Contraception Education: Downloads

Dental dams are small sheets of latex (usually) which can be placed over vulva (which includes the clitoris and the lips around the vagina), perineum (in women between the vagina and the anus/"back passage", and in men between the scrotum and anus) and over the anus to give protection from infection to the mouth, genitals and anus when oral sex is practised.

Dental dams can usually be bought in packets of 6. Condoms and femidoms, can also be used as dental dams if cut in half lengthwise, and and non-microwaveable cling film can be cut to size.

What is oral sex? Latin words like cunnilingus (literally using the tongue on the female genitals/sex parts), felatio (taking the man´s penis into the mouth) and anilingus (using the tongue around the anus) are sometimes used to describe oral sex. BUT more popular slang phrases are BJ, short for Blow Job, O Job, Giving Head, Going Down (on) and many more, with many regional variations.

When a man does it to a woman or a woman does it to a woman s/he uses tongue and lips to stimulate the woman´s clitoris, kiss and lick her vulva or around her anus. When a woman does it to man, or a man does it to a man, they may lick or suck all or part of the man´s penis, take the penis right into the mouth or lick or kiss the anus.

So oral usually refers to mouth to genital/anal contact. If it brings someone to orgasm, it may also be known as oral masturbation.

But is it "safe sex"?
If both partners choose and want oral sex it can be very satisfying for both partners, and is without the risk of pregnancy. If a couple has had no other sexual partners it is also low risk in terms of infection. HOWEVER if either partner has ever had herpes (cold sores), or is at risk of having any other sexually transmitted infection, a barrier between mouth and genitals makes the transmission of infection much less likely.

If either partner is HIV positive, then barriers will be needed if either partner has an open wound and there is any risk of partner´s body fluids coming into contact.

A condom on a man´s penis or dental dam over the woman´s vulva can prevent oral-genital transmission of infections, and finger protection (rubber gloves or finger cots) when masturbating each other.

These can all be purchased at pharmacies, over the internet or by mail order (see below).

As with male and female condoms care is still needed to prevent damage to the barriers - by finger nails, sharp jewellery. Only water based lubricants should be used with latex rubber products to prevent their weakening.

Read the Dams Factsheet from ASHA here

REMEMBER any sexual activity is only OK if you want to do it, and are fully aware of all the consequences. Nobody should ever do anything that doesn´t feel absolutely right, or that they don´t understand.

Good relationships are built on trust and mutual respect, so don´t be afraid to ask for what you want, decline what you don´t and respect the views and feelings of others if they don´t want what you want.

Just as an exercise... Think of something you do not want to try.... now practise all the direct and simple ways you know of saying so. Remember it should ALWAYS be about choice. It is ALWAYS ok to decline anything which does not feel right for both partners. Communicate! The more you talk with the people you trust, the more you will feel comfortable asking for what you want, and declining what you don´t. If you ever feel that you do not have a choice please talk about it with someone you trust.

N.B. If someone is trying to make you do something you do not want, they may be breaking the law, bullying, harassing or abusing you. You may not realise this at the time, so talk to someone you trust if you don´t feel quite right about anything.

To order Dental Dams, please phone 00 44 1457 850860 or fax 00 44 1457 868766, EMail Sales

Copyright BHA 2001

Finalist in British Female Inventor of the Year April 2003

Finalist in National Business Awards Entrepreneur Category 2003

A BFIY's Top 10 Woman Inventor and Innovator 2005

Finalist in 2005 E-Commerce ICT Innovators Awards- Health Category (DTI Interforum)

Winner of 2006 Exceptional Exporter Award (UKTI, Chamberlink, Salford City Council)

RESOURCES:Dental Dams Fact Sheet