Sex toy

A sex toy is any object designed to be used for sexual pleasure. The most common types are vibrators (which vibrate to stimulate sensitive areas) and dildos (which are designed for penetration), but the category is much broader than that. People of all genders and sexualities use sex toys — alone or with a partner — and there's nothing weird about being curious about them.

• Sex toys are objects designed for sexual stimulation or pleasure.
• Common types include vibrators, dildos, butt plugs, cock rings, and masturbation sleeves.
• They're used by people of all genders, sexualities, and relationship statuses.
• Hygiene matters — toys should be cleaned between uses and not shared without a condom.
• In the UK, you have to be 18 to buy sex toys from a shop. [CHECK: confirm legal age for purchasing]

Common types

• Vibrators — battery or rechargeable devices that vibrate. Used to stimulate the clitoris, vulva, penis, or other sensitive areas. Come in all shapes and sizes, from small bullet vibrators to larger wand-style ones.
• Dildos — non-vibrating objects designed for penetration (vaginal or anal). They come in various sizes, shapes, and materials.
• Butt plugs — designed for anal insertion. They have a flared base to prevent them from going too far inside (important — anything used anally must have a flared base).
• Cock rings — worn around the base of the penis to maintain an erection by restricting blood flow slightly.
• Masturbation sleeves — textured tubes or sleeves designed to be used on a penis.

This isn't a complete list — there are loads of different toys for different preferences.

Safety and hygiene

A few practical things matter:

Material — body-safe materials include medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, and glass. Cheaper toys are sometimes made from porous materials (like jelly rubber) that can harbour bacteria and are harder to clean properly. If you can, go for non-porous materials.

Cleaning — wash toys with warm water and mild soap after every use. Some materials can be sterilised by boiling. Keeping them clean prevents bacterial infections.

Lube compatibility — silicone-based lube can damage silicone toys. Use water-based lube with silicone toys. This is the same rule as with silicone-based lube generally.

Anal safety — anything used in the anus must have a flared base or retrieval cord. The rectum can pull objects inward, and things without a base can get stuck — this is one of the most common embarrassing A&E visits. Don't improvise with household objects.

Sharing — if you're sharing a toy with a partner, put a new condom on it between users (or between anal and vaginal use) to prevent STI transmission and bacterial cross-contamination.

Things people get wrong

"Sex toys are only for people who can't get a partner." Plenty of people in relationships use them — together or individually. They're about pleasure, not about replacing a person.

"Using a vibrator will desensitise you." There's no evidence that vibrators cause permanent desensitisation. If you get used to a specific type of stimulation, you might need to vary things to orgasm in other ways — but that's about habit, not damage.

"Sex toys are only for women." Toys exist for every body. Masturbation sleeves, prostate massagers, cock rings, and plenty of other toys are designed for people with a penis. The market skews towards vulva-owners in marketing, but the range is genuinely broad.

"You shouldn't use household objects." This one is actually true. Improvising with objects not designed for sexual use can cause injury, especially anally. Purpose-made toys are designed with safety in mind — smooth edges, body-safe materials, flared bases.

Things people ask about sex toys

How old do you have to be to buy one?

In the UK, most shops and websites require you to be 18 to purchase sex toys. [CHECK: whether this is law or store policy] There's no law against owning one at a younger age, but retailers enforce age restrictions on purchases.

Where do people buy them?

Online is the most common and most private option. High-street shops like Boots and Superdrug sell some basic vibrators. Specialist shops (online and in person) have wider ranges. Delivery is usually discreet — plain packaging with no indication of what's inside.

Is it normal to be curious about sex toys?

Yes. Curiosity about what feels good is a normal part of exploring your sexuality. Whether you decide to use one or not is entirely your choice.

Can using a sex toy affect my health?

As long as you use body-safe materials, clean them properly, and use them sensibly (flared base for anal, lube where needed), they're perfectly safe.

A sex toy is an object designed to give sexual pleasure. The most common types are vibrators, which buzz or vibrate against sensitive parts of the body, and dildos, which are shaped for going inside the body. There are many other types too.

People of all genders and sexualities use sex toys. Some use them alone, some with a partner. There's nothing weird about being curious about them.

A few things about safety. Toys should be washed with warm water and soap after every use. If a toy is going to be used in the bum, it must have a wide base that stops it going too far in — the body can pull things inward, and objects without a base can get stuck. Don't use household objects that aren't designed for this.

If two people are sharing a toy, putting a condom on it between uses helps prevent infections being passed on.

Use water-based slippery gel with silicone toys. Other types of gel can damage the material.

In the UK, you usually have to be 18 to buy sex toys from a shop or website. Most online shops deliver in plain packaging so nobody can tell what's inside.

Using a sex toy doesn't cause any harm to your body as long as you keep it clean and use it sensibly.