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Still remember that scene inside Broad City When Ilana saw the police in the subway station, she hid marijuana in her vagina? She calls it “nature’s pocket,” and it turns out she’s not the only one using it in unexpected ways and inserting questionable, unapproved items into her vagina. No, we’re not just talking about creative homemade sex toys.

People with vaginas try to smuggle or conceal loaded handguns, Rolex watches, marijuana pipes, cracks, lighters, money, cell phones, cigarettes, cosmetics, fireworks (yes, really), alcohol, and many other drugs and stolen items. vagus. Of course, few people would actually consider inserting things like loaded guns and fireworks into their vaginas. (In case there’s any confusion – please don’t.) But sometimes, in an effort to spice things up in the bedroom, some of us do make questionable decisions about what’s actually going on in the bedroom.

Sure, your vagina can stretch and hold a lot, but being able to do that doesn’t mean you should. “When considering what is safe to put into the vagina, it’s important to remember that the vagina is a delicate and sensitive part of the body,” says Dr. Rakhee Patel, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at Pinewood Family Care Co. Shape, Size of Objects and cleanliness are all factors to consider here, as inserting the wrong thing into them can cause a range of health problems, from serious damage and tears to the vaginal canal to infection and irritation… not to mention embarrassment at the OB/GYN office scene.

So, a quick disclaimer: Make sure whatever goes into your vagina is clean, smooth, and safe for your skin. “Our body’s natural bacterial balance can easily be disrupted by foreign bacteria in the crevices of toys or food,” sex coach Jenna Switzer told SheKnows in a previous interview. “Please note, clean items thoroughly with unscented soap and use condoms on any items used for penetration.” Condoms also expose any hidden sharp edges on the object, potentially sparing your vulva and vagina from pain.

With all of that said, let’s look at the good stuff that’s safe for your vagina. It turns out that the list of items approved for insertion into the vagina is short and easy to remember.

a penis

The penis has full access to the mouth, vagina and asshole. Remember to wear a condom to avoid sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. Note: Flavored condoms should only be used for oral sex because the flavoring chemicals can irritate the vaginal lining.

finger

The fingers (on the hands, of course!) feel great too. As long as you keep your nails short, file off the sharp edges, and keep them clean, your fingers are in for a good time. You can improve safer sex by washing your hands beforehand (or wearing latex gloves!) and adding lube.

Lubricant

When it comes to lubricants, there are still a lot of misunderstandings about lubricants. We’re here to tell you that oil-based lube is actually OK and may even be a better choice for some people, according to Lily (who’s just using it for the first time), sex toy expert and Danger Lily blogger.

“Synthetic oil-based lubes have been shown to cause vaginal infections in some people, but interactions are much less likely when using natural oils,” she tells SheKnows. “However, anyone who relies on latex or polyisoprene condoms to prevent STIs and pregnancy should not use them.”

She adds that silicone-based lubricants are actually safe to use, and contrary to popular belief, “many water-based lubricants are incompatible with vaginal pH or contain irritating ingredients that make some people more susceptible to vaginal infections. and may increase the spread of sexually transmitted infections.” But please note that silicone-based lubricants should not be used with silicone sex toys as it can degrade the toys. You should also avoid lubes that contain sugar (such as scented lubes), as these can also mess with your pH and lead to infection.

period products

A good rule of thumb is that if an item is “designed for vaginal use,” you can generally assume it’s safe, says Patel. This includes lube (see above) and menstrual products that go directly into the vagina, such as tampons and menstrual cups or discs. “These items are made from materials and ingredients that have been tested for vaginal safety,” explains Patel.

sex toys

According to statistics, the global adult sex toy market will be worth US$32.7 billion in 2022. This means many satisfied customers use a lot of Sex toys…although not all toys are created equal.

Lily says sex toy materials are a complex and broad topic, but simply put, the safest materials are those that are chemically stable and free of bacteria and fungi in their pores. This includes body-safe metal alloys such as silicone, titanium, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, glass, properly sealed ceramics and wood. You’ll also want to make sure you clean your sex toys (here’s a guide from Eli Lilly and Company) and replace them when they look a little worn out.

Lilly points out that there are actually no regulations governing sex toy materials, so be wary of claims about “FDA approved” toys. Shopping at reputable stores and reading reviews from trusted bloggers will help you make good sex toy choices.

Our personal recommendation: anything from celebrity-favorite brand LELO, known for beautiful and powerful sex tools. Their Soraya Wave Rabbit Vibrator targets your G-spot and clitoris, is ergonomically designed and made from safe, soft silicone.

LELO Soraya Wave Rabbit Vibrator

Food and choice of other items

Dr. Hilda Hutcherson, a board-certified professor of obstetrics and gynecology and gynecology at Columbia University, says your main concern when considering items other than penises, fingers, menstrual products and sex toys is to use smooth surfaces , no holes, no sharp objects. There are no edges, no irritants, and nothing that would detract from the quality of the condom.

“You want to make sure that whatever you put in, you can get it out completely,” she told SheKnows. “That’s why it’s a problem with most foods: It’s very difficult to remove. For example, a peeled banana.” Other foods to avoid include spicy foods like chili peppers and spreadable foods like peanut butter. Also note, putting food into the vagina can “lead to infection and irritation,” says Patel. If you do choose to try some penetrating food play, be sure to “clean thoroughly, check for sharp edges or small pieces, and use a condom to cover any part that goes inside you,” says Switzer.

If you enjoy temperature play (using hot or cold objects as part of your sexual experience), avoid putting ice directly into your vagina as it can stick to your delicate skin. Instead, cover it with a condom to create a barrier. Very hot surfaces can also cause damage because ” [vaginal] The lining is very fragile and can burn easily,” Hutcherson added.

Again, the safest way to play with food is to wear a condom. This way, you avoid the risks of bacteria, irritation, or pH imbalance. As long as the item is large enough to be removed, has no sharp or uncomfortable edges, and isn’t easily broken (like a large cucumber or pumpkin), it should be fine.

Non-vaginal safe items: douches and vaginal cleansers

Never douche or use harsh scented soaps or vaginal cleanses on your vagina, says Patel, because they “can disrupt the natural pH and bacterial balance, leading to infection or irritation.” Fun fact: Your vagina has its own cleaning function so you don’t really need any additional products to clean it for you.

Beyond that, keep in mind that any product that isn’t specifically designed to go into the vagina isn’t actually meant to go into the vagina, so you’ll need to take precautions if you plan on trying zucchini in bed. In general, Patel recommends being cautious about what you put into your vagina and prioritizing products specifically designed for vaginal health. “Always read labels and directions, and if in doubt, ask a health care professional,” she says. “Remember, everyone is different, so what works for one person may not work for someone else. If you have concerns or feel unwell, it is important to listen to your body and seek professional advice.”

A version of this article was originally published in June 2019.

Want more approved sex toys? Here’s a list of our favorites: