Electro-sex toys

[scaredsilly445]

As you may know, there is a class of sex toy known as "electro-sex" toys.   My question pertains specifically to the insertable version of these toys.   They work with something akin to a tens unit, and are usually constructed of 2 steel poles separate by a rubber piece.  Obviously, if covered with a condom, they are not going to work as electricity does not go through rubber, and I'm told they cannot be heat sterilized or boiled,  They are also quite expensive.  

Assuming these toys are to be shared between people, (or between the vagina and anus) it has been suggested that by cleaning the toys carefully, and then treating with a high grade medical disinfectant like Cavicide, one can reduce the risk of HIV (and other STD) transmission to zero, and that the same would be true for passing nasty bugs from the rectum to the Vagina.   Do you think that this protocol would indeed reduce the risk of transmitting HIV between people if the toys are shared?

As a further question, would further safety be gained by ensuring that the toys have a significant time to dry between users (Hours or Days)?

Thanks in advance

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I see no reason to suppose that the infection transmission risk with "electro" sex toys should be any different than for any other object that may be used for sexual pleasure.  The hygienic measures you describe should be 100% protective against any and all infections in addition to HIV, and should be equally effective regardless of which body orifices are exposed.  Extra time between uses, in addition to cleaning, would not seem to be necessary.

Regards--  HHH, MD

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I'm no expert on disinfectants, but probably there is no more effective disinfectant than soap, and to my knowledge HCV is not a particularly hardy virus.  I wouldn't think drying would make any difference -- but I doubt this has been specifically studied.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I'm no expert on disinfectants, but probably there is no more effective disinfectant than soap, and to my knowledge HCV is not a particularly hardy virus.  I wouldn't think drying would make any difference -- but I doubt this has been specifically studied.

[scaredsilly445]

Thank you for that, Doctor.

One final follow-up.  Given all of the above, if a person does not have access to a disinfectant, would washing with soap and water be sufficient, or would it be more prudent to let the toy dry for several hours, understanding that drying also inactivates HIV, and might therefore remove any residual risk that mere cleaning did not remove?

Or, would the risk of HCV or other types of STD/bacteria mandate the use of some sort of disinfectant in these cases.  (Just trying to cover all the bases to be sure).

Thanks!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

As long as the disinfectant indeed penetrates the seams and joints, I'm sure it will be sufficient.

[scaredsilly445]

The only reasons I would think that they might be different is that, Because of the multi-material nature of these toys, there are small joints between rubber and metal  <1 mm where cleaning is difficult, but still possible for fluids to go.  (Something I perhaps did not explain well in the previous post... and the reason one might use a high grade disinfectant instead of soap and water)

Let me know if this changes your answer, though I doubt it will.