What to Keep in a Safer Sex Kit

A safer sex kit is exactly what it sounds like: a small collection of supplies that can help you protect yourself and your partners. Think of it as a tiny pleasure purse, a bedside blessing, or a little emergency chapel of preparedness.

You do not need anything fancy. You just need supplies that are clean, unexpired, stored correctly, and easy to find when you need them.

A basic safer sex kit might include:

External condoms
These are worn over the penis or over certain sex toys. They can help reduce the risk of HIV, certain STIs, and pregnancy. Condoms work best when used correctly and from start to finish.

Internal condoms
Internal condoms are worn inside the vagina or anus. They can be a good option for people who want more control over barrier use or prefer a different sensation than external condoms.

Water-based lube
Water-based lubricant is widely available, easy to clean, and generally compatible with latex condoms. Lube can reduce friction, which can make sex more comfortable and may help reduce condom breakage.

Silicone-based lube
Silicone-based lubricant lasts longer than water-based lube and can be especially helpful for longer sessions or anal sex. It is generally compatible with latex condoms, but it may not be compatible with some silicone toys, so check the toy manufacturer’s instructions.

Dental dams
Dental dams are thin barriers used during oral sex on the vulva or anus. CDC guidance recommends using a new dental dam each time, checking the package and expiration date, and using water-based or silicone-based lubricant to help prevent breakage.

Nitrile or latex gloves
Gloves can be useful for manual sex, especially if someone has cuts, hangnails, fresh tattoos, irritated skin, or simply wants easier cleanup. Nitrile gloves are a common latex-free option.

Condom-safe wipes or tissues
Helpful for cleanup. Avoid anything heavily scented or irritating on sensitive areas.

A small trash bag or disposal pouch
Used condoms, gloves, and dental dams should go in the trash, not the toilet. Your plumbing deserves respect too.

A card or note with local testing resources
This can be especially helpful if you do outreach, attend events, or keep kits available for community members. Include local clinics, testing locations, HIV resources, and emergency information for PEP.

Optional extras
You may also include hand sanitizer, single-use packets of lube, menstrual products, pregnancy tests, or information about PrEP, PEP, HPV vaccination, hepatitis vaccination, and local LGBTQIA+ health services.

Storage matters, beloved. Keep condoms, internal condoms, dental dams, and gloves in a cool, dry place. Do not store them long-term in a hot car, wallet, or anywhere they can be crushed, punctured, or exposed to heat. Check expiration dates regularly. If a package is torn, brittle, sticky, dried out, or suspicious in any way, send it to the great trash bin in the sky.

For travel or nightlife, keep a smaller kit. A few condoms, a few lube packets, maybe a dental dam or gloves, and a small card with emergency sexual health resources can fit into a bag, glove compartment, or event supply box. For home, keep a larger kit somewhere easy to access but protected from heat and damage.

The best safer sex kit is the one you will actually use. Keep it simple, keep it stocked, and keep it shame-free.

Preparedness is not paranoia. It is community care with a zipper pouch.