Originally published June 5 2013
Toxic phthalates in vibrators
by Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D.
(NaturalNews) Sexual products are often overlooked by consumers when it comes to health concerns and this needs to change. With over 80 percent of women in the United States having used a vibrator, they have become quite commonplace and are sold in drugstores and even Tupperware style home parties. Vibrators come in all types of shapes, colors, sizes and offer a wide variety of functions from which to choose. In addition to the single woman, many couples as well as men have begun to enjoy the creativity and health benefits that they can provide.
Beyond the obvious stimulation and stress reduction benefits for healthy consumers, vibrators have also been shown to greatly assist those with sexual dysfunction challenges as well those with disabilities. By providing better sexual functioning through increasing blood flow, allowing for muscular contractions and providing relaxation there are many proven health benefits. In some cases, vibrators have helped paralyzed patients be able to conceive a child when other attempts had failed.
The common toxin in that harmless looking vibrator
The issue however, is not the benefits of vibrators; rather it is a matter of the toxins in them that should concern consumers. Because the FDA does not regulate sexual products as medical devices they are sold as novelties. What this means is that they do not have to qualify for important health standards as they are not classified in the manner that they are technically being used.
The most common toxin in these plastic products is a plastic additive called phthalates (pronounced thal-ates). These are odorless, colorless and are in many other types of plastic products to help soften plastic. Common products that often have phthalates in them are such things as a shower curtain or a beach ball.
However, the alarming issue when it comes to sexual products containing phthalates is that they are being used on parts of your body where toxins are absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Because phthalate molecules are not chemically bound to the plastic products they can break free more easily than other toxins and this means easier absorption of them. This makes it even more important to ensure that the sexual product that you purchase is toxin free.
How phthalates negatively affect your health
Studies now show that phthalates may cause significant hormonal and metabolic abnormalities. They have also been linked to inhibiting cardiac cells that cause stress on the arteries in the heart. Other studies have linked them to health issues such as high blood pressure, headaches, nausea, damage to the liver, kidneys and the central nervous system. Phthalates can also diminish fertility and have been linked to cancer.
Therefore, when you buy vibrator that is constructed of any type of plastic including jelly, silicone blends and hard plastics with satin finishes, make sure they are free phthalates. Also, it is best to use a paraben free, water-based lubricants on your sexual products as oil and silicone-based lubricants can cause them to chemically melt depending on the blend of materials used to construct them.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.holisticwisdom.com/toxic-sex-toys.htm
http://www.holisticwisdom.com/index.htm
http://www.holisticwisdom.com/phthalates.htm
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