Are There Any Side Effects of Using a Dildo? The Complete Safety Guide

Dildos are popular sex toys used for penetration, but they can cause side effects if you use the wrong material, skip cleaning, or don’t use enough lubricant. Research shows that about 18% of women don’t clean their sex toys properly, which leads to infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or urinary tract infections (UTIs). When you choose body-safe materials like silicone, glass, or stainless steel, use plenty of lubricant, and clean your dildo after every use, most side effects are completely preventable.

Vaginal and Anal Irritation from Forceful Use

The most common side effect is vaginal or anal irritation, which happens when you insert a dildo too forcefully or without enough lubricant. For example, the anus doesn’t produce its own lubrication, so using a dry dildo can tear the tissue and cause pain that lingers for hours. Medical sources report that vaginal irritation and trauma occur frequently during forceful insertion or when lubricants are not used at all. To prevent this, always apply water-based lubricant generously before insertion and start with a smaller size if you’re new to using dildos.

Infections from Dirty or Porous Toys

Bacterial and yeast infections are a real risk when dildos are made from porous materials like jelly, PVC, or vinyl, which trap bacteria and can’t be cleaned thoroughly. These cheap materials often contain phthalates—plastic additives that cause rashes, allergies, and long-term health problems. Studies estimate that 18% of women don’t wash their sex toys properly after use, and sharing uncleaned dildos between partners can also transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The solution is to buy non-porous toys made of medical-grade silicone, glass, or metal, wash them with warm water and mild soap after every use, and use a condom if you’re sharing with a partner.

Allergic Reactions to Unsafe Materials

Some people experience allergic reactions to the vaginal mucosa depending on the dildo’s material, with symptoms like redness, swelling, itching, or burning sensations. Jelly rubber and PVC toys are especially problematic because they contain phthalates that can trigger these reactions. For example, a user might develop a rash within 30 minutes of using a cheap jelly dildo but have no reaction with a silicone one. To avoid allergies, stick to body-safe materials labeled as phthalate-free, and if you notice any irritation, stop using the toy immediately and switch to a different material.

Desensitization from Long-Term Use

Using a dildo for extended periods can desensitize your nerve endings, creating a numbing effect that makes it harder to feel pleasure from natural sexual stimulation. One study found that long-term vibrator users reported decreased sensitivity, and the same principle applies to dildos used frequently over months or years. For example, someone who uses a large dildo daily for an hour might find regular penetration feels less intense over time. To prevent this, limit your sessions to 15–30 minutes, take breaks between uses, and vary the size and type of toy you use.

Physical Injury: Toys Getting Stuck Inside

A serious but rare risk is a dildo getting stuck inside the vagina or rectum, especially if the toy doesn’t have a flared base to hold onto. The rectal muscles can pull items further in during insertion, and without a wide base, the toy can slip completely inside. Emergency room visits for stuck sex toys happen regularly, with most cases involving toys without proper safety features. To avoid this, always choose dildos with a flared base or handle, and never use toys that are too long or slippery for safe removal.

When Side Effects Require Medical Attention

You should stop using a dildo immediately and see a doctor if you experience pain that doesn’t go away, bleeding, unusual discharge, burning sensations, or numbness in the genital area. Medical experts recommend pausing use if a product causes any of these symptoms, especially if they don’t resolve within a few hours. For example, if you notice bright red bleeding after anal play or pus-like discharge the next day, these are signs of infection or tissue damage that need professional treatment. Most minor irritation clears up on its own with rest and gentle cleaning, but serious symptoms should never be ignored.

The Bottom Line: Safe Use Prevents Most Side Effects

The good news is that almost all dildo side effects come from three preventable problems: using unsafe materials, not cleaning properly, or skipping lubricant. Choose toys made of medical-grade silicone, glass, or stainless steel from reputable brands, wash them with warm water and soap after every use, apply water-based lubricant generously, and start with smaller sizes if you’re new to penetration. When you follow these simple steps, you can enjoy safe pleasure with minimal risk of irritation, infection, or injury.

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