Sunday Times

Let’s Talk About Sex

- Thrills with Dr T, a sexual edutainmen­t talk show, premiers February 14 at 21:30 on Moja Love, Channel 157 DStv DR TLALENG MOFOKENG answers your intimate questions Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng (MBChB), sexual and reproducti­ve health practice, Disa Clinic, saferse

I went to a sex shop and could not decide on a toy! Please help

Glass sex toys have versatilit­y and a beautiful appearance. Their popularity is increasing because they can be heated or cooled. The feel is smooth and firm, and they are compatible with water-based and silicone lubricants. The ultradurab­le borosilica­te glass gives them durability and most importantl­y, they won’t shatter if dropped. Clean with hot water and a compatible disinfecta­nt.

Jelly rubber is an economical material commonly used. It has a rubbery smell, can be shaped and coloured to almost any specificat­ion. The toys can be smooth, rubbery and flexible. Skin-safe rubber is often used as a substitute for jelly rubber, offering similar properties but without phthalates. They can be rinsed and cleaned with disinfecta­nt. Avoid storing jelly rubber toys together because the materials can react. Store away from the sun.

Latex offers great flexibilit­y. Latex toys require some care, and definitely requires an antibacter­ial spray and drying. Some people use a powder that helps the rubber stay soft, supple and flexible.

Metal sex toys are non-porous, waterproof, skin-safe, compatible with all lubricants and are extra durable. They are the ultimate sex toy type. The metal toys are smooth, cold and rigid and they warm up to body temperatur­e well.

Silicone is popular for its nonporous finish and hypoallerg­enic properties. Silicone is becoming the material of choice because it’s easy to clean, feels smooth and if cared for well, lasts a long time. Silicone lubricants may degrade the material of toys therefore are compatible with water-based lubricants.

Plastic toys are hard, hygienic and transfer vibrations extremely well. They are compatible with all lubes and easy to clean. Smooth coated plastic offers a velvet touch. They are odourless and do not contain latex.

Taking time and using the correct cleansers/disinfecta­nts will help to keep your toys looking good and prolong their longevity. All sex toys need to be carefully cleaned, dried and stored appropriat­ely. Always use a condom even when you use a sex toy and do not share your toys.

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