You probably have a first aid kit where you keep your band-aids, painkillers, deep-heat ointment, and some sort of medicine bag for your physical ailments, so why not have a sex kit on hand to ensure your safety?
Whether you are single or in a relationship, having a safe and healthy sex life is important. Here’s the thing with sexual intimacy- you can’t always predict it but as sexy as spontaneity can be, STIs and unplanned pregnancy are not desirable. So if you want to dive in stress-free when the opportunity presents itself, consider the following items a great start.
Keep these items on your bedside table or at the back of your closet.
Condoms
Condoms are the widely available barrier contraceptive that can prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies. They’re effective when people use them correctly and consistently, although many people are skipping them. If you choose to have sex, it’s important to note that using a lubricant with condoms makes them more enjoyable and less likely to break, so you don’t have to sacrifice sensation for safety debunking a common outdated myth that condoms reduce sensation.
You have two main types of barriers you may want to include and which type you choose depends on who you’re having sex with and what you’d like to do. Typically labeled as ‘male condoms’, external condoms are latex or non-latex sheath typically used on penises, dildos, fingers, and anything else you want to protect before penetrative or oral sex. They come in handy for use with porous sex toys that are a bit more difficult to clean effectively and can collect bacteria.
Next on the list are internal condoms, often referred to as ‘female condoms’. It’s a pouch that’s inserted in the vagina or anus to protect against STIs and unwanted pregnancy. They can be used by people of all genders and couples who struggle to enjoy sex with an external condom may find this option preferable.
Lubes
Lube has the power to make sex more enjoyable for you and your partner(s) and its goal is to decrease friction and increase comfort and pleasure so finding what works for you is a highly personal decision. Some people may shy away from using it, afraid it reflects some sort of personal failing, but that’s not the case at all. Vaginas self-lubricate when a person is turned on, but many factors may reduce lubrication: menopause, personal trauma, breastfeeding, monthly hormonal changes, and drugs including some hormonal birth control and chemotherapy. Anus doesn’t self-lubricate so you always need to use a lubricant to prevent the anus skin from tearing during intercourse or anal play.
When shopping you’ll want to consider how you’re going to use it. While oil-based lubricants work great and are longer lasting, they aren’t compatible with condoms (because they cause them to tear or break) and they can also damage silicon-based sex toys as they can break down the material over time. If this is something you’re worried about, opt for a water-based lubricant or silicone-based lubricant for longer play. You can use common household items such as lube alternatives like olive or coconut oil but it’s said some oils can increase your risk of yeast infections.
Clean-up Materials
While you’re putting your kit together, an often overlooked necessity for the bedroom is something you can use to clean up. Having baby wipes on hand can be useful for a quick refresh after working all day to an easy post-sex cleanse. Even if you use a condom on your sex toys, you should give them a quick cleanse between insertions particularly when anal sex is involved or between partners (no partner shaming here). If you need a special cleaner for your toys make sure to keep it in your kit.
First Aid Basics
The final essential for your safe sex kit is basic first aid supplies like disinfectant, painkillers, and adhesive bandages. Even if you use barriers, you may want to consider keeping emergency contraception on hand just in case a condom breaks during sex.
Taking a few safety precautions is an important step to achieving a healthy and fulfilling sex life and ensures that you always take the proper precautions to protect yourself and your partner(s) from any potential risk. Remember that some contents in your safety kit should be replenished and updated regularly. When it comes to sexual escapades, keep your sex kit nearby in your purse or travel bag and have a charged phone with you with the Uber or Bolt app downloaded in case you need to get out of a bad situation. Stay safe!
