A dental dam (also called an oral dam or latex barrier) is a thin rectangular piece of latex used to prevent the spread of STIs during oral sex in the anal or vaginal area. It helps to reduce spreading bodily fluids. You can buy dental dams at some drugstores. You can make your own dam out of a condom (latex or non-latex). To make a dam you need a new, rolled up condom and a pair of scissors. Check the expiry date (don’t use if expired) and check that the package doesn’t have any holes.
- While the condom is still rolled up, cut the tip off.
- Keep the condom rolled and put the scissors through the middle and cut through 1 part of the ring.
- Unroll the condom and place over vulva or anus before performing oral sex.
- Lubricant can help the dam stick to the skin so it stays in place.
- Lubricant should be water-based or silicon-based. Oil-based lubricants should not be used as they can break the dental dam.
The Using a Dental Dam Video shows how to make, use and dispose of a dental dam.