Is it safe to use a dildo with multiple partners if I clean it between uses?

— B.H., Toronto

I’m really excited that you wrote in with this question. I have a collection of great sex toys all made of medical-grade silicone, glass or hard plastic. They’re quality items and expensive, ranging from $35-$100 each. I’ve built this collection throughout my years in the adult industry.

If you watch my movies, you can see the same toys used in scenes with different girls. My favorite strap-on has appeared in several scenes and has penetrated several women, myself included. I feel comfortable sharing these toys because I clean them properly between uses. I use anti-bacterial soap and hot water, and regularly boil my toys or dip them in a bleach solution. My co-stars have never had a problem using them.

If you buy crappy “jelly” toys or non-medical grade silicone dildos, they can’t be shared. Those items cannot be properly cleaned, as they are made of porous materials and absorb germs and ickiness. All sex toys are sold with the disclaimer “for novelty use only” on the package.

That means they don’t have to comply to any health or safety standards to be sold to the general population. That’s why it’s important to do your own research and buy toys made of quality materials — and make sure you clean them thoroughly after each use.

While it is safe to share certain toys, some partners will be uncomfortable with the knowledge that you’ve used an item with someone else. A more sensitive partner may need you to purchase fresh toys to be used only with them, but that’s a call you need to make on your own.

This column doesn’t constitute medical or professional advice. Always consult a qualified health care professional for your medical, psychological, or relationship problems.