Sexual Health 101: Must-Have Products for Intimate Wellness

Written by the Starship Education Team

 

Last Updated:

 

Sexual wellness is an essential component of overall health, but it’s frequently overlooked in most self-care practices. Maintaining your intimate wellness involves understanding how to protect yourself, how to choose products that support your body, and how to build habits that promote long-term health. 

 

We’ll cover the fundamentals of sexual wellness, including STI awareness, pelvic floor health, and how to select body-safe products. 

TL;DR

• Sexual wellness is about more than basic hygiene. It includes knowing your STI status, understanding how infections are transmitted, and taking precautions when sharing toys with partners. Using condoms on toys and cleaning them properly are simple steps that make a difference.

• Pelvic floor health matters for people of all genders, and kegel exercises are a proven way to strengthen these muscles. The Cal Exotics She-Ology Kegel Kit offers a customizable approach with six weighted options to help you build a routine that fits your needs.

• Choosing body-safe products means looking for non-porous materials like medical-grade silicone and avoiding ingredients like phthalates, parabens, and glycerin. Starship Hybrid Lube provides long-lasting comfort without sticky residue, and the Wicked Sensual Care simply® Foam & Fresh cleanser keeps toys and skin fresh with a pH-balanced, residue free formula. 

• Proper cleaning habits extend the life of your toys and support safe use. Warm water, mild soap, or a dedicated toy cleaner is all you need. For non-electric toys made of silicone, glass, or stainless steel, boiling is also an option. 

Sexual Wellness Basics: Why STI Awareness Matters for Intimate Care

September is STI Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to discuss how sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are actually transmitted and how intimate products factor into prevention. 

How Do You Get an STI

STIs are passed through skin-to-skin contact and the exchange of bodily fluids during sexual activity [Healthline]. What’s less commonly known and discussed is how sex toys can contribute to transmission when shared between partners without proper cleaning or barrier protection. Using a condom on a toy, cleaning it thoroughly before and after use, and avoiding sharing porous materials (jelly rubber, vinyl, TPE) can reduce the risk of spreading infection. 

How to Prevent an STI

To prevent contracting or accidentally sharing an STI, here are some precautions you can take:  

 

• Certain viruses, like HPV, have a vaccine available. Ask your healthcare provider about available vaccines. 

• If you are sexually active, you should get regular STI testing. It’s important to ask new partners if they’ve been tested recently and what those results are. 

• Correctly using barriers, such as condoms or dental dams, can help reduce the accidental exchange of body fluids.

• Properly cleaning sex toys between uses is always important, but especially so if they’re being shared between partners.   

 

Understanding your own sexual health status and communicating that with your partner(s) are important components of an overall comprehensive approach to a healthy sex life. 

 

Organizations such as the American Sexual Health Association provide education resources on STI prevention and sexual health management. 

Pelvic Floor Health: A Key Component of Sexual Wellness

A weak pelvic floor affects more people than you might think. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. These muscles play a role in bladder control, bowel function, and sexual response. Weakness in the pelvic floor can result from pregnancy, childbirth, aging, surgery, or other factors, and it can affect individuals of all genders. 

How to Strengthen the Pelvic Floor

Kegel exercises are wonderful for strengthening the pelvic floor. These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles in a controlled manner. 

 

You want to keep your stomach, thighs, and butt completely relaxed; they shouldn’t move much at all. You should feel an internal sensation of squeezing and lifting upwards towards your stomach. It will feel similar to attempting to stop yourself from passing gas.

 

Regular practice can improve muscle tone, which may enhance sexual satisfaction and support overall pelvic health. Many healthcare providers recommend kegel exercises as part of a routine wellness practice. 

How to Choose Body-Safe Toys and Intimate Care Products

Body-safe toys are crafted with materials that do not contain harmful chemicals or irritants. The safest materials include medical-grade silicone, glass, and stainless steel. These materials are best because they are non-porous, so they don’t harbor bacteria and can be thoroughly cleaned. 

 

Whether you’re shopping online or in-person, it’s important to look at the materials being used. If shopping online, check the product description, if it’s unclear what the product is made from, it may be best to steer clear. When shopping in-person, read the product box as it should clearly state what the product is made from. 

What to Avoid

Phthalates, parabens, and glycerin are ingredients to be mindful about when choosing your toys and lubes. If you have sensitive skin, you might find some of these ingredients to be irritating or harsh. Products labeled hypoallergenic, unscented, and phthalate-free are generally safer choices.  

 

• Phthalates are used to soften plastics but have been linked to health concerns. 

• Parabens are preservatives that some individuals find irritating. 

• Glycerin is a sugar alcohol that can promote yeast growth in some people. 

Safely Sharing Toys with Partners

Sharing toys with your partner(s) is great and highly recommended as long as you take hygienic precautions. A toy that is shared should be thoroughly cleaned between each use. 

 

When using toys for penetration with multiple partners, it’s best to use a new condom for each partner to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria. If you’re sharing a toy with your long-term partner, using a condom isn’t necessary as long as you both know your STI status. 

Essential Products for Sexual Wellness

Selecting the right products makes a considerable difference in your intimate wellness routine. Here are some of our favorite products that support comfort, hygiene, and pelvic health. 

Starship Hybrid Lube

Our long-lasting lube provides superior comfort and doesn’t dry out quickly due to the silicone component. The formula is non-sticky, fragrance-free, and preservative-free, leaving your skin feeling smooth and silky instead of dried out. It’s paraben-free, glycerin-free, and latex friendly, making it compatible with condoms and most toys. A high-quality lube reduces friction, enhances comfort, and can help prevent micro-tears that may increase STI risk.

Starship Intimate Care Hybrid Lube

Wicked Sensual Care simply® Foam & Fresh

This foaming cleanser is formulated with an active antibacterial agent and natural antimicrobial oils including tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, and rosemary. The formula is pH-balanced, alcohol-free, and paraben-free. It is safe for all toys and leaves no residue. Using a dedicated toy cleaner or an appropriate gentle soap helps maintain the integrity of toy materials and supports hygiene. 

 

Want to dive deeper into proper toy cleaning? Check out our blog on How to Clean Sex Toys in Humid Weather.

 

Wicked Sensual Care simply® Foam & Fresh

Cal Exotics She-Ology Kegel Kit

This set includes six weighted kegel balls that range from 20g to 45g. The weights can be used individually or in combination with single and double ball holders to create a customized workout. The premium silicone is hypoallergenic, unscented, and phthalate-free. A kegel exercise guide from Dr. Sherry is included to help users establish a routine. Regular use can assist in toning pelvic floor muscles and supporting floor strength. 

Cal Exotics She-ology Weighted Kegel Set

 

How to Properly Clean Sex Toys

Cleaning toys correctly extends their lifespan and supports safe use.

 

• Wash toys with warm water and a dedicated toy cleaner before and after each use. In the event you do not have a dedicated toy cleaner, opt for a mild, fragrance free soap, rinse well, and be mindful to give special attention to any particles that could penetrate porous material. 

• For silicone, glass, and stainless steel toys, boiling them for a few minutes is also an option, but this method should not be used for toys with electrical components.

• Allow toys to air dry completely before storing them in a clean, dry place. 

• Storing toys separately in individual pouches or storage bags prevents material degradation and maintains hygiene. 

Building a Sustainable Sexual Wellness Routine

Sexual wellness is not a one-time effort; it requires consistent attention and care. Incorporating regular STI testing (if you are not in a long-term relationship), pelvic floor exercises, and safe product selection into your existing routine supports your long-term health. 

 

Small, deliberate actions such as cleaning toys after each use, choosing body-safe materials, and using lube appropriately can have a significant impact on comfort and safety. 

FAQ

1. What makes a toy body-safe? 

   1. Body-safe toys are made from non-porous materials such as medical-grade silicone, glass, or stainless steel. These materials do not harbor bacteria and can be fully cleaned. Toys made from jelly, rubber, or TPE may contain phthalates and other harmful chemicals. 

2. How often should I replace my sex toys?

   1. The lifespan of a toy depends on the material and how frequently it is used. Silicone, glass, and stainless steel toys can last for years with proper care. Toys with motors or electronic components may need replacement if they stop functioning properly. Discard any toy that has cracks, tears, or discoloration, as these can harbor bacteria. 

3. Can I use regular soap to clean my toys?

   1. A mild, fragrance-free soap is acceptable for most toys. Avoid soaps that contain dyes, fragrances, or harsh chemicals that could degrade the material. Dedicated toy cleaners are also available and formulated specifically for this purpose.

4. Why is lube important for sexual wellness?

   1. Lube reduces friction during sexual activity, which enhances comfort and reduces the risk of micro-tears in sensitive tissue. Micro-tears can increase the risk of STI transmission. A high-quality lube also improves the overall experience and can make toy use more comfortable.  

5. Is pelvic floor health only a concern for women?

   1. No. Pelvic floor health affects individuals of all genders. The pelvic floor muscles support pelvic organs in everyone, and weakness can occur due to aging, surgery, or other factors. Kegel exercises are beneficial for anyone looking to maintain or improve pelvic floor function.