A: We don’t recommend KY lube. Try a glycerin-free lube, there are many made specifically for sex toys. Additionally, you might want to try using a condom when having strap-on sex. Please keep in mind that washing the dildo before and after each use will help to rid it of bacteria that may be causing your UTIs. If, during sex the dildo is used on a partner or partners other than you, cleaning it between sessions, or using a condom for one of you and then removing it before penetrating the next partner will help limit the spread of bacteria, On a similar note, you can use this same trick to avoid cross-contamination when going from vaginal intercourse to anal, or vice versa.

Another thing to keep in mind is that toys do have a limited life span. If your dildo is getting old it might be time to replace it. This is also true if you notice any cuts, gashes, nicks, etc. These can harbor bacteria, which could be contributing to your UTIs.

Please keep in mind that your UTIs might not be related to your strap-on sex at all. If you continue to have them we recommend you visit your doctor.

A: Many women use vegetables like cucumbers as dildos. If you are going to use any kind of a food item for insertion, it is best to cover it with a condom. Getting pieces of food in the vagina could lead to infection. Hair brush handles are also commonly used as an improvised dildo, but they may not be comfortable if they are extremely rigid and non-flexible. Avoid using any object that is fragile or has sharp edges. We recommend placing a condom on any object you are going to use for insertion, because if an item is not designed to be a sex toy, it is probably not designed to be easily sterilized.

Any item used for anal penetration needs to have a flared base to keep it in place. It’s not really possible to “lose” things in the vagina, but toys inserted in the anus could migrate further than intended if they don’t have flared bases.

Vibrators are readily available at many drugstore chains across the US. They are often sold as “massagers” for sore muscles. You could also use an electric toothbrush as a vibrator externally to stimulate the clitoris. Another option for clitoral stimulation is to use the water flow from a shower head or faucet. This is a very popular female masturbation method.

A: The quick answer, according to the web site www.virtualtourist.com, is that sex toys are prohibited by the Saudi Arabian government and you will not be allowed to bring them into the country along with alcohol, pork, adult movies, or statues of animal or human form.

In general, traveling by airplane with sex toys may be problematic at best and will often add complications to your trip. For a more detailed report on this issue you can check out this article by Violet Blue in the SFGate.

Another good reference for travel to Saudi Arabia in general, can be found at the US State Department’s web site.

A: You heard right – silicone dildos can be boiled for 5-10 minutes to become sterile. You can also run them through your dishwasher on the top rack and they’ll be safe to use. Silicone is great because of this and one of the reasons they’re so popular is that they can be properly cleaned between uses on different folks.