Originally published January 18 2014
The hidden health dangers of sexual products
by Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D.
(NaturalNews) Most people have used a sexual product such as a personal lubricant, condom or even sexual aids that can assist with sexual health issues and those that simply add creativity and pleasure in the bedroom. However, many people who are educated enough to value their health by buying healthy, organic foods and safe, nontoxic cosmetics typically forget that they need to apply the same selective approach when it comes to their sexual health products.
There are of course nontoxic and healthy sexual products, but it really comes down to consumers understanding which ones meet those criteria and which do not. With most brand-name personal lubricants containing toxins such as parabens, as well as the lubricants that your doctor uses for vaginal and anal exams, there is a great need for education about this topic.
The fact is that many lubricants and sexual products are toxic, and in some cases even those that are considered nontoxic can have chemical reactions others and cause problems. For example, some lubricants can chemically break down sexual products and cause exposure to a chemical cocktail which can then be absorbed directly into the bloodstream during sexual use.
Why it is time for awareness
All adults should become more aware of these issues, as their health may depend on their education of these matters. It is time for consumers to learn what sexual products are safe and nontoxic and which ones are not, so that the demand for safer products will be made more prevalent.
In addition, consumers need to learn about nontoxic sexual products that should not be combined in order to avoid a chemical breakdown. When consumers become educated about these issues and seek out only safe sexual products, it puts pressure on manufacturers to ensure that safe materials are being used and that education will be provided about how to use them safely.
Sexual products for your health
Many people who do not currently use sexual products may find that aging demands that they use them in later years; therefore, this issue affects not just the sexually adventurous who use such aids for creativity and pleasure but also those who use them for the health benefits that they offer. In fact, it is very common especially for those over the age of 50 to benefit from the overall health benefits that sexual products provide. Examples for men are through the use of prostate massagers to reduce inflammation and discomfort, rings, pumps and other items that address erectile dysfunction issues and more. For women, vibrators are quite effective in aiding blood flow to increase libido and assistance with lubrication, as well as Kegel weights to help keep the vaginal walls and pelvic floor muscles in good health and to prevent or treat urinary incontinence issues.
Because sexual products such as toys are considered novelties, manufacturers do not have any obligation to make them safe for sexual use under federal guidelines. Common toxins found in unsafe sexual products include parabens, lead, phthalates, sulfides, mercury and more. Health issues that can come from exposure to some of the toxins found in unsafe sexual products are liver damage, reduced sperm count, insulin resistance, birth defects and even cancer.
The nontoxic sexual product movement
There have been an increasing number of personal lubricant and sex toy manufacturers that have begun to ensure their products are nontoxic and safe to use. In addition, consumers are beginning to look for such products, making the demand for them continue to rise. Because of the limited resources on this, you can find some below that will be helpful in learning more details about the types of lubricants and sexual products that are safe to use as well as where to get them and how to get involved with the grassroots movement to change this industry by demanding removal of such harmful toxins.
Consumer education & resources
To learn more about toxins in sexual products and personal lubricants, see related articles here:
http://www.holisticwisdom.com
To make things easier for consumers, HolisticWisdom.com only sells phthalate-free and paraben-free sexual products:
http://www.holisticwisdom.com
Aspiring or established professionals in the field of sexuality
Learn more about how you can become better educated about sexual health products and provide helpful information and resources to your clients:
http://naasas.com
Resources:
http://fitness.appstate.edu
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
http://www.niehs.nih.gov
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