV vaccine gives you broader protection.
Can Kegel balls fall out or get stuck?
They can slip out, especially when you first stand up, and that's common for beginners. Try a lighter session lying down or a different size. They can't travel anywhere past your cervix. If you're struggling to remove one, relax, bear down gently and pull slowly on the retrieval cord. If you still can't remove it, contact a healthcare provider.
Can I use coconut oil or lotion with condoms?
Not with latex condoms. Oil-based products, including coconut oil, body lotion and petroleum jelly, can weaken latex and make it more likely to break. Stick to water-based or silicone-based lubes with latex. Polyurethane and nitrile condoms are compatible with oil, but oil can be harder to wash out and some people find it irritating, so water-based lube is the easiest all-rounder.
Can I use Kegel balls after giving birth?
Wait until your clinician has cleared you for vaginal insertion, which usually happens at or after a postpartum check. Your body needs time to heal, especially after tearing, stitches or a cesarean. Gentle Kegel exercises without devices are often encouraged earlier, but ask your provider. A pelvic floor physical therapist can be especially helpful after birth.
Is it safe to share sex toys?
It can be, with a few habits. Put a fresh condom on the toy for each partner, change it whenever you switch between anal and vaginal use, and clean the toy thoroughly after every session. Non-porous materials like silicone, glass and stainless steel are easiest to clean. Porous toys are best kept to one person and always used with a condom.