9 must-haves in your ultimate sexual health toolkit

Lots of people keep a stash of Band-Aids and over-the-counter meds on hand for minor aches and pains. But a sexual health first aid kit can be another great addition to your medicine cabinet.

Whether you’re in a relationship, seeing someone new, or just living your best solo life, being prepared helps you take charge of your sexual health with confidence—and be that go-to friend for the people in your life.

Below are a few essentials to keep on hand so you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

1. Condoms and dental dams

Condoms are the MVP of your toolkit. Both external (sometimes called “male”) and internal (sometimes called “female”) condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.

A dental dam (a thin, flexible piece of latex or polyurethane) is also effective for preventing STIs during oral sex (specifically, mouth-to-vaginal or mouth-to-anal).

All three are great options, so try different kinds to see what feels best for you and your partner(s).

Just remember to check the expiration date and keep them somewhere cool and dry, like a drawer—not your wallet or car.

2. Pregnancy tests

Periods can come later than expected for a lot of different reasons. Having a pregnancy test in your kit means you can get quick answers without the stress of a last-minute pharmacy run.

You can find affordable options at most drugstores, online, or at your local clinic.

If you think you could be pregnant, testing early (right after you miss a period) gives you time to figure out what’s next.

3. Emergency contraception

Missed a couple of pills? No condom or the condom broke? Emergency contraception (EC) pills can help prevent pregnancy if they’re taken within five days after unprotected sex, though they work best the sooner you take them.

You can get the over-the-counter EC pill (levonorgestrel, aka Plan B) without a prescription at most pharmacies or online. Some clinics may offer it for free.

For many people, the prescription EC pill (ulipristal, aka Ella) may be a better option, as it’s more effective at preventing pregnancy at the four- or five-day mark and more effective overall for people who weigh more than 165 pounds.

You don’t have to wait until you need the EC pill to get it. Ask your provider to send in a prescription and pick it up to have on hand for the right time.

4. Period supplies

If you have periods—or if someone in your life does—it’s smart to have pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup nearby. Even if you don’t use them yourself, you might help out a friend in a pinch.

5. Lube

Let’s normalize lube! Water-based or silicone-based lubricants can reduce friction, make sex more comfortable, and lower the risk of condom breakage. Skip oil-based lube with latex condoms because it can cause them to tear.

6. Birth control supplies

If you use birth control pills, patches, or rings, stash a backup pack in your kit. You can also pick up a pack of the over-the-counter pill (Opill) to keep in your kit in case you run out of your birth control before you have a chance to refill your prescription.

7. Medication abortion pills

Being prepared can also include knowing your options if a pregnancy happens. Some people choose to get medication abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol, or misoprostol alone) in advance—sometimes called “advanced provision”—so they have them on hand just in case.

These pills are safe and effective for ending an early pregnancy (up to about 13 weeks), and having them ahead of time can make it easier to act quickly and privately if you need them.

You can find verified, trustworthy abortion providers at abortionfinder.org. Even if you never use them, having advance provision medication abortion pills in your kit can offer peace of mind.

8. STI testing info and kits

Knowing your status is a core part of sexual health. And you don’t always have to go to a clinic to get that info. At-home STI tests let you collect your own sample, mail it in, and get results within a few days.

Options range from single-infection tests to comprehensive panels that screen for multiple STIs at once. A few well-known options include Everlywell, Orasure, and Planned Parenthood Direct.

One honest caveat: at-home tests can be pricey, especially the more comprehensive panels. If cost is a barrier, free or low-cost in-person testing is available at many clinics — find one near you using Bedsider’s Clinic Finder.

9. Your choice

Make your kit your own. Add anything else that helps you feel prepared and confident!