Inflatable Toys and Air Embolisms?

[GrrlFriday]

If one uses a reasonably-sized inflatable dildo vaginally, and said dildo develops a puncture - could the user of the dildo experience an air embolism? Is it a common hazard? I'd just like to ask this before I even think about expanding (haha) my toy collection... And I'd rather ask a dumb question than wind up in hospital.

 

[SweetErika]

Go Ask Alice says forcing air into the vagina without allowing any to escape can cause an air embolism, but it's very rare.

I'd say get a quality inflatable dildo, don't abuse/misuse it, and check it for damage prior to using it if you're concerned about the possibility. You can actually check for leaks by spraying it with an 80/20 water/soap mixture and looking for bubbles, just like mechanics do to check for tire leaks. Depending on the material of the toy and how you're supposed to care for it, you might even be able to incorporate that into your cleaning routine. Just make sure you get every bit of soap off of it before you insert it, or you could end up with irritation or an infection. I'd use something like natural liquid castile soap, or something else that is very mild and chemical-free.

 

[GrrlFriday]

Thank you so much, SweetErika! It really does sound like it's preventable, if I'm careful with my use, storage and checking it for leaks.

 

[Weird Harold]

Go Ask Alice says forcing air into the vagina without allowing any to escape can cause an air embolism, but it's very rare.

Erika's link confirms my memory that this is basically a problem for women who are pregnant:

Women who are more at risk for this unlikely possibility are those whose pelvic vessels are enlarged (meaning, increased blood supply to the vagina) due to a condition such as trauma and possibly pregnancy.

As I recall, documented cases of air embolisms from air blown into the vagina were almost entirely due to the permeability of a placenta at an early stage of development. I think this is one of those "If you are or may be pregnant..." situations.