At FunLove.com, we’re all about sex that is both pleasurable and safe. But when it comes to safe sex practices, we’ve found that some pretty important measures often get left out of the conversation. That’s why we decided to create this guide to building your own safer sex tool kit, customized to your unique needs. Find out why having a safer sex tool kit is so important, plus the seven must-have items to include in your arsenal.
What Is a Safer Sex Tool Kit (And Do You Really Need One)?
As with many things in life, being sexually active comes with certain risks, including the risk of an unintended pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), not to mention the messy emotions that can sometimes arise when you’re in a sexual or romantic relationship.
A safer sex tool kit can be as simple as a box of condoms in the back of your closet or as elaborate as an dresser drawer devoted to items that make it easy, accessible, and safe get it on whenever the moment is right. By having everything you need always within reach, you’re much more likely to make sound decisions. After all, nothing kills the mood like having to run to the nearest drugstore—and in the heat of the moment, you might be tempted to forgo protection altogether. A well-stocked safer sex tool kit can prevent this from happening.
If you are a sexually active person with more than one sexual partner (or a partner who has or may have additional sexual partners), a safe sex tool kit is an absolute must. Even if you are in a long-term monogamous relationship, having at least some of these items on hand is a good idea to maintain you and your partner’s sexual health.
#1: Condoms
External condoms are the most popular barrier method of birth control, with a high efficacy rate for preventing pregnancy and STDs when utilized correctly. Anyone with a penis can generally use external condoms, whether you’re engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sex. They come in many different sizes, thicknesses, and materials, which makes it easier to find one that works for you and your partner. Even if you don’t have a penis, keeping an array of different condoms in your sex kit is a great way to always be prepared, even if your partner isn’t!
External condoms aren’t your only option, however. Internal condoms, although less common, can also be worn internally by the receiver of vaginal or anal penetration. Like external condoms, they protect against pregnancy and STDs when used correctly. As an added advantage, internal condoms are hypoallergenic and latex-free, which makes them a good option for people with sensitive skin. You can also insert them up to eight hours before you have sex.
#2: Dental Dams
Did you know that certain STDs (including herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis and hepatitis) can be spread through oral sex? Luckily, using a dental dam can help reduce the risk of getting or passing an STD on to your partner. One-time use latex dental dams (like the one pictured here) are simple to use and can be placed over the vulva or anus while performing oral sex. (Note: if you’re performing oral sex on a penis, use a traditional external condom instead.)
If you’ve never used a dental dam before, you can make the transition easier by using a water-based lubricant for increased sensation and pleasure. If the dam gets a little too slippery, just have your partner hold it in place until you’re finished. No dental dam? No problem. In a pinch, you can easily DIY one out of an external condom, rubber gloves, or even non-porous plastic wrap.
#3: Gloves
Gloves might not be the first thing you think of when you think of safe sex implements, but gloves can come in handy in a variety of situations and are always good to have in your safer sex tool kit. Of all the sexual contact a person can have, fingering is among the safest. This activity carries a low risk for pregnancy, although it is possible to impregnate someone if you have precum or ejaculate on your fingers. Fingering also offers a lower risk of STDs, but again, there’s still a slight risk of infection due to friction and possible tears in the vagina or anus.
If you’re super concerned about avoiding pregnancy or STDs, gloves are a super easy way to give yourself some extra protection. There are also tons of other benefits to using gloves for fingering. For example, fingering can actually be much more comfortable and pleasurable with the use of gloves and lube thanks to their smoothness.
Gloves can also be great for switching between vaginal and anal penetration without having to stop to wash your hands as frequently (just be sure to change gloves before you change holes). Finally, gloves can be a real game changer when it comes to keeping things clean during anal play.
#4: Personal Lubricant
It’s well-known that personal lubricant can make sex feel better, but it turns out that it can also help protect you from both unintended pregnancy and STDs when used in combination with other safe sex tools. Lube’s primary purpose is to reduce friction, which can make sex last longer and feel amazing. But reducing friction has some other key benefits, too, including reducing the risk of condom breakage.
A broken condom can be a stressful situation, but using the right type and amount of lube can prevent it from happening. If you’re using a latex condom, avoid lube that is oil-based, as these will damage latex. Silicone-based lube is great for long-lasting sex, but may break down sex toys made from silicone.
Water-based lube is an all-around great option for condoms of all material types, but may require more frequent reapplication. If you’re interested in organic or all-natural lubricants, just be sure to stay away from petroleum jelly, cold cream, butter, and mineral or vegetable oils if you’re using a latex condom.
Related: How to Choose the Best Lube for You
#5: Sex Toy Cleaner
It may come as no surprise that here at Fascinations, we’re a big fan of sex toys. From rabbits to butt plugs and everything in between, we believe that sex toys have the ability to improve sex lives and deepen relationships. We also know a thing or two about taking good care of your sex toys, including keeping them clean and sanitized. Sex toys can come into contact with a variety of different bodily fluids, some of which can lead to STDs, infections caused by bacteria, or internal abrasions if not cleaned properly. For this reason, sex toy cleaner is a must-have item in any safer sex tool kit.
Of course, you can always clean your sex toys the old-fashioned way by rinsing them in warm, soapy water, but cleansers made specifically for sex toys may be more convenient and give you more peace of mind that your toys are actually clean. For best results, clean and dry your sex toys before and and after using them, especially if you have more than one sex partner. Once clean and dry, you should also store your sex toys properly.
#6: Interactive App Toys
Interactive app sex toys are a game changer, and one of the most useful kinds of sex toys you’ll ever own. They are great for those in long-distance relationships, but they can also serve as a safer sex substitute when you and your boo can’t be together for other reasons. For example, if a partner tests positive for an STI and you can’t hook up until they’ve finished a course of antibiotic treatments, you can still pleasure each other remotely using Bluetooth-enabled sex toys like those from the Lovense, Kiiroo, or We-Vibe collections.
These kinds of toys are also great for those who may be self-isolating or quarantining due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure. You can stay home, stay safe, and still have your partner do that thing you love. Just have your partner download the app, start video chatting, and let them control the vibrations, thrusts, and strokes of one of the many Bluetooth sex toys available, from vibrators to anal plugs to male masturbators. Nothing beats in-person intimacy, but interactive sex toys can help bridge the gap when you can’t be together.
#7: Emergency Contraceptives
If having sex puts you or your partner at risk of getting pregnant, it’s also good to be prepared for the unexpected—for example, forgetting to take your birth control, realizing the condom broke, or forgetting to use protection altogether. The good news is that you have several options when it comes to emergency contraceptives.
The first and most convenient is the morning-after pill containing levonorgestrel, such as Plan B. This is the most accessible, as it can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies without a prescription. To avoid the mad dash to the pharmacy after a one-night stand gone awry, you may want to consider purchasing Plan B ahead of time and keeping it in your safer sex tool kit for emergencies. Plan B can be taken within 120 hours (five days) of unprotected sex, although the sooner the better. Unfortunately, emergency contraceptives like Plan B may not work if you weigh over 155 pounds.
Other emergency contraception options include the morning-after pill ella (only available by prescription, but effective for people up to 195 pounds) or a copper IUD insertion (requires an in-office visit, but effective regardless of weight). If you need help finding emergency contraception options, contact your pharmacist, doctor, or a local health clinic such as Planned Parenthood.
More About FunLove.com
With the largest selection of quality sex toys, lingerie, and accessories in the industry and more than 30 years as a leading retailer of sensual products, rest assured you’ll always find what you’re looking for at FunLove.com. For fast and discreet online prescription medication for hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and STDs, you can also visit FascinationsRx.
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