Swedish Safety Standards Group Attempts to Tackle Retained Sex Toys

Swedish Safety Standards Group Attempts to Tackle Retained Sex Toys

STOCKHOLM — A Swedish nonprofit organization is looking into introducing new safety standards for sex toys after a study revealed a growing number of individuals seeking medical attention after items got stuck in their rectums.

The Swedish Standards Institute (SIS) plans on launching a plan for introducing safety standards across the pleasure products industry, with input from manufacturers and consumers.

SIS was prompted to come up with new standards after a study was published in July in the International Journal of Colorectal Disease outlining problems with retained sex toys.

Dildos and butt plugs, accounting for more than 40 percent of cases in sexual-pleasure accidents, were the most commonly lodged objects found in a study that sifted through seven years of records involving 73 patients at a Stockholm hospital.

Those who sought treatments for lodged objects were mostly male, with a median age of 41. The total age range spanned from 15 to 92.

The study's six authors noted that the true numbers of retained sex toys were likely even higher than the study suggests "given reluctance to seek care for a potentially embarrassing condition.

A "safety string or adequate-sized stopper" could have prevented many of the affected patients from retaining the sex toys, the authors said.

SIS plans on coming up with a proposal for sex toy standards and submitting to the International Organization for Standardization, which could lead to other countries adopting its proposals.

SIS researcher Anna Sjögren told The Local Sweden that "currently there are no international or Swedish standards for these types of products.”

“Each manufacturer and retailer have their own test methods based on standards and rules from documents with similar material or safety perspective," Sjögren said. "This works in many cases, but guidelines in the form of a standard can contribute to the quality ensures of the products in general, with requirements on safety, consumer information and risk analysis not only stopping injuries but can lead to a reduced number on incidents."

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Lovehoney Group, Beacon Wellness Settle Canadian Patent Dispute

Lovehoney Group and Beacon Wellness have settled a patent dispute over the latter's sale of a product called the Air Pulsing Arouser in Canada.

Uncover Creations, Sinnovator Sign Distro Deal With Eagle Leather

Pleasure brands Uncover Creations and Sinnovator have inked a distribution deal with Eagle Leather for Australian distribution.

ProDx Health Introduces 'Alpha Male' Test

ProDx Health has introduced its new Alpha Male Home Collection Kit.

Alex Fine Details Her Journey as Dame CEO, Pleasure Activist

Alex Fine’s venture into the world of sextech began with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Columbia University. Her original goal was to become a sex therapist, but in 2014, she recognized a much broader opportunity.

Le Wand Introduces 'Dual Stimulation' Vibe Collection

Le Wand has debuted its new Dual Stimulation vibrator line.

Sportsheets Expands 'Peaches 'N CreaMe' BDSM Collection

Sportsheets has introduced 13 new items from its Peaches ‘N CreaMe collection of BDSM products.

Satisfyer Rebrands 'Pro 2 Kiss' Vibe as 'Deep Kiss'

Satisfyer has rebranded its Pro 2 Kiss mini vibe as the Deep Kiss.

Lovense Debuts 'Lush Mini' Wearable Egg Vibrator

Lovense has introduced its new remote-controlled Lush Mini wearable egg vibrator.

Blush Debuts 'Dream Crush' Vibe

Blush has introduced the Dream Crush mini-vibrator from its Play With Me collection.

Vush, Kayla Jade Collab for Pleasure Product Collection

Sexual wellness brand Vush and performer Kayla Jade have partnered for a limited-edition line of pleasure products.

Show More