Post by emilykate on May 18, 2010 21:33:41 GMT -5
Preamble
A number of women have opened the Safer Sex Drawer in the Women's Room to grab some condoms, stumbled across the dams and, with a puzzled look, asked me "What's this?"
I guess it's hardly surprising: dams generally aren't seen or sold in 7-Elevens or supermarket shelves, tend to be left out of sex ed classes (like many other things!) and don't really have flashy, eye-catching packaging with slick advertising campaigns backing up the product. They're the sort of thing you only come by if a friend or partner quietly informs you, if you speak with a Sexual and Reproductive Health Nurse or express your astonishment in places such as the Women's Room.
Fair to say, in the media, in the classroom and in society in general, we seem to remain either male-orientated or uninformed (or both!) when it comes to sexual health.
More disturbing still, the second most common response I get when women mistakenly grab a dam is "oh... whoops, don't need this! My current partner is a guy, so there's nothing I'll be doing that requires a dam."
What many people don't realise is, participants engaging in any forms of oral sex have a real risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections - regardless of whether they are the 'giving' or 'taking'. When oral sex does not involve the penis - it should definately involve a dam, for the protection of all parties!! Dams are available from the MSA Women's Room and some chemists. If you are wanting to know where else you can get dams, I advise you speak to a Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare professional - some even give them out for free!
Information
I'm going to include information from a couple of websites here. If you have any questions or want anything clarified, then I strongly suggest you speak to a healthcare professional, such as a Sexual and Reproductive Health Nurse!!
Sexual Health Professionals
See ischs.25.websecurestores.com/Usingourservices/OurServices/tabid/164/Default.aspx?ServicesPage=display&serviceID=134 or contact contact one of these Inner South Community Health Services:
How to Use a Dental Dam for Safe Oral Sex
Source: www.ehow.com/how_2040375_dental-dam-safe-oral-sex.html
Dental dams are thin pieces of latex that you can use to reduce the chance of spreading sexually transmitted diseases during oral sex--either vaginal or anal. Follow these steps to learn how to use a dental dam for safer oral sex.
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
Step 1
Open the package and rinse the dam of any powder that may be on it.
Step 2
Check the dam for perforations or holes.
Step 3
Hold the dam against the vagina or the anus of the partner.
Step 4
Use water-based lubricant if necessary.
Tips & Warnings
* Dental dams come in a multitude of colors and flavors, so get creative.
* Contrary to popular beliefs, there are many STDs that can be transmitted through oral sexual contact.
* Never use a latex dental dam with an oil-based lubricant. The oil-based lubricant will destroy the latex.
* Use one side of the dam only, and do not use a dam more than once or on different parts of the body, such as on the anus and then on the vagina. Use a new one every time.
Glyde
Source: www.glydehealth.com/dams.html
SHEER GLYDE dams are a silky thin 25cm x 15 cm (10 inches x 6 inches) latex sheet especially designed as a barrier for use during oral sex (cunnilingus - oral vaginal sex, or rimming - oral/anal sex).
Importance of safe oral sex
Most men and women do not understand the risk they may be exposing themselves to when engaging in unprotected oral sex. During oral sex, unless a barrier product is used, many infections can be transmitted, including genital herpes, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea and AIDS. SHEER GLYDE dams, when properly used, help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Have fun with coloured, flavoured dams
Our remarkable superior quality SHEER GLYDE dams are available in a variety of fun and fruity colours and flavours including creme/vanilla, pink/strawberry, purple/wildberry and black/cola. Many users also like to use GLYDE Ultra personal lubricant with SHEER GLYDE dams.
SHEER GLYDE DAMS are packed for clinics and commercial users in boxes of 100. Individual users can purchase retail packs which contain 3 SHEER GLYDE dams and a sachet of lubricant.
Don’t confuse SHEER GLYDE dams with dental dams
The SHEER GLYDE DAM was developed in response to the need for a barrier product for safe oral sex and is the registered, trade marked property of GLYDE Health Pty Ltd.
It is also the only FDA and European (CE) approved barrier product for protection against STIs during oral sex. In addition, the SHEER Dam is the product of type for Standards Australia, the official authorising agent for the Australian Federal Government. The dental dam was never intended for, nor has it been tested for, or proved to be effective in preventing transmission of STIs.
Although the SHEER GLYDE dam is often copied, worldwide sales of GLYDE dams are a testament to our product’s unique silky, sensual feel. No other product compares - our customers love them and so will you.
Get The Facts
Source: www.getthefacts.health.wa.gov.au/2/144/1/dental_dams.pm
Dental dams are not a type of contraception, but they are important to use during oral sex. A dental dam is a thin latex square held over the vaginal or anal area during oral sex. When they are used properly, dental dams act as a barrier to help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Dental dams can help protect against some STIs, like genital warts and herpes, as they can be passed on through skin-to-skin genital contact.
how to use them:
1. Remove the dam from its plastic packaging and lay it flat, covering the entire vaginal or anal area.
2. Hold the edges of the dam but be careful not to stretch it.
3. Dispose of dams thoughtfully - do not flush them.
Remember:
* Don't share dams or use them more than once.
* Use only one side of the dam.
* Always use a new dam if switching between oral-vaginal and oral-anal sex.
* Using Gladwrap is not a safe alternative to dams, but a condom split along one side and laid flat can be used as a dam.
* A water-based lubricant (like Wet Stuff or KY) on the underside of the dam can increase sensitivity.
* Store dams in a dry cool place away from direct sunlight - heat can cause the latex in dams to deteriorate, making them more likely to break.
* They do not prevent pregnancy.
They cost roughly $1 each.
A number of women have opened the Safer Sex Drawer in the Women's Room to grab some condoms, stumbled across the dams and, with a puzzled look, asked me "What's this?"
I guess it's hardly surprising: dams generally aren't seen or sold in 7-Elevens or supermarket shelves, tend to be left out of sex ed classes (like many other things!) and don't really have flashy, eye-catching packaging with slick advertising campaigns backing up the product. They're the sort of thing you only come by if a friend or partner quietly informs you, if you speak with a Sexual and Reproductive Health Nurse or express your astonishment in places such as the Women's Room.
Fair to say, in the media, in the classroom and in society in general, we seem to remain either male-orientated or uninformed (or both!) when it comes to sexual health.
More disturbing still, the second most common response I get when women mistakenly grab a dam is "oh... whoops, don't need this! My current partner is a guy, so there's nothing I'll be doing that requires a dam."
**Women's Officer tries not to hit own head against wall**
What many people don't realise is, participants engaging in any forms of oral sex have a real risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections - regardless of whether they are the 'giving' or 'taking'. When oral sex does not involve the penis - it should definately involve a dam, for the protection of all parties!! Dams are available from the MSA Women's Room and some chemists. If you are wanting to know where else you can get dams, I advise you speak to a Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare professional - some even give them out for free!
Information
I'm going to include information from a couple of websites here. If you have any questions or want anything clarified, then I strongly suggest you speak to a healthcare professional, such as a Sexual and Reproductive Health Nurse!!
Sexual Health Professionals
See ischs.25.websecurestores.com/Usingourservices/OurServices/tabid/164/Default.aspx?ServicesPage=display&serviceID=134 or contact contact one of these Inner South Community Health Services:
SouthPort
Phone 9690 9144
Fax 9696 7228
341 Coventry St,
South Melbourne 3205
Prahran
Phone 9525 1300
Fax 9521 2474
240 Malvern Rd,
Prahran 3181
Inkerman St
Phone 9534 8166
Fax 9525 4492
10 Inkerman St,
St Kilda 3182
Mitford St
Phone 9534 0981
Fax 9525 3180
18 Mitford St,
St Kilda 3182
Phone 9690 9144
Fax 9696 7228
341 Coventry St,
South Melbourne 3205
Prahran
Phone 9525 1300
Fax 9521 2474
240 Malvern Rd,
Prahran 3181
Inkerman St
Phone 9534 8166
Fax 9525 4492
10 Inkerman St,
St Kilda 3182
Mitford St
Phone 9534 0981
Fax 9525 3180
18 Mitford St,
St Kilda 3182
How to Use a Dental Dam for Safe Oral Sex
Source: www.ehow.com/how_2040375_dental-dam-safe-oral-sex.html
Dental dams are thin pieces of latex that you can use to reduce the chance of spreading sexually transmitted diseases during oral sex--either vaginal or anal. Follow these steps to learn how to use a dental dam for safer oral sex.
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
Step 1
Open the package and rinse the dam of any powder that may be on it.
Step 2
Check the dam for perforations or holes.
Step 3
Hold the dam against the vagina or the anus of the partner.
Step 4
Use water-based lubricant if necessary.
Tips & Warnings
* Dental dams come in a multitude of colors and flavors, so get creative.
* Contrary to popular beliefs, there are many STDs that can be transmitted through oral sexual contact.
* Never use a latex dental dam with an oil-based lubricant. The oil-based lubricant will destroy the latex.
* Use one side of the dam only, and do not use a dam more than once or on different parts of the body, such as on the anus and then on the vagina. Use a new one every time.
Glyde
Source: www.glydehealth.com/dams.html
SHEER GLYDE dams are a silky thin 25cm x 15 cm (10 inches x 6 inches) latex sheet especially designed as a barrier for use during oral sex (cunnilingus - oral vaginal sex, or rimming - oral/anal sex).
Importance of safe oral sex
Most men and women do not understand the risk they may be exposing themselves to when engaging in unprotected oral sex. During oral sex, unless a barrier product is used, many infections can be transmitted, including genital herpes, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea and AIDS. SHEER GLYDE dams, when properly used, help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Have fun with coloured, flavoured dams
Our remarkable superior quality SHEER GLYDE dams are available in a variety of fun and fruity colours and flavours including creme/vanilla, pink/strawberry, purple/wildberry and black/cola. Many users also like to use GLYDE Ultra personal lubricant with SHEER GLYDE dams.
SHEER GLYDE DAMS are packed for clinics and commercial users in boxes of 100. Individual users can purchase retail packs which contain 3 SHEER GLYDE dams and a sachet of lubricant.
Don’t confuse SHEER GLYDE dams with dental dams
The SHEER GLYDE DAM was developed in response to the need for a barrier product for safe oral sex and is the registered, trade marked property of GLYDE Health Pty Ltd.
It is also the only FDA and European (CE) approved barrier product for protection against STIs during oral sex. In addition, the SHEER Dam is the product of type for Standards Australia, the official authorising agent for the Australian Federal Government. The dental dam was never intended for, nor has it been tested for, or proved to be effective in preventing transmission of STIs.
Although the SHEER GLYDE dam is often copied, worldwide sales of GLYDE dams are a testament to our product’s unique silky, sensual feel. No other product compares - our customers love them and so will you.
Get The Facts
Source: www.getthefacts.health.wa.gov.au/2/144/1/dental_dams.pm
Dental dams are not a type of contraception, but they are important to use during oral sex. A dental dam is a thin latex square held over the vaginal or anal area during oral sex. When they are used properly, dental dams act as a barrier to help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Dental dams can help protect against some STIs, like genital warts and herpes, as they can be passed on through skin-to-skin genital contact.
how to use them:
1. Remove the dam from its plastic packaging and lay it flat, covering the entire vaginal or anal area.
2. Hold the edges of the dam but be careful not to stretch it.
3. Dispose of dams thoughtfully - do not flush them.
Remember:
* Don't share dams or use them more than once.
* Use only one side of the dam.
* Always use a new dam if switching between oral-vaginal and oral-anal sex.
* Using Gladwrap is not a safe alternative to dams, but a condom split along one side and laid flat can be used as a dam.
* A water-based lubricant (like Wet Stuff or KY) on the underside of the dam can increase sensitivity.
* Store dams in a dry cool place away from direct sunlight - heat can cause the latex in dams to deteriorate, making them more likely to break.
* They do not prevent pregnancy.
They cost roughly $1 each.
