Dental Dams and Other Barrier Methods

Condoms get most of the safer-sex spotlight, but they are not the only performers on the stage. Dental dams, gloves, internal condoms, and condoms used on toys can all help reduce STI risk during different kinds of sex.

Barrier methods create a physical layer between bodies, fluids, toys, or skin. Not every barrier works for every activity, but knowing your options gives you more ways to protect pleasure.

And protection, darling, deserves a full ensemble.

Dental Dams

A dental dam is a thin sheet, usually latex or polyurethane, used as a barrier during oral sex on the vulva, front hole, vagina, or anus.

Oral sex can transmit STIs. CDC notes that many STIs and other infections can spread through oral sex, and that infection can occur in the mouth, throat, genitals, or rectum.

Dental dams can help reduce risk by creating a barrier between the mouth and the body part being touched.

CDC recommends using a new dental dam every time, checking the package and expiration date, making sure there are no tears or defects, putting it on before oral sex begins, keeping it on until finished, and using water-based or silicone-based lubricant to help prevent breakage.

How to Use a Dental Dam

Basic steps:

1. Check the package and expiration date.
2. Open it carefully.
3. Place the dam over the vulva, front hole, vagina, or anus before oral contact.
4. Keep it in place during oral sex.
5. Use water-based or silicone-based lube if desired.
6. Throw it away after use.
7. Do not flip it over and reuse the other side.

One dam, one use, one side. We are not rotating altar cloths here.

Making a Dental Dam From a Condom

If a dental dam is not available, a condom can be cut open to create a flat barrier.

General method:

1. Check the condom package and expiration date.
2. Open carefully.
3. Cut off the tip.
4. Cut down one side.
5. Unroll it into a rectangle.
6. Place it over the area before oral contact.

Use a non-lubricated or flavored condom if preferred for oral sex, but avoid anything that irritates the skin or mucous membranes.

Gloves

Gloves can be useful for manual sex, fingering, fisting, external touch, or any activity involving hands.

They may be especially helpful if someone has:

• Cuts
• Hangnails
• Long nails
• Fresh tattoos
• Skin irritation
• Multiple partners in one event
• Concerns about cleanup

Nitrile gloves are a common latex-free option. Use lube with gloves to reduce friction. Change gloves between partners, body parts, or activities.

Internal Condoms

Internal condoms are worn inside the vagina, front hole, or anus. They can give the receptive partner more control over barrier use and may feel different from external condoms.

Do not use an internal condom and external condom at the same time. Friction between barriers can increase the chance of breakage or slipping.

Condoms on Toys

Condoms can be placed on toys to make cleanup easier and reduce risk when sharing. Use a new condom:

• Between partners
• Between body parts
• Before switching from anal to vaginal/front-hole use
• If the condom tears or slips
• When moving from one person to another

Clean the toy after use according to the manufacturer’s instructions, even if a condom was used.

Barriers Are Not All-or-Nothing

Some people use barriers every time. Some use them with new partners. Some use them for oral sex, toys, or anal sex but not other activities. Some rely on PrEP, testing, U=U, or other strategies.

The goal is not shame. The goal is informed choice.

A Sisterly Blessing

Dental dams, gloves, condoms, and internal condoms may not be glamorous at first glance, but neither was the first draft of any great outfit.

Learn the tools. Keep them handy. Use what fits your body, your partners, and your boundaries.

A barrier is not a wall against pleasure. It is a little velvet rope for risk.