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Dental Dams
What
is a dental dam and why should I use one?
Dental dams are small, thin, square pieces of latex that are used
for oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex. They get their name from their
use in dental procedures. Dental dams help to reduce the transmission
of STIs during oral sex by acting as a barrier to vaginal and anal
secretions that contain bacteria and viruses. They come in a variety
of sizes and flavors - so you can find a dam that satisfies your
tastes.
How
effective are they in preventing STIs?
Because dental dams act as a barrier to bodily fluids, they help
reduce STI transmission. Many STIs, such as herpes, genital warts
and HIV, can be transmitted through oral sex. Like condoms, dental
dams must be used correctly and consistently in order to be effective.
How
do I use them?
Although it may seem a little awkward to use them at first, dental
dams are extremely easy to use. Before using the dam you may want
to rinse off any powder that's on the dam and check the dam to make
sure there are no holes or perforations. The partner performing
oral sex will hold the dam against the vulva or anus of the receiving
partner. You can opt to apply a lubricant on the vulva or anus before
using the dam. The lubricant can help increase the sensation for
the recipient. Just make sure the lubricant is a water-based lube
because oil-based lubes and lotions can degrade the latex and decrease
the dam's effectiveness.
When
you use the dental dam, be sure to ONLY use one side. Don't flip
the dam over for another round because you will expose yourself
to the very fluids you're trying to avoid! And do not re-use a dam
on another body part (e.g. from anus to vulva or vice-versa) because
you can transfer germs from one body area to another. Do not re-use
a dam for another act of oral sex later on either. Dams are for
one-time use only.
Won't
using a dental dam diminish the whole experience of oral sex?
Many people believe that using a dam will nullify the enjoyment
of oral sex. That's not how it has to be! Granted, the feeling of
latex will be different than a tongue, but that's not necessarily
a bad thing. Using a dental dam with lube can offer your partner
a new type of stimulation. Although oral sex is considered less
risky than vaginal or anal sex, there is still a risk of transmitting
STIs. To be as safe as possible, use a dental dam for every act
of oral sex.
Where can I purchase dental dams? What if I don't have a dental dam available?
Flavored dental dams are available for 50 cents from your RPL, in the vending machine in the gender-neutral bathroom on the 2nd floor of Faunce, in the 1st and 3rd floor bathrooms of Health Services, and in Health Education.
If you don’t have a dental dam you can make one out a male or female condom, latex glove, or non-microwavable saran wrap. To make a dental dam out of a condom, simply cut off the tip and cut down one side. To make a dental dam out of a latex glove, cut off the finger and cut down one side. If using saran wrap, it is important that it be non-microwavable because the pores in microwaveable saran wrap are large enough to allow viruses and bacteria to pass through.
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