How can I safely use male sex toys?

Dear Lust for a sex toy,

It's thanks to people like you that there are so many good questions to answer here at Go Ask Alice! First, a round of applause for you and your mother, for being able to have an open, honest conversation about sexuality and your safety. Hopefully the following information will be helpful for you both.

When you're thinking about buying a sex toy it's a good idea to take a few things into account: quality of the product, design, and materials (what it's made of). Sex toys are not well regulated so it's key that you, the consumer, know what to look for and what to avoid. Going to a reputable store might help you avoid ending up with a low-quality toy. Look for stores or brands that offer warranties, and try to find a shop where the sales person is knowledgeable about the products.

Often with sex toys, it pays to spend a bit more money and invest in products made of silicone, stainless steel, or glass (depending on the type of toy) rather than other materials. All these materials can be disinfected without damaging the toy, and silicone and glass are hypoallergenic. Toys made of other products such as jelly rubber or latex may be fun, but can degrade with use and in some cases may be made with materials that can be toxic, may cause skin irritation, and are harder to disinfect without causing damage.

The type of toy is also a consideration. You mentioned that you are interested in a penis sleeve or a masturbator. A masturbation sleeve mimics the size, shape, and feel of the inside of a vagina or rectum, or sometimes a mouth. Generally used with lube, these toys can provide an alternative to the digital variety of loving your love-maker. When buying, one element of the toy to consider is how easy it will be to clean; are both ends open? Is it possible to turn the sleeve inside-out for washing? Using soap and water to wash, and drying the toy thoroughly after each use, will keep you, and the toy, humming longer.

Additional safety (and pleasure) considerations include:

• Does the sleeve vibrate or have moving parts? If so, it's probably battery powered or plugs into an electrical socket, and may not be safe for use in the shower or tub. If underwater play is desired, look for waterproof toys.
• What's the proper lube? Using lotion or oil on latex is a no-no, as is using silicone-based lube on silicone toys (the toys will degrade) — generally water-based lubes are a safe bet.

Whatever toy you choose, remember that the penis is made of delicate tissue that can be damaged. Avoid putting a penis in holes that might be too small to get out of, use plenty of lube (friction and chafing make for uncomfortable masturbation!), and wash yourself and your toy regularly. Then, go ahead and enjoy!