my question about masturbation

[Melissa]

I sometimes use an electric toothbrush but only on the outside. I always have a little bit of lotion on the brush itself. And no, it is not the one I use now. But, is it okay on sticking it inside? I am always a little worried that I could scratch the sides or maybe cause bleeding from the roughness of the brush?

[Amanda F]

Hi Melissa,

An electric toothbrush is a pretty common DIY sex toy. I'm glad you're not using the same one you use to brush your teeth - keep those separate However, the bristles might irritate the soft tissue inside your body, which could lead to irritation or an infection, so you shouldn't insert the bristled end.

The DIY Sex Toys article has some advice for other things you could safely insert, if that's something you'd like to make part of your masturbation.

Also, while lotion is okay to use on external skin as a lubricant, it should also not go inside you as it has various ingredients that would quickly be absorbed through your internal tissue. It could also irritate your urethra (where urine comes out of). Fortunately there are some lubricants that are easy to access and can be safely used inside you, namely various oils that are made from foods and plants! Read Lube 101 for more info. And note that if you use a latex product at some point, such as a condom, oil-based lubricants will break down latex so that makes the condom ineffective.

[Melissa]

thanks for that DIY link. Cucumber is a little insane but maybe i'll try it if I have a ton of privacy around, lol!

thanks for the lube info as well.

[Amanda F]

You're very welcome! No pressure to try any DIY toys - just do what feels right and comfortable to you