Can you get an STI from a sex toy?

Several STIs can be passed on through a shared sex toy. The NHS names sharing sex toys as a way that these infections spread:

• Chlamydia, through vaginal fluid or semen on the toy
• Herpes
• HPV, the virus that causes genital warts
• Trichomonas
• HIV, from someone with a detectable viral load

To avoid Gonorrhoea and Syphilis, the NHS also advises not sharing sex toys, or washing them and covering them with a new condom before anyone else uses them.

Among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, sharing sex toys is a known risk factor for Hepatitis C, which spreads through blood. Toys that have been in the anus can also pass on Hepatitis A and Shigella, a gut infection. Both spread when traces of poo get into the mouth, for example from hands, skin or toys.

When someone with an STI uses a sex toy, vaginal fluid, semen, blood or skin cells can be left on its surface. If another person then uses the toy before it has been washed or covered with a new condom, the infection can reach their genitals, anus or mouth.

For example, if your partner has Chlamydia and uses a vibrator before passing it to you, fluid carrying the bacteria can reach your vagina or anus.

Some germs can stay on a toy even after it has been cleaned. In a small US study, HPV was still found on some sex toys straight after they had been cleaned with a shop-bought cleaner, and on some toys 24 hours later. The study found traces of the virus, not whether it could still infect someone, but it suggests that cleaning alone may not remove all traces of HPV, which is why the NHS also advises covering shared toys with a new condom.

How long germs survive on a toy depends on the infection. Find out more about how long STIs can stay on a sex toy.

It can. Toys made from non-porous materials, such as silicone, glass and stainless steel, have a smooth surface that is easier to clean. Toys made from porous materials, such as jelly rubber, latex or cyberskin, have tiny holes that can trap germs, so they are harder to clean properly.

There is little research on this. In the study above, HPV was still found on a toy made from a soft plastic called thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) 24 hours after cleaning, but not on a silicone toy.

If a toy is made from a porous material, or you don’t know what it is made from, cover it with a new condom each time you use it, and don’t share it.

You can lower the risk of passing on an infection with a sex toy by:

• not sharing sex toys
• if you do share them, washing them between uses and covering them with a new condom each time
• washing toys after every use, following the maker’s instructions. Warm water and mild, unscented soap, or a toy cleaner, is suitable for most toys, but washing may not remove every germ
• taking out any batteries first, and cleaning every part that touched skin or body fluids if the toy can’t go in water
• checking toys for cracks, tears or rough patches, which can trap germs, and replacing damaged toys
• not sharing anal douches

If you have shared a sex toy with a new or casual partner, or with someone who has an STI, testing is the only way to know if you have caught an infection. Many STIs cause no symptoms.

The Better2Know Platinum Screen is our most comprehensive STI screen. It tests for 12 infections, including Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes 1, Herpes 2, HIV, Syphilis, Trichomonas and Hepatitis C, from 28 days after possible exposure, with results in 3 days. You can book it at one of our clinics or order a Platinum Screen home test.

If you have a sore, blister, lump or wart on or around your genitals, the Blemish Screen tests a swab for Herpes 1, Herpes 2, HPV and Syphilis.

Not sure which test you need? Our Patient Care Team is available 24/7 on 020 7099 0955.

How long can STIs live on a sex toy?

It depends on the infection. In one lab study, Hepatitis C dried on a surface stayed infectious for up to 6 weeks at room temperature, while HIV doesn’t survive long outside the body. The safest approach is to wash toys after every use and cover them with a new condom for each person. Read more in our blog on how long STIs can stay on a toy.

Can you get HIV from a sex toy?

It is possible. The NHS says HIV can be spread by sharing sex toys with someone who has a detectable viral load. Using a new condom on the toy for each person lowers the risk.

Does putting a condom on a sex toy stop STIs?

It lowers the risk. Use a new condom for each person and each time the toy is used, and wash the toy between uses. A condom may not cover the whole toy, and it can slip or tear, so it can’t remove the risk completely.

Sharing sex toys can pass on STIs, including Chlamydia, Herpes, HPV and Trichomonas. Covering toys with a new condom for each person and washing them after every use lowers the risk.

If you have shared sex toys and are worried about an STI, get tested. Book a Platinum Screen at a clinic near you or order a home test kit. Our Patient Care Team is available 24/7 on 020 7099 0955.

Not in the UK? Choose your country from the selector at the top of the page for local tests and prices.

This article originally appeared on 10 June 2016 and was last updated on 29 September 2026.

Medical review. This article was medically reviewed by Dr Steve Chapman, Doctor with a wealth of clinical experience in the field of STIs, on 29 April 2025. It is general information and not a substitute for personal medical advice.

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