Right now, thousands of people across the UK are trying to figure out how to get frisky by using items lying around the house.
New data has revealed that, during the start of lockdown last month, 23,615 Brits were researching how to make their own sex toys and lubricants. The research, conducted by OnBuy.com focused on the popularity of Google Adwords such as ‘make sex toys’, ‘make dildo’, ‘make vibrator’ and ‘make lube’.
Now, you could argue that it was only a matter of time before someone decided to replace baking with a new, more exciting, hobby in lockdown, but really, some things are best left to the professionals.
It might seem like a good idea to stick a rolling pin inside your vagina, or shove your penis into the vacuum cleaner – but let us be very clear, these are all very, very bad ideas.
So is using hand sanitiser as emergency lubricant. Again, please don’t.
And not to give you any ideas, but your electric toothbrush should also absolutely not get anywhere near your genitals.
Speaking of dental products, don’t rub toothpaste on your junk either.
Look, we’re not trying to spoil your self-isolation fun, but creating sex toys at home can be dangerous, especially if these are made out of fragile materials – such as glass.
One tragic incident included a man who masturbated with a lightbulb, which he put into his anus.
As you can probably guess, it broke and he almost bled to death.
‘When it comes to sex toys and sexual lubricant, always opt for tried-and-tested over homemade,’ says Dr Earim Chaudry, a licensed GP and medical director at Manual.
‘With homemade sex toys or sexy toys with dubious origins, you run the risk of coming into contact with toxic chemicals.
‘Using either unclean homemade toys or sex toys that contain toxic chemicals can produce reactions like burning, rashes, blistering skin, carcinogen exposure, allergic reactions, bacteria infections and so on.
‘Luckily, there are plenty of products out there that keep safety in mind.
‘The easiest way to make sure that the sex toy you are buying is body-safe is to check what it is made from.
‘There are lots of materials which are non-porous and chemically safe to use for sex toys.
‘These include: silicone, ABS plastic, metal, glass, wood, stone and ceramic.’
If you happen to have a (safe and not home-made) glass or ceramic sex toy, you can heat or cool it as well, before you use it, to add an extra sensation.
As for lubes, here too, you should be cautious on what you slather your private parts in.
‘Similarly to sex toys, it’s important to use sexual lubricants that come without harsh chemicals,’ adds Dr Chaudry.
‘Again, I would avoid using DIY alternatives, but there are some household items you can use as lubricants, like:
- Virgin coconut oil: unrefined (aka virgin) coconut oil is a really solid all-natural alternative to lube. It’s the least processed form and isn’t bleached like refined coconut oil is. You should also avoid using coconut oil with condoms.
- Olive oil: it can be great for adding moisture and reducing friction during sex. Again, you should also avoid using olive oil with condoms.
- Aloe vera: it is water-based, so unlike coconut and olive oil, it’s safe to use with condoms. Just watch out for aloe-based products with added ingredients like alcohol.
‘All in all, I would recommend exercising caution when it comes to sex products and always do your research.’
Top tip? Stay on the safe side and order a sex toy from a reputable company that delivers to your door, instead of turning to your household cupboard.
Or just stick to your hands until lockdown is over and you can get freaky with others again.
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