Using Barrier Methods for STI Prevention (Condoms, Dental Dams)

Barriers act as physical walls that block bodily fluids and limit skin-to-skin contact. While external and internal condoms are well-known, dental dams are crucial for oral-vaginal or oral-anal contact.

A dental dam is a thin, rectangular sheet of latex or polyurethane. To use it: 1. Lay it flat over the vulva or anus. 2. Do not stretch it tight, as it might tear. 3. Do not flip or reuse the dam during the session. If you do not have a dental dam, you can cut the tip and side off a standard condom to unroll it into a flat square.