Lez talk about strap-on etiquette…
BY SOFIE ROOS, IMAGE BY WOMANIZER TOYS/UNSPLASH
Many sapphics use a strap-on in bed with their partner. If you’re in a couple where both enjoy to strap and to be strapped, you might be wondering, is it okay to share the same strap-on dildo or do you need to have a separate one for each of you?
I’m Sofie Roos, a licensed sexologist and relationship therapist, and I also write for the Swedish relationship and sex positive online magazine Passionerad. I’m here to teach you proper strap-on etiquette!
Is it safe to share the same strap-on?
It’s safe, but requires good hygiene routines. Be sure to wash your dildo after each use.
If either of you are sleeping with other people, or you haven’t spoken about your sexual health status, it’s best to always wear a condom and wash your strap-on after each use when removing the condom and to put on a new condom when swapping giver and receiver.
How to clean the strap-on between sessions and switches
When cleaning the strap-on, start with using lukewarm water and wash it by rubbing it with your hands in the running water. Then apply a disinfection spray that’s made especially for sex toys, also called a sex toy cleaner, or a very mild soap and make sure it reaches all the small nooks and crannies.
Let the spray or soap be applied for at least 30 seconds, and then rinse it off with more lukewarm water and repeat this process at least one more time, or more if needed due to a messy sex session.
You should do the same cleaning procedure if you want to switch the giver during the same session.
Don’t forget about the harness
Many people only think about the strap-on dildo itself and forget about the harness, but you need to clean that, too!
The easiest way is to clean the harness with some sex toy disinfection and a clean towel by just wiping it off after each time you’ve used it. Focus especially on cleaning the O-Ring (the part where you connect the strap on with the harness) since this part has been in the most contact with body fluids.
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