Anal to Vaginal: How to Switch Holes Without Ending Up at the Doctor

You've had a toy in your arse, you're soaked and you want it in your pussy, right now. Hold that thought for about thirty seconds. A toy that's been in your arse needs cleaning before it goes near your vagina, and if you're using a condom on it, that needs changing too. A quick wipe on the sheet doesn't count, however horny you are.

That's the main rule. The rest is about making the change so easy that it doesn't interrupt anything. A clean spare toy, fresh condoms and somewhere to put the used ones will save you a very unpleasant trip to the doctor.

Two toys make it easy

Keep one toy for anal and another for vaginal, and you can change what you're doing without asking your dildo to do both jobs. It also means you can have both going at once, if you're feeling ambitious.

Having a dedicated plug helps, too. Something like the Adam & Eve Glitter Gem set stays put in your arse, leaving your pussy free for whatever you've got planned. Keep the clean toy within reach, and put the used one somewhere obvious, like a towel or washable tray. "I think this was the clean one" isn't a plan. Both still need washing afterwards, and our anal toy cleaning guide covers the routine.

Same toy? Do it properly

Take off the used condom carefully, if there is one. Clean the toy properly for its material, including any exposed base or handle, and roll on a fresh compatible condom for the next hole. Don't reuse the old one, turn it inside out or assume the uncovered base stayed clean. If the toy's awkward to clean or cover, use a different one. Keep your lube compatible with both, as our condom and lube guide explains.

And wash your hands

Wash up after anal contact before you touch a vagina, a clean toy or a new condom. If you're using gloves, change them. Think about what else your hands touched: the lube bottle, the remote, the toy's handle. You don't need to scrub the bedroom, but you don't want the same mess finding its way back to the clean toy.

The same goes for cocks. Going from arse to pussy needs a fresh condom or a good wash first, every time, whatever you've seen in porn. They edit out the bit where everyone stops to wash.

Take the pause without apologising

"Hang on, fresh toy" is all you need to say. You can keep touching and flirting while someone reaches for the clean one, and your mood can survive one practical sentence. Besides, watching them roll a fresh condom onto something while they look at you is pretty fucking hot.

If cleaning would take too long, do something else for now. Skipping the wash because you're both keen is a crap shortcut. Your vagina doesn't care how good the moment was.

For handovers between people, read our sharing toys guide. And get medical advice for new pain, unusual discharge or urinary symptoms. Don't try to diagnose them from a blog.