An Approved List of 6 Things That Can Go Into Your Vagina

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Remember that scene in Broad City when Ilana sees police officers in the subway station, so she stashes her weed in her vagina? She dubs it “nature’s pocket” and it turns out she’s not the only one using this pocket in unexpected ways and putting questionable, non-approved items in her vagina. And no, we’re not just talking about creative homemade sex toys.

People with vaginas have attempted to smuggle or hide loaded pistols, Rolex watches, marijuana pipes, crack, lighters, money, cellphones, cigarettes, makeup, fireworks (yes, really), alcohol, and a host of other drugs and stolen items in their vag. Of course, few people would actually consider inserting things like loaded guns and fireworks inside their vaginas. (In case there’s any confusion — please don’t.) But sometimes, in an attempt to make things more interesting in the bedroom, some of us do make questionable decisions about what actually goes in there.

Sure, your vagina can stretch and accommodate quite a few things, but being able to do it doesn’t mean you should. “When considering what is safe to put in the vagina, it’s important to remember that the vagina is a delicate and sensitive part of the body,” Dr. Rakhee Patel, a board-certified OB-GYN with Pinewood Family Care Co. Shape, size, and cleanliness of the object are all things to consider here, because sticking the wrong thing in there can result in a host of health issues, from major injuries and tears in your vaginal canal to infections and irritation… not to speak of the embarrassment at your OB-GYN’s office.

So, quick disclaimer: make sure anything going in your vagina is clean, smooth, and skin-safe. “Our bodies’ natural bacterial balance can easily be thrown off by the foreign bacteria lodged in the crevices of toys or food,” sex coach Jenna Switzer told SheKnows in a previous interview. “Be mindful that you clean items thoroughly with a non-scented soap and use condoms on any objects that you use for penetration.” Condoms will also reveal any hidden, sharp edges on the object, potentially saving your vulva and vagina from a painful encounter.

With all that said, let’s get to the good, vagina-safe stuff. Turns out, the list of approved things you can put in your vagina is short and easy to remember.

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A penis

Penises are totally allowed to enter mouths, vaginas, and buttholes. Just remember to put a condom on it to avoid STIs and unwanted pregnancies. A note: Flavored condoms should only be used for oral sex, as the flavor chemicals can irritate your vaginal lining.

Fingers

Fingers (attached to hands, of course!) also feel pretty good. As long as the person’s nails are trimmed short with sharp corners filed away and kept clean, digits are a good time. You can improve your safe sex practices by washing your hands beforehand (or wearing latex gloves!) and adding lube.

Boric acid suppositories

Boric acid suppositories, like The Killer from Love Wellness, are used to treat vaginal yeast infections and/or odor, and are safe to use under the direction of a doctor. You simply insert one deep inside your vagina, “preferably at bedtime,” OB-GYN Dr. Anna Cabeca tells SheKnows. “Wearing a pad can help with any leakage,” she adds, noting that she usually prescribes 600 mg capsules to be inserted twice a day for 10 to 14 days.

Dr. Cabeca recommends using a suppository “as directed by a healthcare professional, especially if you have other conditions like diabetes or are pregnant.” You should also avoid using them if you have any open sores or cuts around your vagina, because this can cause irritation. And of course, if you experience pain, bleeding, or no improvement in your symptoms after a few days, it’s a good idea to check back in with your doctor. (PS: avoid having intercourse while using the suppositories and make sure to only use them vaginally, as boric acid is toxic if swallowed.)

Lubricants

There are still lots of myths about lubricants. We’re here to tell you that oil-based lubes are actually OK, and maybe even a better choice for some, according to Lilly (who goes only by her first time), a sex toy expert and blogger at Dangerous Lilly.

“Synthetic oil-based lubes have been proven to cause vaginal infections in some, but there is much less chance for an interaction when a natural oil is used,” she tells SheKnows. “They shouldn’t be used by anyone relying on latex or polyisoprene condoms for STI and pregnancy protection, though.”

She adds that silicon-based lubricants are actually safe to use and that contrary to popular belief, “many water-based lubes are incompatible with vaginal pH or have irritating ingredients that make some folks more susceptible to vaginal infections and can increase STI transmission.” Note that silicon-based lube shouldn’t be used with silicone sex toys, though, as it can make the toys degrade. You should also avoid using lubes with sugars in them (like scented lubes), as they can also mess with your pH and lead to infection.

Period products

A good rule of thumb is that if an item was “designed specifically for vaginal use,” you can generally assume it’s safe, Patel says. That includes lubes (see above) and period products that go directly in your vagina, such as tampons and menstrual cups or discs. “These items are made with materials and ingredients that are tested for vaginal safety,” Patel explains.

Sex toys

According to statistics, the global adult sex toy market was valued at $32.7 billion in 2022. That’s a lot of satisfied customers using a lot of sex toys… although not all of them are created equal.

Sex toy materials are a complex and wide-ranging topic, but in short, the safest materials are the ones that are considered chemically stable and don’t harbor bacteria and fungi in the pores, Lilly says. This includes silicone, body-safe metal alloys like titanium, aluminum blends, stainless steel, glass, properly sealed ceramic, and wood. You also want to make sure you’re cleaning your sex toys (here’s a guide from Lilly) and replacing them if they start looking a little worse for the wear.

There are actually no regulations for sex toy materials, so be wary of claims of “FDA-approved” toys, Lilly notes. Shopping at reputable stores and reading reviews from trustworthy bloggers will help you make good sex toy choices.

Food & select other objects

According to Dr. Hilda Hutcherson, board-certified OB-GYN and gynecology professor at Columbia University, your main concern when considering items other than penises, fingers, period products, and sex toys is using objects with a smooth, nonporous surface, no sharp edges, no irritants, and nothing that would degrade a condom.

“You want to make sure that whatever you put in, you can completely take out,” she tells SheKnows. “That’s why most food is a problem: It’s difficult to remove it. Peeled bananas, for example.” Other foods to avoid include spicy foods like chili peppers and spreadables like peanut butter. Be aware as well that putting food items in your vagina can “cause infections and irritations,” Patel says. If you do choose to try some penetrative food play, make sure to “clean thoroughly, check for sharp edges or nubs, and use a condom to cover any part that goes inside your body,” Switzer says.

If you are into temperature play (using hot or cold objects as part of the sexual experience), avoid putting ice directly into your vagina, as it can stick to your delicate skin. Instead, cover it with a condom to create a barrier. Very hot surfaces can also cause damage because “the [vaginal] lining is very delicate and can easily be burned,” Hutcherson adds.

Again, the safest way to play with your food is to put a condom on it. That way, you avoid risks attached to bacteria, irritation or pH imbalances. As long as the item is big enough to be removed, has no sharp or uncomfortable edges, and is not easily breakable (like a large cucumber or squash), you should be fine.

Non-vagina safe items: douches and vaginal washes

Douching or using harsh, scented soaps or vaginal washes are a no-go in your vagina, Patel says, because they can “can disrupt the natural pH and bacterial balance, leading to infections or irritation.” Fun fact: your vagina is self-cleaning, so you really don’t need any extra products down there to do it for you.

Beyond that, remember that any product not specifically designed to go in your vagina really isn’t meant to be in there — so if you’re planning on experimenting with zucchinis in bed, you’ll want to take precautions. And in general, Patel recommends being cautious with what you put in your vagina and prioritizing products specifically designed for vaginal health. “Always read labels and instructions, and when in doubt, consult with a healthcare professional,” she says. “Remember, each person is different, so what works for one might not work for another. It’s essential to listen to your body and seek professional advice if you have concerns or experience discomfort.”

A version of this article was originally published in June 2019.

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