What are jelly rubber sex toys made from?:
- Jelly rubber is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that has softeners (called phthalates ) added to it.
- Phthalates have been linked to serious health problems in other areas, so it is recommended that these toys should be used with condoms.
- Jelly rubber sex toys are inexpensive, soft, and usually come in translucent colors. They feel a bit more resilient than the older rubber mixes used to make sex toys.
How to take care of jelly rubber sex toys:
- Jelly rubber is porous, so there are places for bacterial to hide, making washing your jelly rubber sex toys very important.
- Use a very mild hand soap to clean. Using alcohol or bleach, or even dish soap will lead to the breaking down of the rubber.
- Only use a water based personal lubricant with jelly rubber.
Health concerns related to jelly rubber sex toys:
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency released a study that found that using sex toys with phthalates did not pose a significant risk, unless you are pregnant or breastfeeding. But there is a body of evidence that shows the potential for health risks with exposure to phthalates, and if you are able to afford better quality materials, it is preferable. Putting a condom on a jelly rubber sex toy will reduce the risk of exposure to phthalates (but may not eliminate the risk entirely).
Safer sex and jelly rubber sex toys:
- It is possible to transmit infections on sex toys that have not been sterilized, even if they have been washed.
- Because jelly rubber sex toys cannot be boiled (like silicone sex toys ) use a condom to keep them clean and free of bacteria.
- If you are going to share a sex toy with a partner use a condom on the toy to prevent transmission of bodily fluids.
- While it is not recommended, if you are going to use a toy both vaginally and anally use a condom to prevent transmission of bacteria.
