Creating Your Safer Sex Kit

If you are a person who is sexually active it is a good idea to consider creating a safer sex1 kit. A safer sex kit is a portable kit that should be easily accessible to you whenever you are in a situation that may become sexual. Ideally it would be kept in a pack, purse, or utility belt, Batman style! Okay, maybe the Batman thing is just me. What you do not want to do is to leave it in your car because the severe temperature changes will compromise the integrity of some of the safer sex products inside, particularly those made of latex.

Though you don’t have to travel with it, a portable kit is handy for going on dates, to play parties, conventions, clubs, vacations, or any other event where you might get to play. I have two kits, one that I travel with and another at home, because I can’t carry my safer-sex Tardis around with me all the time! Also, in case you were wondering, yes it is bigger on the inside for maximum safeness.

First things First:

You’re going to need something to keep your whole safer sex kit in. Some options include:

1. A Ziploc Bag
2. A Make-up Bag or Case
3. A Small Plastic Case (I found one at a craft store for organizing sewing bits, you could also use a small Tupperware.)
4. Small travel packaging for other products, such as travel Q-Tips or an Altoid tin, work great for holding a few condoms and lube packets and they can easily fit in a pocket.

Also consider how much you will be keeping inside, the altoid case is great for the most basic of basics but if you want to go all out it may make more sense to use a make-up bag or something similar. There are a few things you want to think about when choosing what you want to store your safer sex kit. First, think about where you will be storing it, a firm case is going to provide more protection from being crushed or punctured by other items if it is going to be crammed into the bottom of a bag or pocket.

Finally, do you want it to be opaque or clear? For discretion many people want something opaque, and this will also protect the latex from damage due to prolonged exposure to the sun. A clear case makes it easier to see what is inside (duh) and is also advantageous if you are going to be traveling and boarding a plane.

The Essentials:

There are a few things that pretty much every safer sex kit needs otherwise, well, you’re kind of missing the point.

1. Condoms: These are not only important for people with penises or those who plan on playing with them, but also for those planning on using (and sharing!) toys. If your partner and their preferences are an unknown quantity consider including multiple brands/sizes and even latex free, your partner will thank you! 
2. Sample Packets of Lube: Lube not only makes things more comfortable and pleasurable but an un-lubricated orifice is more likely to tear during penetration which creates more entry points for infection. Many sex stores offer these sample sized packets and The Condom Review offers the option to buy single packets of lube and single condoms.
3. Dental Dams: These large pieces of latex are great barriers for any type of oral play. Alternatively, you can always improvise by cutting open a spare condom or cutting open a glove2 to create an alternative oral barrier.

Extra Credit:

While they’re not essential, if you’re an overachiever you may also consider adding some of these items to your safer sex kit as they could often come in handy.

1. Internal Condoms: The most disappointing thing about internal condoms is that they are near impossible to get your hands on. If you do find  somewhere that sells them (check your  local sex shop) they cover some of the vulva which makes play safer and if partners are sharing toys, each with a internal condom inserted, you don’t have to struggle with changing the condom every time you switch.
2. Gloves: These will protect your hands during manual stimulation as infection can travel through any microscopic cuts on the hands, especially around the cuticles. They are also great for making your hand a smooth and even surface during anal play, and/or fisting. Try turning the gloves inside out for a super soft surface, and add some lube inside the fingertips for a more realistic feel. I particularly like the black nitrile gloves often used by tattoo artists, they’re super sexy.
3. Wet Wipes: Perfect for cleaning up yourself or your toys either before or after, wet wipes always come in handy.
4. Toothbrush/Mouthwash/Mints: If you plan on eating before you play it may be worth it to throw something to freshen your breath in the bag. Sure you don’t need it but you also don’t want to spend the whole night wondering if your breath still smells like the onions that were on your cheeseburger.

Just For Fun:

Have some room left in your kit? There’s no reason you can’t also include a small bullet vibrator, a C-ring, Kegal Balls, a Butt Plug, nipple clamps, or any other small toys you’d like to have with you! Just make sure any toys in the kit are non-porous and can be protected with a condom if you are going to be sharing them with your partner.

 

1. We use the term “safer sex” as an acknowledgement of the fact that no form of sexual play is totally devoid of risk. Using safer sex practices simply mitigates that risk. [↩]
2. Remove all fingers except the thumb and then cut along the length. The thumb can be left in tact and then you have a handy tongue condom that can be inserted an analy/vaginally during play. [↩]