Dental Dams
A dental dam (or latex shield) is a thin sheet of latex used during oral or oral-anal sex. It’s a barrier, protecting both partners from potential infection by bacteria or viruses like HIV or herpes.
When to use a dental dam
Use one whenever you have oral sex with a woman or have oral-anal contact with a woman or man.
How to use a dental dam
Place the thin sheet of latex over the vulva or anus during oral sex.
• Don’t share the same dam.
• Never turn it over during use.
• Never reuse it.
• Always use separate dams if you’re practicing both oral-vaginal and oral-anal sex.
Where to get dental dams
Dental dams and condoms are available in many places, including at the UHS Pharmacy, from your RA, and at Health Education events and tables. You can also make your own dental dam:
From a latex glove:
Cut the fingers and wristband off of a latex glove; leave the glove's thumb. Then, make a vertical cut along the side opposite the thumb. Open and use the thumb for your tongue.
From a male condom
Start with a non-lubricated condom for best results; flavored condoms are also available. Before unrolling, cut off the condom’s tip. Make one cut up the length of the condom. Then, open the condom; you'll have a latex square.
