Condoms & safer sex
Can you get an STI from sharing sex toys?
How shared toys can pass infections and practical ways to lower the risk without shame or guesswork.
Short answer
Yes. Sharing sex toys can pass some STIs when fluids or skin contact are transferred between people, or between body openings. Washing a toy between uses and using a new condom on it for each person, and when moving between body openings, can lower the risk. If you are worried about a past encounter, a sexual-health service can advise on testing based on what happened.
Why toys can be part of the exposure
An object can carry genital or anal fluids from one person to another. Risk varies by infection and the type of contact. It is not limited to one gender or relationship type, and it does not mean anyone was careless.
Make the change between people clear
Use a fresh barrier for each person and change it before using the toy on a different body opening. Clean the toy according to its manufacturer instructions between uses. A toy that cannot be cleaned safely may not be suitable for sharing.
Testing follows the contact
Tell a clinician if a toy was shared and whether it was used orally, vaginally, or anally. This can change which samples are relevant. Testing can still be worthwhile when no one has symptoms.
Consider barriers as an option, not a judgement
Condoms on toys can make cleaning and sharing simpler. They are one practical tool, alongside consent, communication, and regular testing when relevant.
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Sex activities and STI risk (accessed August 2026)
- NHS: Sexual health for lesbian and bisexual women (reviewed December 8, 2022)