Why You Need a Sexual First Aid Kit

For women, achieving optimal sexual health takes effort, particularly in terms of preparation and education. You never know when an enticing invitation from a partner might come your way or when you might encounter troubling symptoms.

The recommended approach to managing life's unpredictability and its effects on a woman’s sexual health is to create and maintain a sexual health survival kit for both home and travel.

Maintaining sexual health is crucial for women, as it allows them to fully engage in and enjoy sexual activity while supporting their physical, mental, emotional, and social health.

Given the overturn of Roe v. Wade, women must safeguard themselves from pregnancy and STIs, which can affect fertility and cause chronic infections if untreated. You can't depend on others for protection, especially with partners you don't know well—ensure you take all necessary precautions yourself.

Your Kit Will Need

Fill your women's sexual health survival kit with these physician-recommended essentials:

1. Condoms

Keeping condoms readily available increases the likelihood that you'll use them when needed. Spontaneity can be exciting, and you don’t want to be unprepared without a condom on hand.

Even if you're using other forms of birth control, it's advised to use condoms as well. They provide essential protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are on the rise and can lead to serious long-term issues like infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.

2. Oral contraception, PEP & DoxyPEP

If the condom breaks, the next item to reach for in your survival kit is emergency contraception, like Plan B One-Step. Your kit should be restocked periodically. Check the expiration dates and request the most recent box from the pharmacist if you don't plan to use it immediately.

Another smart option to keep in mind is PEP. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a treatment to prevent HIV infection after high-risk exposure, like unprotected sex or sharing needles. It’s most effective if started within 72 hours and involves a 28-day course of medications. Taking PEP can reduce your risk of HIV and give you peace of mind. Always consult a healthcare professional to see if PEP is right for you.

DoxyPEP, or doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, is a new STI prevention method used to help reduce the risk of bacterial infections transmitted through sex. By taking the antibiotic doxycycline right after having sex, DoxyPEP can reduce the risk of bacterial STIs by two-thirds. This could be a great tool for STI prevention and a way to help reduce the rising number of syphilis cases. However, this method is effective only in bisexual men, gay men, and transgender women. The guidelines for DoxyPEP recommend its use only for these groups. A study conducted in Kenya on 449 women found no significant effect on STI prevention when using DoxyPEP.

3. Dental dams or Lorals

Yes, STIs can affect your mouth or throat, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and HPV, which can lead to mouth and throat cancers. Lorals, a recently FDA-approved type of underwear, offers a more appealing alternative to dental dams and protects against STIs during oral sex.

4. Lubricant

Dry sex not only feels uncomfortable but also heightens health risks. Lubrication helps minimize friction, reducing the chance of a condom breaking. Water-based lubricants are compatible with condoms, and silicone-based options are also recommended. However, avoid oil-based lubricants, as they can damage latex condoms.

5. UTI dipstick test

If you're uncertain whether post-sex irritation is due to a urinary tract infection (UTI) or simply sensitivity, at-home dipstick tests can be useful. Friction during sex can sometimes irritate on its own. Using dipsticks can help determine if you have an infection, potentially avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use.

6. Cranberry supplements and pain relievers

Taking a cranberry supplement might help prevent a UTI or alleviate symptoms if you're developing one. It's also a good idea to include pain relievers like Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve in your kit for managing painful periods. Using an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) when the pain is still mild can be most effective in treating it before it becomes severe.

7. Sex toys

Both physicians agreed that sex toys are essential components of a sexual health survival kit, regardless of whether you are single or partnered. Vibrators can assist you and your partner in discovering what feels pleasurable and can ease the anxiety and pressure associated with sex, especially if you have conditions or are on medications that make achieving orgasm more challenging.

8. Period products

Periods can be unpredictable, often arriving at inconvenient times. Being prepared can make a significant difference. Alongside the usual pads and tampons, consider adding a menstrual cup to your kit—some of which can be used during both oral and penetrative sex.

9. Cotton underwear

To stay fresh, it's recommended to wear cotton or natural fiber underwear, as these materials help reduce sweat that could lead to a vaginal infection. Additionally, washing your underwear with a mild, unscented soap is recommended, since the vulva is particularly sensitive, especially after sex. Cotton underwear is the gentlest choice to prevent irritation.

Always be ready

Assembling a women's sexual health survival kit can save time and reduce stress in urgent situations. Being prepared means you're less likely to take risks due to not having essential items, like condoms, on hand. Accessing a drugstore isn't always convenient, and stock can be inconsistent with ongoing supply chain disruptions. Keeping these items at home ensures you have what you need when you need it.