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Safer Sex Can Be Fun!

Sometimes we may feel that safety is all about restricting what we view as our enjoyment of some things.  But when it comes to sexual activities, that is absolutely not the case!   There are many different products that can assist in everyone having safer sex that can also be fun.  The products for safer sex have expanded over the years to incorporate many unique aspects that help to meet many different individual needs.

What Is Safer Sex?

Safer sex is quite simply anything we do to help lower the risk of transmission of infection during sexual activities for all participants.   The terminology is SAFER because nothing is 100% due to some extenuating circumstances, a big one being user error.  So, if you are going to engage in any sexual activities make sure you use products that help keep it safer and could also make it more fun.   This can include latex or polyisoprene condoms, latex or polyisoprene dams, or nitrile female condoms. All of these acts as a barrier to help prevent the exchange of bodily fluids that may cause an infection.  And to reduce usage issues, always read the instructions.

Practicing Safer Sex

If engaging in sexual activities, there are things to do to help practice safer sex:

• Use a condom for vaginal or anal sex
• Use a dam for oral/vaginal or oral/anal sex
• Mutual Masturbation
• Use a condom with sex toys
• Use a new condom/dam every time you switch sexual activities
• Do not re-use a condom or dam
• Use lubricants with condoms and dams
• Read the instructions for use

Learning to implement the usage of condoms and dams into foreplay can also help increase pleasure as well as safety. 

Condom Styles

There truly is a condom style to meet everyone’s needs!  Condoms come in many options, a few of which are the following:

• Straight walled
• Lubricated or Non-lubricated
• Colored
• Flavored
• Ribbed & Studded
• Glow in the Dark
• Tattooed
• Super Sensitive
• Extra Large
• Hyper Thin
• Snugger Fit
• Pleasure Shaped
• Tingling Condoms
• Edible Condoms

Most of today’s condoms are meant to be used for safer sex purposes but there are some that are strictly for enjoyment and are not a form of protection.  Make sure you know what you are using before you engage in any sexual activity.  Also make sure your condoms and dams are FDA approved.  Always purchase or obtain your condoms and dams from credible suppliers including licensed Health Distributors, Public Health, your doctor, and pharmacies.

Safer Sex can be still be fun.  Actually, perhaps more fun when you know you are taking precautions to help reduce your risks of an unintended pregnancy and the transmission of STIs.

How to Use an Oral Barrier

How to use a what???? Oral Barriers are also known as dams or dental dams.  But knowing their different names does not always help people know what they actually are or what they actually do.

What is an oral barrier or dam?   A dam is a sheet of latex or polyisoprene (some folks may say non-latex) that is used as a barrier when performing oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex.  They are used to help reduce the transmission of infections that can occur during these activities. 

How to Use a Dam

Penetrative sex is not the only way to transmit an infection.  Oral sex still has the risk of spreading infections.  The use of an oral barrier can help to reduce the risk when used consistently and properly.  There are a few guidelines for using a dam that need to be followed for proper use.

• Dams are a single use barrier.  
• Lay the dam flat to cover the anus or vagina/vulva.
• Hold the dam in place without stretching it.
• Do not flip the dam. 
• Use a new dam when switching from oral-anal to oral-vaginal sex.
• Dispose of the dam in the garbage after use. Do not flush down a toilet.

Availability of Dams

Dams have been historically harder to find for purchase by the general public. The lack of awareness and education over the years surrounding dams has definitely left a void in the market of sexual wellness.  This is changing slowly. Adult Stores and many online condom stores have offered dams. 

Dams are considered a Class II medical device in the US due to its claim that it can help reduce the transmission of STIs.  This means that in order to be FDA licensed and approved as a Class II medical device they must undergo extensive testing by accredited test houses and labs.  So, it is always important to make sure your sexual wellness toolkit is stocked with FDA approved items, including condoms and dams.

We are excited to introduce the first ever FDA Licensed Polyisoprene Class II Oral Barrier – Harmony Dams!  Harmony Dams are available in both Latex and Polyisoprene.  Harmony Polyisoprene Dams are the only licensed oral barrier available for individuals with latex allergies or sensitivities. Both Harmony Dams are a 6x10 inch sheet to provide maximum coverage. They are lightly scented and natural color.  Both products are available in retail packaging on the Safely Sexual retail site. 

Spread a dam, not an infection!   Click here for our informational and instructional videos!