Candidiasis and sex toys: what your body deserves to know

Nearly 75% of people with a vagina will experience at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. It’s common, it doesn’t make you dirty, and it is in no way incompatible with a fulfilling sex life—sex toys included. However, certain toys, materials, or cleaning habits can weaken the natural balance of your intimate flora. Not because pleasure is dangerous, but because your body has its preferences. A porous plastic sex toy that isn’t rinsed properly can trap yeast even after washing. A medical-grade silicone toy, on the other hand, gives microorganisms no chance to take hold. Understanding this link is simply about choosing toys that respect your biology as much as your desires. Your body knows exactly what it wants—you might as well give it the right tools to experience it to the fullest.

Why choosing the right sex toy really changes the game

An informed choice is, first and foremost, one that protects your health without compromising on pleasure. Non-porous materials—medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel—do not retain the bacteria or fungi responsible for intimate imbalances. Once you know this, you shop differently and can enjoy yourself without a second thought. Furthermore, it also changes the game when it comes to care: if you are going through a yeast infection, a sterilizable toy allows you to continue taking pleasure without the risk of re-contamination. Finally, for couples or people who share their toys, the question of materials directly becomes a question of mutual care. Taking care of your sex toys is taking care of yourself—and the people you love.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use a sex toy while you have an active yeast infection?

Yes, under certain conditions. Opt for a toy made of medical-grade silicone, glass, or steel, which you can sterilize after each use. Avoid porous materials like TPE or PVC: they can harbor yeast even after cleaning. And if you are using a topical antifungal, check that it does not degrade your toy's material.

How should I clean a sex toy to prevent yeast infection recurrences?

For non-porous materials without a motor, a soak in boiling water or a dishwasher cycle is enough to eliminate Candida albicans. For motorized toys, an alcohol-free and fragrance-free toy cleaner works very well. The key: clean before AND after each use, let it air dry, and never store a toy while it is still damp.

Can my sex toy give me a yeast infection on its own?

Technically, no—Candida already lives on you naturally. But a poorly maintained porous toy can throw off your flora and promote overgrowth. Think of it like a kitchen sponge: it doesn't create the bacteria, but it can certainly keep them nice and warm. Our article Sex toys and sensitivity: what science really says explores this topic in depth.