Care & Safety
Sharing Products Between Partners
A safer-use guide for shared adult products, barriers, cleaning, body-area changes, consent, storage, and privacy.
Agree before sharing a product
Sharing a product should be discussed before use. Talk about who will use it, which body areas are involved, whether barriers will be used, who controls it, how it will be cleaned, and where it will be stored afterward.
Consent to one activity does not include every product, every body area, or future use. Either person can change their mind at any time.
Change barriers between people and body areas
A shared product can carry body fluids. Use a new compatible condom or other suitable barrier for each person and change it before the product moves between body openings. Clean the product according to its instructions even when a barrier was used.
A product used anally should not touch the vagina or mouth until it has been cleaned as directed or covered with a new barrier. Porous or damaged products may not be appropriate for sharing.
Protect privacy and ownership
Decide who owns the product, who can access it, and whether purchase records, photos, messages, or storage locations are private. Do not share another person's preferences, product use, or body information without permission.
Sex toys and lubricants are not contraception or STI prevention unless a regulated product is specifically labeled for that purpose. Use condoms, dams, gloves, testing, and clinical advice as appropriate.
Related reading and shopping
Sources and medical context
This article provides general educational information. Use the manufacturer's instructions for each product and speak with a qualified healthcare professional about personal symptoms or health concerns.