A dental dam that can be a thin latex or polyurethane covering used to protect you from transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) when your mouth is in direct contact with genitals (mouth-genital) or anus (mouth-anal) during sex. It still allows for anal or clitoral stimulation.
They can be bought in stores, are available in different flavors and they can be made at home from condoms for example:
A dam can be made from a condom. Unroll the condom, cut the tip off the condom and from the base to make a hollow tube (a cylinder). Then cut a straight line going up the tube with clean scissors so when it lies flat, it forms a square. Place over the vaginal or anal area and hold in place for maximum benefit with use.
Tips for use:
- Use a new one each time before having oral sex until the end.
- It’s ok to use a water based or silicone based lubricant with latex condoms (oil based products can damage the latex).
- Check the expiration date and make sure that there are no defects before using
- Avoid stretching a dam as it can break.
- Spermicides (nonoxynol-9) can be irritating so avoid them (no longer available in Nova Scotia).
By bbwomenshealth.ca