Phthalates in Sex Toys

There has been a lot of discussion about whether manufacturers of sex toys should stop using the chemical phthalates when creating sex toys women can use to generate orgasms. Some scientists claim that phthalates is toxic and can cause problems for women who use products made with the chemical. So, what is phthalates and should you really be worried about using adult toys made with the product?

What is Phthalates?

Phthalates, which you pronounce "thall-eights" is a chemical compound that manufacturers of plastics use to soften hard plastic into softer feeling materials. Manufacturers derive phthalates from Phthalic acid and the compound is commonly used in many every day products that you would find around your home. Sometimes people will call the chemical compound a plasticizer because it softens plastic and makes it jelly like or rubbery. This makes the compound popular with the sex toy manufacturers who need to create soft and lifelike adult toys.

Is it Really Dangerous?

While some scientists have worked to prove that the use of phthalates in any plastic product is dangerous, both to the environment and to the people who encounter the product, no scientist has yet provided definitive proof of any danger. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency recently completed an extensive investigation into the health of chemical substances used in the creation of adult toys. The Survey and Health Assessment of Chemical Substances in Sex Toys report concluded that there was no health risk associated with using these toys, made with phthalates, for one hour a day or less, unless you are pregnant or nursing a baby.

While pregnant women and those nursing babies need to be even more careful, as phthalates can produce the female hormone, estrogen, which can interfere with the pregnancy or milk production, even these women are not at risk if they use a sex toy for a few minutes a day. In 2006, the National Toxology Program reviewed the science and released a warning that phthalates could be harmful to infant males (who do not use sex toys). There is little scientific proof that a woman using adult toys can harm her baby son.

Why You Should NOT Be Worried

First of all, there are plenty of adult toys that do not use phthalates. You can easily check to see if yours does contain the chemical compound by contacting the manufacturer, who under the law must disclose this information to you. If you are really concerned about the possible effect of phthalates on your body, buy a sex toy that does not contain the chemical compound.

Secondly, the toxin is only released to the body when the plastic substance or jelly like substance begins to break down. If you want to be sure that your adult toy is okay to use, you need to simply check it before use for any evidence of 'wear and tear'. If the plastic appears to be broken, it is time to buy a new sex toy.

Thirdly, the evidence shows that there is no risk to your health if you use a toy containing phthalates for one hour a day or less.

Finally, if you are concerned about the possible toxins of using your adult toy, you can always use a latex condom over your sex toy. You won't feel the difference and you will prevent any risk, however slight it may be, of your sex toy causing you health problems.

Meanwhile, organizations continue to press manufacturers of women's sex toys to change the materials used in the manufacturer of the adult toys. Many are listening and you can purchase phthalates free sex toys now.

Male Sex Toys

There are many more male sex toys available in the adult market than you would expect. The traditional favourite of men everywhere, the cock ring, is now successfully being rivalled by anal sex toys, anal beads, dildos, anal douches, vibrators, sex dolls, gay sex toys such as anal plugs and prostate stimulators, male masturbators, penis sleeves, chastity belts, penis pumps and male sex enhancement products.

Cock Rings and Toys

Traditionally worn at the base of the penis, a cock ring can maintain an erection that can be thicker, firmer and longer lasting due to it restricting the blood flow to the penis. This can therefore be beneficial to both partners. Cock rings in the form of sex toys are usually made from silicone or rubber, which have a slight give in them. Some silicone cock rings even have removable vibrating bullets included and some have clitoral stimulating nodules attached for added gratification for the female partner. Cock rings that are made of leather or metal are classified as cock and ball torture devices as they have very little, or in the case of the metal cock rings, no give in them at all and are for men that are more into pleasure and pain than merely pleasure. Male chastity devices also fit into this category. Intended to keep the male under lock and key, an erection is virtually impossible to achieve whilst wearing one.

Anal Sex Toys

Anal sex toys such as anal douches, anal beads and anal plugs (also known as butt plugs) can be used by men and women alike. This can also be said for anal vibrators. As one of the oldest forms of sex aids anal beads are available in a variety of lengths each containing differing numbers of beads. These beads usually get larger the further down the string you go. Anal beads are designed to dramatically increase orgasmic sensations if withdrawn at the point of ecstasy. Anal plugs are often bulbous in design and stimulate the anal passage when thrust in and out. They are usually made of silicone for easier insertion and come in varying sizes, most of which have a suction cup base so they will stick to almost any surface, leaving hands free for other pursuits. Vibrators usually come in the form of vibrating butt plugs and multispeed anal vibrators. Male g-spot vibrators, as the name suggests, are solely designed for the benefit of men, and have a specially curved tip aimed at stimulating this region. Prostrate stimulators are also specifically for the arousal of men.

Penis Pumps

Male sex pumps, also known as penis pumps, aim to enhance not only the girth of the penis but also the length and the hardness. This is achieved by placing the penis in a cylinder which is attached to a hand pump. When the pumping action is applied a vacuum in the cylinder is achieved causing additional blood to rush to the penis. Some pumps also come with multispeed vibrators built in often leading to a more quickly achievable erection. The size augmentation of the penis is only designed to be a temporary measure however some pumps claim that if used regularly this will result in a permanent increase in length and girth.

Male Masturbators and Sex Dolls

For masturbatory pleasures, as well as consisting of penis pumps (which can also be categorised as male masturbators), male sex aids consist of penis sleeves that have patterns and nodules on the inside to provide different sensations and can be either single or open ended, oral sex simulators, realistic feeling replica vaginas and anuses, and penis tubes which also consist of varying inner sleeves, some of which vibrate. Sex dolls, featuring up to three different tight, succulent love holes depending on the model, are becoming increasing popular. They are not just used as male masturbators but are also employed for fun threesome activities with a partner.

Moreover, with male sex enhancement products that are intended to increase the volume of sperm released, pheromones to increase sexual appeal and sprays to heighten the quality and longevity of an erection also commonplace, there are an abundance of sex toys and enhancers available for men nowadays.