From the Guidelines
If you're concerned about a possible infection from a contaminated sex toy, seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment, as the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis is a concern 1. When considering treatment for a possible infection from a contaminated sex toy, it's essential to prioritize the risk of STIs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends empirical treatment of Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis in cases of sexual assault, which can be applied to contaminated sex toy infections as well 1. Some key points to consider:
- Nucleic acid–amplification tests (NAATs) that use urine or vaginal specimens for gonorrhea and Chlamydia are preferred to cervical specimens for STI testing in females 1.
- Urine NAAT testing is also recommended for males, but additional testing at penetration sites, such as the anus, may be indicated 1.
- Metronidazole or tinidazole can be provided to minimize drug interactions and potential gastrointestinal adverse effects, especially if there is a history of alcohol ingestion or if emergency contraception is to be given 1. To prevent future issues, it's crucial to:
- Clean sex toys thoroughly before and after use with toy cleaner or mild soap and water, and allow them to dry completely.
- Consider using condoms on toys, especially those shared between partners.
- Regularly clean and properly store sex toys to reduce infection risk. In terms of specific treatment, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics like metronidazole (500mg twice daily for 7 days) for bacterial infections or antifungals like fluconazole (150mg single dose) for yeast infections, depending on the specific infection. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, as the type and severity of the infection will determine the best course of action 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The FDA drug label does not directly answer the question of treating possible infection from contaminated sex toy, but Azithromycin is indicated for the treatment of urethritis and cervicitis due to Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae 2.
- Key points:
- Azithromycin is effective against certain sexually transmitted infections.
- The drug label does not specifically address treatment of infections from contaminated sex toys.
- Ceftriaxone is also effective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae 3. However, without more information about the specific causative organism, no conclusion can be drawn about the effectiveness of these treatments for an infection from a contaminated sex toy.
From the Research
Treating Possible Infection from Contaminated Sex Toy
- The risk of infection from contaminated sex toys is a concern, particularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human papillomavirus (HPV) 4.
- According to the 2021 CDC guidelines, a higher dose of ceftriaxone is recommended for gonorrhea, and doxycycline is the first-line therapy for chlamydia 5.
- For gonorrhea treatment, the 2020 CDC Gonorrhea Treatment Recommendations and the 2021 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Treatment Guidelines recommend 500mg ceftriaxone intramuscularly once, with cotreatment with doxycycline if coinfection with chlamydia has not been excluded 6.
- Azithromycin is no longer recommended as a first-line therapy for gonorrhea due to rising resistance rates 7, 6.
- For other STIs, such as chancroid, a single-dose regimen of 1g oral azithromycin or 250mg intramuscular ceftriaxone may be effective 8.
- It is essential to note that proper cleaning and maintenance of sex toys can help reduce the risk of infection transmission 4.
- However, even with proper cleaning, the risk of infection transmission may still exist, and individuals should take precautions to minimize this risk 4.