"My Shopee dildo gave me the biggest yeast infection of my life!"

Meet Grace*. She's a student in her early 20s. Sexually pent up from the stress of school, she wanted to experiment.

"Sex is such a popular topic of discussion culturally. Just look at any R&B song, like Beyoncé’s Rocket," Grace said. "Especially when you're legal age, many teens will fixate on that. I was also curious." 

Sexual exploration can be done individually or with partners, but Grace was unwilling to pursue the latter. "There are predators out there; catfishing is common. I know of a friend who slept with a 44-year-old man who had a wife and children." Not wanting to engage with the idea of risky sex and thinking it wasn't psychologically healthy, she opted for self-exploration with sex toys. 

Therein lies the problem: being a student. 

While Grace recieved a monthly allowance from her parents, budget was tight. She didn't want a sex toy to be a dent in her wallet, which was easier said than done when silicone dildos from reputable brands can cost upwards of S$100-200. 

"So I decided to buy a $10 Shopee dildo."

The red flags

There were warning signs the moment the package arrived. For one, when Grace opened the package, she was punched in the face by the smell of pungent chemicals. There was no proper packaging; the dildo was wrapped in a plastic sheet with the texture of candy wrappers. When she brought the rancid-smelling dildo out, there was a layer of sticky, oily residue.

She used her scented body soap to wash it, and each time she whipped it out, she tried to be safe with it. She only used the dildo with lube, and after use, she cleaned and dried it before putting it in a drawstring bag.

But soon after, she began having recurring yeast infections. While initially confused, she put two-and-two together. Unable to justify the constant inflammation and swelling ruining her day-to-day function, as well as the cost of $24 yeast infection pills – she finally tossed out the offending sex toy. "It went back to normal after that," she recounts. 

"The toy was floppy. I wasn't even satisfied."

What caused the yeast infection

While it might seem evident that cheap Shopee dildo equals yeast infection, it isn't so simple. The team from Genvie & Hedonist, two sexual wellness brands curating and selling a range of pleasure products, joins us as we put our detective caps on.

Firstly, the material of the toy might be the culprit, especially since it's a penetrative sex toy. Grace’s dildo was listed as "high-grade TPE". Though this material isn't toxic, it's porous. Meaning, it can absorb bacteria even after cleaning and may contain phthalates. 

The Genvie & Hedonist team provides us with a list of such materials to avoid:

• Thermoplastic Rubber & Elastomer (TPE/TPR)
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Phthalates
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
• Phenol
• Carbon Disulfide
• Toluene
• Cadmium
• Rubber (if you are allergic)
• Jelly Rubber
• Natural porous materials
• Low-grade versions of quality materials, which may include glass, metal, and silicone

If you're unsure and can't find clear information on the materials used, contact the company and ask. If they don't respond, that's a red flag.

Instead, especially for dildos, you should opt for body-safe, hypoallergenic and non-porous materials, like the following:

• Medical-grade silicone
• Body-safe silicone
• Borosilicate glass
• Stainless steel
• ABS plastic

Another culprit might be dildo care

Grace was right to clean her dildos after each use, though the scented body soap might not be ideal.

"Keep your toys in top-notch condition by giving them a gentle wash with mild soap and water – no need for vigorous scrubbing," says the Genvie & Hedonist team. For an extra layer of safety, they suggest using a sex toy cleaner before drying and storing. Be cautious with high heat and harsh chemicals, and refer to the product manual for further care instructions.

Safely storing the dildo is also essential. Ensure it's in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. A dedicated storage bag like Hedonist's Satin Pouch keeps it dust-free and separate from other toys, preventing material degradation.

Our next suspect, the lube

The lubricant should be compatible with the sex toy material, the condom (if you're using any), and – more importantly – with your skin. The Genvie & Hedonist team recommends a small patch test on the inner part of your thighs to see how you react. While water-based lubes are generally safe for most materials, silicone-based lubes are not suitable for silicone toys. If irritation persists, choose hypoallergenic or organic lubricants formulated to minimise the risk of irritation. You should also scrutinise the ingredients list – preferably, use lubricants free of glycerin and parabens, as some people are sensitive to specific additives or preservatives.

While not present on the scene of this crime, you should also be careful about the condom. While condoms offer extra protection, some people may have latex or ingredient allergies. If your genitals experience burning or itching post-condom use, it might be due to adverse reactions to other common condom chemicals like spermicides, parabens, or benzocaine. Do explore non-latex or hypoallergenic options to avoid these reactions.

How can you protect yourself when buying sex toys?

Where are you buying it from? Even if cost is a factor, there might be better places to purchase objects you'll be inserting into the most sensitive crevices of your body than on Shopee. 

Lack of information from the website or the seller is a big red flag. Avoid sex toys with non-existent brand information, no legal compliance certifications (there are recognised seals like CE or RoHS), a lack of clear product information (e.g. specific types of materials used, functions, settings, or usage), reviews from a range of credible sources, and clarity about their returns & warranty information. 

Next, if you're buying online, pay attention as you unbox your toy. Beware any unpleasant chemical odours like Grace faced – it suggests harmful chemical use during manufacturing. Similarly, watch out for excessive powdery substances coating the toy.

You should also look for defects like visible scratches, flaws or rough edges. Unusual textures, colours or excessive noises are indicative of quality issues. Poorly packaged items, like damaged boxes, torn vacuum packaging or a compromised hygiene seal, can suggest potential tampering or mishandling – a contamination risk. If you find these red flags, contact the seller to assist you with replacements or refunds.

So you're a cheap student

Of course, you might be a student wanting to stretch that dollar for your sex toy, just like Grace. While we've droned about the perils of cheap, low-quality toys, others might resort to DIY toys or household objects. These come with risks.

"I actually know someone whose first sex toy was a kaleidoscope," says Jacqueline, Genvie & Hedonist's co-founder. "It's not uncommon to hear about people using hairbrushes, cucumbers, or anything phallic-looking around the house as makeshift pleasure tools." 

Most DIY toys or household objects aren't body-safe – you'll risk harm or irritation by using them. Further, they might also not have the proper size, material or sanitation for sexual use, increasing injury and infection risk.

"If curiosity gets the better of you, please be sure to cover your DIY pleasure tools with a condom to prevent yeast and bacterial infection," continues Jacqueline. "Always prioritise hygiene by thoroughly cleaning your tools before and after use."

"And, for the sake of ER doctors everywhere, avoid inserting anything without a flared base into the anus—it's like a black hole, unlike the vagina, which has the cervix to hold the fort. An awkward retrieval mission is best avoided!" 

What should I do instead?

Of course, it's still ideal to get a proper quality sex toy for yourself. "Navigating a student budget doesn't mean sacrificing pleasure," says the Genvie & Hedonist team. 

There are safe and affordable dildos out there. Try to look for compact-sized dildos (usually more cost-effective), opting for more basic designs and sniffing out discounts. If you're willing to look beyond dildos, there are inexpensive and discreet external pleasure tools for the C-spot too.

*name has been changed for privacy

Here are some suggestions!

Hedonist Joystick Bendable Dildo (S$69)

Credit: Hedonist

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Body-safe silicone is popular, safe, and affordable – it stands out as the sex toy material of choice. This type of silicone is cured in precious metals like gold or silver. While not intended for internal implantation in medical procedures, it is safe for skin contact and suitable for items like eating utensils, non-pierced jewellery, food moulds, and – of course – sex toys designed for both internal and external use.

The Hedonist Joystick is made with body-safe silicone, and ABS plastic which is also body-safe and non-porous. With its flared base, this dildo is even compatible with most strap-ons.

The Bamboo (S$69)

Credit: Genvie

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Made with similarly body-safe silicone, this vibrating dildo features 10 different pleasure variations.

Crystal Glass G-spot Dildo (S$44)

Credit: Hedonist

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Borosilicate glass is another safe choice for dildos. Non-porous and lead-free, it is derived from silica and boron oxide. Sanitising it is convenient: simply place in boiling water. Despite being "glass", borosilicate glass is durable – it won't shatter during use.

Hedonist's double-ended dildo comes with two contoured forms. You can consider temperature play by placing it in the fridge or submerging it in warm water before use.

njoy Fun Wand (US$95)

Credit: njoy

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While slightly pricier, stainless steel is another non-porous, and durable material (provided you don't have allergies). Do prioritise those labelled nickel-free, however, as many people have a nickel allergy.

Featuring a versatile design that can be used for G-spot and anal stimulation, njoy's Fun Wand is also another great candidate for temperature play.

The Pebble ($49)

Credit: Genvie

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Made with body-safe silicone, this compact waterproof vibrator is discreet as well.

Raven Bullet Vibrator (S$49)

Credit: Hedonist

6/6

This waterproof bullet vibrator packs a punch. Lipstick-sized, it's a discreet travel companion.