Sharing sex toys can carry infection risk. That risk exists regardless of relationship status and doesn’t drop to zero with cleaning. It can be reduced with the right materials, condoms, and hygiene—but not eliminated.
Most confusion comes from treating sex toys like inert objects. Medically, they function more like reusable sexual-contact surfaces. That distinction explains why public-health guidance focuses on risk reduction, not guarantees of safety.
What are the risks of sharing sex toys?
The primary concern is transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through bodily fluids or skin contact that remains on a toy’s surface.
Clinically relevant risks include:
- HPV (human papillomavirus), which can persist on surfaces and is often asymptomatic
- Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2), transmitted through skin and mucosal contact
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea, bacteria that can survive briefly on moist surfaces
Testing reduces uncertainty but does not eliminate risk. HPV and herpes, in particular, are not reliably ruled out through routine screening. For this reason, medical guidance does not treat shared toys as risk-free even between long-term partners.
Porous vs non-porous sex toys
The material a toy is made from significantly affects how much risk it carries.
Non-porous materials (lower risk)
Non-porous materials have sealed surfaces that do not absorb fluids:
- Medical-grade silicone
- Borosilicate glass
- Stainless steel
These materials are easier to clean thoroughly and are less likely to retain microorganisms.
Porous materials (higher risk)
Porous materials contain microscopic spaces that can trap fluids and microbes:
- TPE or TPR
- Jelly rubber
- PVC
- Latex blends
Even after washing, porous toys may still harbor microorganisms internally. Cleaning reduces surface contamination but cannot reliably disinfect the entire material.
Medical consensus: porous toys should be assumed to carry residual risk when shared.
Using condoms on sex toys
Condoms are one of the most effective ways to reduce risk when sharing sex toys, especially when porous materials are involved.
Condom use helps by:
- Creating a physical barrier against bodily fluids
- Reducing direct contact with skin and mucosa
- Lowering the chance of STI transmission
However, correct use matters.
Best-practice rules:
- Use a new condom every time the toy changes users
- Use a new condom when switching between body sites
- Do not reuse a condom once removed
Condoms reduce exposure but do not disinfect the toy itself.
Cleaning sex toys between users
Cleaning is essential, but it does not make shared use risk-free.
Non-porous materials
For silicone, glass, and stainless steel:
- Wash immediately with warm water and mild, unscented soap
- Some toys may be boiled if manufacturer guidance allows
- Allow the toy to fully dry before reuse
Porous materials
For TPE, rubber, and similar materials:
- Wash with soap and warm water
- Dry thoroughly before storage
Cleaning lowers bacterial load but cannot guarantee removal of all pathogens, particularly from porous surfaces.
Anal to vaginal use: a high-risk scenario
Using a toy anally and then vaginally without proper precautions significantly increases infection risk.
This includes the transfer of gut bacteria, which can lead to:
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Yeast infections
- Urinary tract infections
Rule: never move a toy from anal to vaginal use without a fresh condom and appropriate cleaning.
When sharing sex toys is not advised
From a medical perspective, sharing is not recommended when:
- One partner has a known or suspected STI
- There are active sores, lesions, or unexplained irritation
- The toy is porous and condoms are not used
- Cleaning between uses is not possible
- The toy is used across different body sites without barriers
These situations increase exposure risk rather than reduce it.
Safer alternatives to sharing
If minimizing risk is the priority, the safest options include:
- Using separate toys for each person
- Choosing non-porous materials only
- Using condoms as a default rather than an exception
These approaches reduce reliance on perfect cleaning and ideal timing, which are difficult to maintain consistently.
The bottom line
Sharing sex toys is not risk-free, regardless of relationship status.
Risk is influenced by material choice, condom use, cleaning practices, and whether toys are shared between users or body sites.
If “safe” means zero risk, the answer is no. If it means informed risk reduction with clear limits, sharing can be made safer—but not completely safe.