Rubber dams, commonly known as dental dams, are used for not only oral procedures but also for safer sex. Dental dams can be held over the genitals or anus to act as a barrier to many possible sexually transmitted diseases. Many infections have no symptoms, particularly in their initial stages. However, herpes and genital warts are more difficult to prevent with latex barriers due to the involvement of seemingly healthy skin in transmission. Herpes for example, is highly infectious during the silent shedding phase, when the herpes virus is on the skin around the genitals despite no visible signs of its presence.
Rubber Dams
Rubber dams are square pieces of latex or non-latex. They come in a variety of sizes, most commonly 6-inch by 8-inch, 5-inch by 5-inch and 6-inch by 6-inch. The gauge, or thickness, of the dam can be selected, with typical descriptions for dams on dental supply sites including "thin," "medium" and "heavy."
Latex Dams
Latex has been proven to be an effective barrier against HIV because the pores in latex are smaller than the the virus, which causes AIDS. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that "even HIV, which is among the tiniest of STD organisms, cannot pass through a latex condom." Other important sexually transmitted infections prevented with accurate and consistent use of latex condoms are reasonably considered to be prevented with the correct use of other latex barriers like latex dams. As with condoms, latex dams are only as good as their proper storage and use. Room temperature is ideal for ensuring that latex dams do not degrade, leading to tearing and allowing exposure to potentially infectious bodily fluids. Friction in a wallet can also cause latex to break down. So it follows that rubber dams should not be stored in cars or in bathrooms where temperatures fluctuate above room temperature.
Flavored
Dental dams also come in a variety of flavors now that they are increasingly known as a safer oral sex option. They can also be useful to those new to oral sex or during a woman's period. Flavors can include strawberry, mint, banana and vanilla and usually come in a corresponding color, such as purple for grape. Alternatively, flavored lubricants can be used and come in a much wider variety of flavors, including chocolate, cinnamon, pina colada, green apple and many more.
Non-latex
For those with latex allergies, non-latex dental dams are available for both dental procedures as well as use as a barrier to genital fluids during oral sex. Because these dams are used to protect medical professionals and their patients they are likely an effective barrier to genital fluids and HIV. As with condoms, non-latex dams need to be kept at room temperature to stay effective. Some non-latex plastic dams are so elastic they can stretch to 1,000 times their size without tearing. Increasing options for safer sex allows partners to care for their body and their lover without decreased pleasure in lovemaking.
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