A little bit of realism may come in handy when it comes to choosing sex toys.

Sex toys have evolved in recent years -- some into more discreet shapes, looking more like pop art (less embarrassing if discovered at airport security?), and others into more naturalistic devices, many of which are made from jelly rubber, a substance that feels more like flesh.

We can understand why these jelly rubber toys are so popular — who’s going to turn away from something that not only feels more lifelike but also comes at a more reasonable price than other toys? But what you won’t read on the packaging is that these jelly devices are made with phthalates, a chemical compound found in PVC flooring and shower curtains and shown to cause damage to people’s livers, lungs, kidneys, brains, and testes.

In fact, phthalates are believed to be so harmful that in 2008, the American Congress banned the sale of children’s toys and baby products that contain more than 0.1% of certain phthalates. So play safely -- stay away from jelly rubber sex toys and opt for silicone, hard plastic, glass, or metal.

Condom Failure
OK, so maybe that description of a condom breaking is a bit dramatic. But condoms do indeed sometimes tear or break, and now a study has uncovered a reason why.

Blunt puncture, the name given to stretching the condom until it breaks due to rigorous thrusting.

About 90% of all condom failures not caused by misuse are due to blunt puncture, that is according to the analysis of more than 970 failed condoms. (Thats one job we certainly would not like to take on.)

So, guys, take it a bit easier to ensure that your condom stays intact and that you protect yourself and your partner from HIV and other STDs.