The heydey of prude innocent girls, blushing at the idea of kissing a boy or losing their virginity are long gone. These days, we get more and more bold – and creative – with our sex life. It’s not only about dildos and vibrators anymore; when it comes to sex gadgets, the choice is broad, and the only thing limiting you is your own mind (you can click here to check out some more ideas on how to make your sexual experiences more enjoyable).

However, in search of achieving sexual satisfaction, you need to keep in mind that sex should be not only pleasurable, but also safe – both when it comes to intercourse with a partner, and with yourself.

Before you decide to purchase a sex gadget, you need to check whether it is body-safe, so it doesn’t leave you sick or infected. Trusted sex toy manufacturers recommend choosing safe materials such as silicone, stainless steel, glass, and hard plastic – you can recognize them easily in the shop since they lack chemical odor.

On the other side, avoid materials such as:

• Phthalate – while it makes the product softer and more flexible, it is also highly toxic; when absorbed by the body, it can lead to changes in sex hormone levels. Before buying a toy, always ensure that it’s phthalate-free.
• Timethytin chloride, phenol, carbon disulfide, toluene, and cadmium – these chemicals can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as they might significantly hurt the fetus.
• Porous materials – porous material contains very small holes, in which all the bacteria gathers, and may potentially cause severe infections to the user. Non-porous toys made of medical-grade silicone will be a much better choice – and their safety will be certified.

The list could go on and on. To find out more about toxic toys and unsafe materials, check out the infographic below.