Don't Rub the Wrong Way — The Link Between Vibrators and Ovarian Cancer

We all know that sometimes there's nothing like the old Battery operated boyfriend to take the edge off. Vibrators can leave you shaking, sweating, and grinning with satisfaction — but they can also be potentially dangerous to your health. There are some links between vibrators and ovarian cancer.

But what exactly is ovarian cancer, and how can vibrators contribute to ovarian cancer?

We'll cover that, discuss ways to avoid ovarian cancer and select the correct sex toys. Finally, we'll consider the fantastic work accomplished during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Ovarian Cancer — What Is It?

As the name implies, ovarian cancer is the growth of cancerous cells in the ovaries, peritoneum, or fallopian tubes. These cells multiply quickly and can spread and destroy healthy body tissue.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

There are three types of ovarian cancer:

1. Epithelial ovarian cancer: The most common type of ovarian cancer. It includes mucinous carcinoma and serous carcinoma.
   
   
2. Germ cell tumors: Rare ovarian cancers that occur at a young age.
   
   
3. Stromal tumors are rare tumors diagnosed the earliest compared to other ovarian cancers.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer causes various painful symptoms, including:

• Abdominal swelling or bloating
• Weight loss
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Pelvic discomfort
• Frequent urination
• Constipation/diarrhea

Pay attention to your body and know what's expected so you notice any changes that may indicate cancer. 

Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

Treatment for ovarian cancer is similar to that of other types of cancer. The treatment most often involves a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. 

Doctors will operate to remove cancer tissue and also give you medication to shrink or kill cancer.

Orgasms and Ovarian Cancer

We all love a good orgasm. They can sweep away the stresses of a bad day or the disappointment of an unfulfilling sexual encounter in one moment. But they are also suitable for general health.

Read: What Are The Benefits of Orgasms On Your Health?

One of the most significant benefits of regular orgasms for women is that they help regulate the menstrual cycle. 

So how does this help with ovarian cancer?

Women with irregular periods have over twice the risk of ovarian cancer development and death than women with regular cycles. So by helping regulate your period, orgasms help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Female orgasms also benefit women's health in many other ways by:

• Improving mood
• Boosting immunity
• Relieving stress
• Improving cardiovascular health
• Strengthening the pelvic floor

So make sure you build a healthy sexual wellness routine that includes regular orgasms. 

One of the most common ways women reach orgasm is through sex toys. But lousy quality sex toys can undo the positive effects of orgasms.

Bad Quality Sex Toys Can Cause Cancer

Sex toys introduce a new world of fun into your sexual routine, but cheap sex toys come with some not-so-pleasant surprises due to their cheap production standards and toxic ingredients.

Cheap Production

Most cheap sex toys are knockoff sex toys. These toys don't have rigid production standards., so they are more likely to be made of low-quality, toxic plastics. 

Furthermore, no regulatory body oversees the production standards for sex toys even though they go inside the most sensitive part of your body. So you may be sticking various types of toxic materials inside your vagina.

Toxic Ingredients

Cheap sex toys typically contain toxic, dangerous ingredients that can cause cancer.

For example, many highly flexible, soft dildos are made of PVC plastics that are softened and strengthened with phthalates. Phthalates are synthetic chemical compounds that are endocrine disrupters that interfere with hormone production. They have also been directly linked to cancer.

Another common ingredient in cheap sex toys is melamine, a chemical compound approved for industrial use but not bodily use. It makes plastic items harder and more durable but can lead to kidney stones and even kidney failure.

Other toxic ingredients include:

• Parabens
• Bisphenol A
• BPA 
• Nitrosamines

These chemicals are linked to infertility, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and breast and ovarian cancer.

Like anything else, you want to ensure that the toys you put in your body don't have any toxic or harmful substances because they can cause cancer. But you also want to make sure they're as clean as possible.

Read: How To Have Multiple Orgasms With Sex Toys?

The Importance of Cleaning Your Sex Toy

It may seem like a no-brainer, but cleaning your sex toy properly is vital. We know, we know — cleaning toys isn't fun or sexy. But it's essential to your sexual health and overall wellness.

Read: How To Properly Clean Different Sex Toys Materials?

Improperly cleaning your sex toy increases the number of harmful microorganisms on your toy. You increase your risk of getting a vaginal or urinary tract infection. The more infections you have, susceptible you become to ovarian cancer. And you don't want that.

So how do you clean your sex toy?

How To Clean Your Sex Toy Properly

Many sex toys come with cleaning recommendations from the manufacturer, and it is always recommended to follow those instructions for the best result. However, you can follow some general steps to keep your sex toys clean if you don't have an education.

Many can be cleaned with warm water and mild antibacterial soap. Use a clean, lint-free soapy washcloth and follow these steps:

1. Thoroughly rinse your toy under warm water.
   
   
2. Wash your toy for at least 20 seconds with a warm, soapy cloth.
   
   
3. Rinse all soap off.
   
   
4. Dry your toy thoroughly with a clean towel.
   
   
5. Store your toy in a designated protective pouch.

You can also buy a specialized, high-quality sex toy cleaner for extra protection. The best sex toy cleaners will be water-based and free of parabens and alcohol. Follow the instructions on the bottle to ensure you're using it properly and fully cleaning your sex toy.

Pay Attention to Materials

The material your vibrator is made of will also affect how you clean it. 

For example, vibrators made of latex, ABS plastic, elastomer, or soda-lime glass are sensitive to heat. You wouldn't run them directly under warm water unless they are waterproof. Just wipe them clean with a warm, soapy washcloth.

However, too much soap can damage vibrators made of skin-like blends, so you should use less soap than you would for the other types.

When To Clean Your Sex Toy

Your sex toy should be cleaned right after you use it. Yes, it's a total buzzkill. But this crucial step keeps your toys as sanitary as possible by reducing the contact time of harmful microorganisms. 

No matter how diligently you clean your toy after using it, you may also benefit from cleaning it before each use. It may have come into contact with lint, dirt, dust, or other materials since its last use. Instead of exposing your vagina to those elements, it may be best to wash the toy beforehand.

How To Choose the Best Vibrator and Avoid Cancer?

It's essential to know how to choose the best vibrator so you can avoid harmful materials that cause ovarian cancer. 

What Not To Choose

There are several characteristics you can look out for to make sure your vibrator is going to give you a great time — without the risk of ovarian cancer. Do not choose any toys that are:

• Squishy and highly flexible
• Made in China
• Translucent
• Release a strong smell when you take them out of the packaging or after washing

What To Choose

You need to make sure that your sex toys are made of high-quality materials that are safe for the body. There are several components to pay attention to to choose the best vibrator.

Safe Manufacturing Material

Vibrators should not use industrial materials like PVC with phthalates. They should instead be made of food or medical-grade material that is hypoallergenic and deemed safe for personal use.

These materials reduce your risk of infection and ovarian cancer. 

You also need to make sure your vibrator is made of nonporous materials. Porous materials can harbor microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These microorganisms will remain in the toy no matter how much you clean it, leading to vaginal infections and an increased risk of cancer. 

Some examples of safe, nonporous sex toy materials include:

• Medical-grade plastics
• Sealed ceramic plastics
• Surgical steel
• Borosilicate glass
• Soda-lime glass
• 100% silicone from a reputable manufacturer

Sexual Function and Form

You should always choose toys designed and manufactured specifically for sexual use. Do not choose toys marketed as "novelties" or gag gifts. 

Use the toys only as instructed. Don't be afraid to ask a knowledgeable sales associate or sex educator if you're unsure how to use a specific toy.

Invest in Luxury Sex Toys

To ensure that you're getting the best quality possible, invest in luxury sex toys. These toys are made of intimate-safe, premium materials like medical-grade silicone to safeguard your vaginal health. They are nonporous and designed explicitly for safe sexual use.

Read: The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Luxury Sex Toy

Of course, luxury sex toys cost more money. However, spending more money one time could save your life — and that's priceless.

All About National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Thousands of women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the U.S., with the highest fatality rate of all cancers of the female reproductive system.

Because of these sad facts, September was designated National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. This month, the government honors women affected by ovarian cancer and spreads awareness by promoting and improving early cancer detection. 

An Ovarian Cancer Campaign

During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides resources and tools for the general public to learn about risk factors that increase the likelihood of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

This is accomplished through the Inside Knowledge About Gynecologic Cancer campaign.

This campaign raises awareness among women and health care providers about the five main types of gynecologic cancer, one of which is ovarian cancer.

The campaign was developed and implemented via a collaboration between the CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control and the Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health.

This campaign supports Johanna's Law (the Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act), which supports the CDC in promoting women's education and increasing awareness of gynecologic cancer. It was enacted in 2007 and named after the ovarian cancer patient and advocator Johanna Silver Gordon.

Spreading Awareness

The campaign uses a multimedia approach to ensure the message reaches as many people as possible, with methods such as:

• Display ads in major cities
• Display ads on significant transportation, including buses, trains and subways, airports, and bus shelters
• Public service announcements (PSAs) via television, radio, and print media outlets

The PSAs are distributed across all 210 U.S. media markets. The campaign also provides free materials to local and state health departments as well as the general public, which includes:

• Physicians
• Medical practices
• Hospitals and clinics
• Women's groups
• Gynecologic cancer advocacy groups
• Community groups

Providing Solutions

This campaign also actively seeks to eliminate ovarian cancer by providing funding for medical treatment such as:

• Laboratory research on cancer prevention
• Clinical research
• Clinical trials
• Early detection and screening
• Cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care

Avoid Ovarian Cancer With High-Quality Sex Toys

No one ever wants to develop ovarian cancer. However, purchasing bad-quality sex toys and failing to clean them thoroughly can open you to harmful microorganisms that lead to infection and possibly ovarian cancer. Choose high-quality sex toys and keep them clean to avoid ovarian cancer and remain sexually healthy.

Here at JIMMYJANE, we support Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and the sexual wellness of every woman. Our luxury sex toys are made of the safest, most high-quality materials on the market to protect the sexual health of our users. Please take a look at our diverse women's collection today.

You won't regret investing in the pleasure — and the safety — of your vagina.

SOURCES:

Ovarian cancer types. (May 2022). Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

How Is Ovarian Cancer Treated? (March 2021). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

12 unexpected health benefits of orgasms. (March 2019). Insider.

Phthalates Factsheet. (April 2021). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What Is Melamine and Is It Safe to Use in Dishware? (February 2020). Healthline.

Ovarian Cancer Statistics. (June 2022). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 2021. (August 2021). Federal Register.

Everything You Need to Know About Johanna's Law and Reauthorization. (September 2020). Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.