Use a
Vaginal Dam, also known as a Denal Dam for Safer
Oral Sex
A dental
dam, sometimes called an oral dam, is a six inch square piece
of thin latex, (sometimes flavored), that’s available
at most pharmacy chains and medical supply stores or via the
internet at condom stores. Here’s a photo of the brand
Glyde™ Sheer Dams.
The dam
should be placed over the entire vulva during oral sex to
prevent the possible transmission of the HIV virus from the
vagina to the mouth or the mouth to the vagina.(For more on
HIV see that page and the links there).
It can also be used to prevent the spread of genital
herpes.
Always
rinse the dam first to remove the powdery talc which should
never enter the vagina or anus. Pat it dry with a towel, or
let it air dry ahead of time. If you use a substitute, remember
that some plastic, like that used for some garbage bags, can
contain toxic chemicals that can be toxic your health.
Spread
the dam over the entire vulva, covering both the vaginal opening
and clitoris, holding two edges of the dam with your hands.
During oral-anal contact, use the dam to cover your partner’s
anus. Never share the same dam. Never reuse one, and always
use separate dams if you are practicing both oral-vaginal
and oral-anal sex, because anal organisms can cause infection
in the vagina.
Afraid
the dam will be to annoying to use? There are some steps you
can take to free your hands during oral sex. One reader said
she uses scissors and a sews a dam into a pair of panties
to create a dental dam holder. Any materials you use should
be washable and have no sharp edges.
Remember
to use a new dam each time you have oral sex. I have seen
'vaginal dams' in chain drug stores. Those did seem a bit
smaller in size, but they do stretch when rinsed. Check out
websites that sell condoms for dams, most have them.
