Sexual Health & Safety in BDSM

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 At Up Your Street, we’re passionate about crafting beautiful, lasting tools for exploration, pleasure, and power play — but just as importantly, we believe that safe, informed and consensual play is the foundation of a positive BDSM experience.

Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, it's always worth revisiting the basics of sexual health, safety, and mutual care

 Consent should be clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing. That means:

• Talking beforehand about boundaries, limits, and desires.
• Using safewords – a non-negotiable tool for stopping or slowing down a scene.
• Checking in after play (often called aftercare) to ensure emotional and physical wellbeing.

•  Start light and build up – even with impact play, begin gently and increase intensity gradually.
• Avoid high-risk areas – the kidneys, spine, neck, and joints should be treated with caution or avoided altogether.
• Check your tools – splinters, cracks, or poorly made gear can turn a good scene bad. (That’s why we make all our pieces bomb-proof.)

•  Clean your toys after every use, especially when sharing.
• Use body-safe cleaning products suitable for the material.
• Store your items in a clean, dry space – some woods need oiling to stay in peak condition (feel free to contact us for advice on maintaining your Up Your Street paddle).

 BDSM can stir deep emotions — for some, that’s part of the power. But it's important to know you're not alone if something doesn’t sit right or leaves you feeling uncertain afterwards.

Here are a few resources that can offer information or support:

• Backlash UK – www.backlash-uk.org.uk - Advocacy group for sexual freedom and rights.
• The BDSM Reddit Community – www.reddit.com/r/BDSMcommunity - A moderated space for asking questions and learning from others.
• Sexual Health Clinics – Find a clinic via NHS - Confidential advice, testing and counselling services.
• Switchboard LGBTQ+ Helpline – www.switchboard.lgbt | 0300 330 0630 - A safe space to talk for LGBTQ+ people and anyone with questions around sex, identity or relationships.

 If you have a question about toy care, safe use, or anything else related to what we make, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help, no judgement, always confidential.