My wife and I have been married 17 years and have great sex. My question is simple. Lately, we, or she, has been implementing new toys, one in particular is quite large. She really likes it and I don't mind either. What are the long term effects to her? Will she stretch too much?

As far as I know there are no long term affects of using sex toys. However, should she use toys that are rather large, it would be a good idea for her to do kegel exercises as a way to maintain her muscular strength of her vagina. - Answer provided by Alan L. Marcus, Ph.D., AASECT Certified, drmarcus@tmail.com, www.gpatherapy.com.

If you are concerned about stretching her vagina, this is highly unlikely. Tearing is another issue. Please ensure that she is properly lubricated with a water soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly. If this "toy" is being used anally, the need for lubrication is doubly important to avoid tissue tearing. As to long term effects, most toys have short term effects and will be set aside as the excitement of something new subsides. - Answer provided by Tim Britton, Ph.D., AASECT, ABS, timbritton@yahoo.com.

Sex "toys" are a growing controversy in the field of sexuality. Will it stretch her? - no. A vagina is capable of childbirth. After the birth the vagina returns to pretty much it's "normal" size. The only "danger" that is written about has to do with orgasm through a vibrator. Some women have been said to become dependent on them because the orgasm is so intense. Variety seems to be the only defense against this. Orgasm from a variety of sources seems to prevent this "dependence". - Answer provided by Michael Gonzales, Ph.D., mfgonzal@speakeasy.net, www.upasoc.com.

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