Sterilization

[vr****]

So I just ordered my first Urethral Insert and naturally I want to be really safe about it. I was googling and realized that I have a fet account, I don't need Google. I can ask the people who really know. So my question is, how do you properly sterilize the toy? Do I have to be anal about it? Is it something you need to plan ahead to use and cannot be used in the heat of the moment? Like say I have a partner and she decides she wants to use it on me, we would have to stop to sterilize it before continuing? And do I need sterile gloves? Sorry for all the questions but this is totally new to me and is something I never thought I would want to try and as I said, I want to be super safe about it. Thanks for any input

[Ge****]

What material is it made of?

[vr****]

Stainless steel. I ordered a few silicone ones but canceled that order. All that I have arriving are steel now

[Za****]

I t should not be sharp or have abrasions, else it will damage inside tissue which will be very hard to repair and you can get UTI infection if it cause any scars inside. So be careful and play safe.

[adrenalina75]

Don’t be anal about it. Be urethral. 😆 Sorry 😔

[vr****]

I was waiting for that joke...lol. 

[vr****]

Thanks for the input so far. I didn't go with silicone for the simple fact that it isn't smooth. I think stainless is the way to go, or titanium.  I'm definitely going to boil the toys first. But does that need to be done each time?

[Ge****]

Heat is your best friend with this material. You can also use 70% rubbing alcohol. These are the only options I would use when it comes to something that is going inside your urethra, but rack is a thing

[vr****]

My question is, after boiling, can they be stored in rubbing alcohol to keep them sterile or does that not work? Since I started this thread, I have ordered several sounds...lol

[adrenalina75]

Microbiologist 👋 I’d say sterilise before each use. Boiling would be best. Well, autoclaving would be best, but I don’t imagine you have one of those!

[vr****]

I think I'm going to do that. I have 3 sounds on the way. After boiling, is it safe to store them in alcohol until I'm ready to use them or should I just boil before each use?

[adrenalina75]

Safe to store them, but I’d boil again.

[vr****]

Understood, thank you

[wh****]

Boiling it in water for a couple minutes, definitely use sterile lube, you can get it on Amazon

[Th****]

I'd still recommend googling, since we aren't allowed to share websites or links here I can't give exact suggestions. 

You can buy the packaging used for heat sterilization used in autoclave online and some of the sharps community uses Instant Pots as a home sterilizing method. But I think perhaps only certain models and there are specific instructions. That way it's clean and protected until you open the packaging. 

[adrenalina75]

  29 minutes ago, ThaliaV said:

I'd still recommend googling, since we aren't allowed to share websites or links here I can't give exact suggestions. 

You can buy the packaging used for heat sterilization used in autoclave online and some of the sharps community uses Instant Pots as a home sterilizing method. But I think perhaps only certain models and there are specific instructions. That way it's clean and protected until you open the packaging. 

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Great idea. If by ‘instant pots’ you mean what I’d call a pressure cooker, that’s perfect. It gets to 121C which is the same temperature as an autoclave.

[Th****]

Yes, pressure cookers. But as you said you have to be sure that it reaches appropriate temperatures for the appropriate length of time. 

[adrenalina75]

  1 minute ago, ThaliaV said:

Yes, pressure cookers. But as you said you have to be sure that it reaches appropriate temperatures for the appropriate length of time. 

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The autoclave bags ensure that. There’s an indicator to show if they’ve been successfully sterilised.

[Th****]

Right, when I was using them it was a special tape that would change color. It's been a while. 

[adrenalina75]

  4 minutes ago, ThaliaV said:

Right, when I was using them it was a special tape that would change color. It's been a while. 

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Indicator tape! That’s right. It’s been a long time since I autoclaved anything!

[Th****]

  4 hours ago, adrenalina75 said:

Indicator tape! That’s right. It’s been a long time since I autoclaved anything!

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Same, and I used to do a lot of whole surgery packs more than individual instruments 

[Da****]

I think the biggest thing here is just to make sure that it's sterile and you're careful. And you're correct, not all silicone is super smooth. I have three myself, in varying thickness from 4-6mm, all about 12" long too for reaching the bladder as they are the hollow catheter style as well.
To be honest, there are pros and cons to silicone vs metal. Metal can certainly be sterilized easier and smoother, but can cause serious issues if you're not careful. Silicone isn't always super smooth, but that can be fixed if you know how to work with silicone, but they are very flexible and are a little less likely to directly damage the urethra if you're less experienced in inserting them. Plus, silicone ones can be worn for much longer periods of time as they are flexible and somewhat more comfortable in my opinion. But ALWAYS make sure you have the appropriate size before beginning. Going too large, too quickly can cause tears and other issues in the urethra, and the first time can definitely be uncomfortable to say the least if it's a little too thick. I prefer the boiling method and washing hands with antibacterial soap, unscented and dye free, before handling them after sterilization. Plenty of good, thick lube too because not enough or too watery can cause discomfort or *** if you're not into that.
Just be careful and try to make sure everything is prepped accordingly.