Sex toys

Can one still use sex toys with an hsv diagnosis?

I've heard a lot of people say that masturbation is fine, but in my personal experience when I have an outbreak (which is basically all the time at this point), my sores spread if I use a toy or masturbate in any way.

I’ve only had one outbreak and during it, I was not interested in sex in any fashion. I was so miserable. I guess I’m wondering if the virus can live on the toys (like a vibrator) and do I need to clean them in a certain way? If I’m not having an outbreak, can I use them or will I shed on them and spread the virus to another location or person ?

The virus will only live for a few hours on a toilet seat or a towel, so as long as you clean them with soapy water (according to a book downloaded from ASHA) and air dry they should be fine. I don’t think it’s a good idea to share a sex toy. Not only could you be shedding, but they could have something new that you catch.

Good point.

Yeah, just give them a good wash with soap and hot water before (I’m a germophobe and did this before and after diagnosis; not sure if others do this too) and after using them. Don’t share with others and you should be fine.

Live for a few hours? Where did you read that?

Thought the virus dies when it hits the air.

@hippyherpy that’s what I thought too! I freaked out a bit when I seen that. My kids, co-workers, etc use the same rest room as I do. A few hours is a long time for someone to go in after me.

"The herpes virus does not survive outside the body for more than about 10 seconds, and although it can survive for slightly longer in warm, damp conditions, it dies very quickly once exposed to the air."

This is something I've heard and read on numerous occasions. I'm not quite sure where one would learn that it lives "hours" outside the body. ;)