Can I catch an STI from my sex toy?

The short answer is yes. It is possible to catch an STI from a vibrator and other sex toys. Many STIs cannot survive outside the body for long, but some are tough and will still be infective for long periods. However, you should never assume that if you leave it long enough, they will disappear. Infections such as Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Herpes and HPV can certainly be transferred by sharing sex toys. Do not share any sex toy that may draw blood from the skin, because this type of sex toy can pass on bloodborne infections.

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How can I catch an STI from my sex toy?

If there are any cuts or sores around the vagina, anus or penis, and blood is present, there is an increased risk of passing on infections. Body fluids or blood on the toy can transfer HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. In fact, this is one of the major ways that Hepatitis C is transmitted, apart from infected through infected blood products.

However, sex toys that have been in contact with a bacterial STI, like Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia or Syphilis will certainly be very infectious and can easily pass on the infection to the vagina or rectum.

The so-called “Super Chlamydia” (lymphogranuloma venereum) requires certain force to inoculate into cells. For this reason, we sit readily transmitted when sharing anal sex toys. Cuts and abrasions in anal sex are common and when the physical force of a sex toy is applied, it is a powerful method of transmission of this type of Chlamydia.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is linked to an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. You are at a higher risk of developing BV if you are sexually active, and it can be transferred by sex toys between women. There is an increased risk of BV in women who have sex with women, have a history of sharing sex toys, or whose partners have BV.

Similarly, the sharing of vaginal sex toys between women has been described as a way of transmitting Human Papillomavirus (HPV), with the high and low risk strains being more common in women who share toys.

Can I still catch an STI if I clean my sex toy?

If you clean your gadgets thoroughly after each use, you should not have to worry about giving or getting an infection. Sex toys should come with advice about how to clean and store them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Washing the toy after every use with soap and hot water is usually all you need to do. Toys should also be washed before using them on different parts of the body, such as the mouth, vagina and anus, or between one person and another.

If the whole toy cannot be submerged in water, remove any batteries and clean all parts that come into contact with skin and particularly body fluids. Make sure to be thorough, so that no bacteria or particles are left in any of the cracks and crevices. Silicone can be immersed in boiling water. Do not put toys in the washing machine or dishwasher as this damages them.

Is there anything else that I should do to prevent STIs?

Check sex toys regularly for any scratches or breaks in the surface material where germs could be present and spread, as this can increase the risk of infection. Penetrative sex toys that are inserted inside the vagina or anus carry the greatest risk for transferring infections, so it is a good idea to put a condom over the toy so that you can just dispose of it afterwards.

I’m concerned and I want to get tested

If you are worried you may have caught an STI, call our friendly booking team for advice and to find a speedy appointment at a sexual health clinic near you.

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This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Steve Chapman, 29/04/2025.