5 Essential Items for a 'Safer Sex' Kit

It may be in a compartment in your nightstand or at the back of a dresser drawer, but no matter where you keep your sex kit, it’s likely to be full of condoms, lube and maybe some sexy accessories stashed for intimate use.

Are you sure you have everything? Especially if you’d like your sex life to gravitate toward the wild side of the spectrum? Consider the following five items a great start.

Let’s talk condoms

You have three main types of barriers you might want to include in your kit. Of course, which type you choose depends on who you’re having sex with and what you’d like to do.

The most popular and familiar are, no surprise, external condoms, which can be used on penises, dildos, fingers and anything else you want to protect before inserting. External condoms can come in handy for use with porous sex toys that can collect bacteria and are a bit more difficult to clean effectively.

Next on the list are internal condoms. Often referred to as “female condoms,” these barriers are designed to be inserted into the vagina. Couples who struggle to enjoy sex with an external condom may find this option preferable.

The final type of barrier to consider adding to your kit is a dental dam. You and your partner can use dental dams—flavored options are available—for protection when performing oral sex.

The power of lube

Don’t underestimate the power of lubricant. Some people may shy away from using it, afraid that it reflects some sort of personal failing, but that’s not the case at all. Lube is fun, it can be sensuous to apply and it can make great sex even better.

If you include lube in your kit, be sure you get one that works best for your desired purpose. While oil-based lubricants work great, they aren’t compatible with condoms. If this is something you’re worried about, opt for a water-based lubricant instead. However, if you’re looking for a lubricant that requires less frequent reapplication, consider silicone-based lubricants for longer play.

Hint: You may need to stock up on all three, just in case.

Cleanup materials

An often overlooked necessity for the bedroom is something you can use to clean up. Having unscented wet wipes on hand can be useful not just after sex but during sex, as well, in case there are any spills or messes.

While you’re putting your kit together, think of cleanup as much more than a post-sex activity. Even if you use condoms on your sex toys, you should be sure to give them a quick cleanse between partners and sometimes between insertions, particularly when anal sex is involved.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions, but if you need a special cleaner for your toys, make sure to keep it in your kit.

Scissors

Even if you aren’t into the kinky stuff, adding a pair of sharps to your kit may prove useful. For example, if you or your partner’s hair gets stuck on jewelry or caught in a zipper, you can whip out the scissors for a quick snip and then you can get right back to it.

Scissors are essential if you’re engaging in any kind of bondage play, whether it be by yourself or with one or more partners. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

First aid

The final essential for your safer sex kit are basic first-aid supplies. Those supplies should include disinfectant, adhesive bandages, gauze pads, burn cream, cloth tape, tweezers and any specialty items you might require based on your activities.

If you’re using barriers, you may want to consider keeping emergency contraception on hand in case a condom breaks during sex.

Taking a few safety precautions is an important step to achieving a healthy and fulfilling sex life. Keep your safer sex kit nearby and, of course, have fun.