Check with a doctor before using a toy if you are pregnant, recovering from pelvic surgery, or have an infection or broken skin. If you have reacted to silicone before, avoid silicone toys and ask a doctor first. A reaction can also come from a lube or cleaner rather than the toy itself, and a doctor can help you tell which.
Stop and see a doctor if:
- pain, numbness or swelling lasts after you stop;
- pain during sex keeps coming back, or comes with bleeding, fever or unusual discharge;
- you feel burning, stinging or a tearing pain at the vaginal entrance. Do not try a larger toy or keep going to get used to it.
After menopause, lower estrogen makes the vaginal lining thinner and drier, which can make sex sore. Treatments exist, and a doctor can help.