Can STD Be Transmitted Through The Use Of A Sex Toy?

Posted on Sun, 11 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 9 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Last week I stupidly used a "porous" dildo analy for about 5 minutes. Now I have come to know that the dildo had been used by a person with HIV and possible stds. I would say there was a time gap of about 15 hours before they could have used it before me. Before using it I somewhat cleaned it with warm water and dish detergent. Now the dildo had been in stores a cool temp room in that time frame. Am I at risk for any stds or hiv?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
HIV/STD risk is negligible.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.

There are different types of materials used under the porous dildo.
Anyhow these are some of the facts about the transmission of STD/HIV:
These organisms are highly fragile can not live outside the body or body fluids not more than few seconds.
They can not withstand drying, heat, atmospheric oxygen etc.

So there is no chance of these organisms to be viable after one or two hours.
You had used the dildo nearly after 15 hours. Moreover you had cleaned it with warm water and dish washing cleanser (highly alkaline detergent).
So there is almost negligible risk for transmission of HIV/STD through the same. Nothing to worry.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (6 minutes later)

So would you say it's safe to continue having unprotected sex with my wife. We are in a monogamous relTionship. Should I go to testing of any sort?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
After ruled out HIV/STD can have unprotected sex with your wife.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.

You had not mentioned how long back you had used the Dildo.

I mentioned the risk is negligible. As there is some mental disturbance and as there is a possibility of any illness or abnormal health might possibly be correlated to the past Dildo use, it is better to have screening tests for STD/HIV and rule out these possibilities totally and proceed with unprotected sex with your wife. Till then safe sex is preferable.
Regarding the tests you can have STD panel 4-6 weeks after the use of dildo and tests for HIV and hepatitis after 90 days.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (9 minutes later)

I used the rubber dildo 2 weeks ago. Will an early dectection HIV test be accurate in my situation.

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
HIV antigen test conclusive by 3-4 weeks after risk activity.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.

Antigen based HIV tests (P24 antigen test, DNA PCR Test, RNA PCR qualitative Test) can detect the presence of the infection, if present, as early as a weak after the risk activity but becomes more conclusive after 3-4 weeks.
Most of these tests detect or rule out only the HIV1 infection (HIV 1 is most prevalent up to 99%). It is better to have the antigen test which also can rule out HIV 2, which would be available in selective centers. There by we can rule out the both HIV 1 and 2. Have a nice time.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar