Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Question
Published: February 16, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am not a virgin anymore. I have had safe anal and vaginal sex with my girlfriend, but I want to perform oral sex on her. I have read some other questions related to the topic about using dental dams, but I have never seen or heard of them before. I want to avoid any type of STD, but, if mygirlfriend has only had sex with me, is there any chance she's carrying an STD? We lost our virginity together.
Signed: Dental Dams And STDs
Dear Dental Dams And STDs,
If you and your girlfriend only have sex with one another, and neither of you have had any other type of sexual contact with anyone else, then FX would think it’s safe to say neither one of you has any kind of STD that could be transmitted between the two of you.
However, keep in mind that there are a few reasons FX recommends using condoms and dental dams when it comes to protecting against the transmission of STDs from anal, vaginal, or oral sex:
- There are definitely cases where people are unaware of their STD status. Some STDs, such as genital herpes, can be carried in a person’s system with no noticeable symptoms. A person may think they are free and clear of any STDs and then unknowingly pass on an STD to their partner.
- Not everyone is honest about their sexual history. Some people just do not care or don’t want to be bothered. Others may feel ashamed, embarrassed or worried that their partner would feel differently about them if they knew his/her sexual history – so they keep it a secret. Studies have shown that up to 1 in 3 people say they do not have an STD when they know they do. So you can be taking a gamble on your physical health to trust someone about this – particularly if you do not know them very well.
Given all of that, FX would like you to consider the following:
- The surest way of preventing the transmission of STDS is abstaining from any kind of sexual contact.
- The next best way is to be in a long-term, exclusive relationship where both partners have been tested for STDs prior to any sexual contact.
- And the next best way is by the use of things like condoms and dental dams.
As for your question about dental dams, let us give you some information:
What Is A Dental Dam and When Should I Use One:
- Dental dams are small, thin, square pieces of latex that are used for oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex.
- Dental dams help to reduce the transmission of STDs during oral sex by acting as a barrier to vaginal and anal secretions that contain bacteria and viruses.
- Dental dams come in a variety of sizes and flavors.
How Effective Are Dental Dams In Preventing STDs?
- Because they act as a barrier to bodily fluids, dental dams help reduce STD transmission. Many STDs, such as herpes, genital warts, and HIV can be transmitted through oral sex.
- Dental dams must be used correctly and consistently to be effective.
How Are Dental Dams Used?
- You may want to start by rinsing off any powder that is on the dam and examining it to make sure there are no holes.
- The partner performing oral sex will hold the dam against the vulva or anus of the receiving partner.
- Lubricants can be used on the vulva or anus before using the dam to increase sensation for the recipient. Make sure the lubricant is water-based and not oil-based.
- When using a dental dam, only use one side. Do not flip the dam over to use it again because then you will expose yourself to the very fluids you’ve been trying to avoid.
- Do not use the same dental dams on different parts of the body as you can transfer bacteria that way.
- Do not re-use dams – dams are for one-time use only!
Where Can I Get Dental Dams?
- Dental dams are available online, in some drug stores, and at many Planned Parenthood health centers and adolescent health clinics.
- A special kind of dam, the Sheer Glyde dam, has been approved by the FDA especially for safer sex. These are often available where you would generally find dental dams.
If I Don’t Have a Dental Dam, Can I Improvise With Something Else?
If you don’t have a dental dam, you can make one out of male or female latex condom, latex glove, or non-microwavable saran wrap.
- To make a dental dam out of a condom, simply cut off the tip and cut down one side.
- To make a dental dam out of a latex glove, cut off the finger and cut down one side.
- If using saran wrap, it is important that it be non-microwavable because the pores in microwaveable saran wrap are large enough to allow viruses and bacteria to pass through.
It sounds like you already know this and are taking the necessary precautions, but remember that it is equally important to protect against unwanted pregnancies as it is STDs. The only way to guarantee that a person will not become pregnant is to abstain from sexual contact. But if you choose to have sex, FX recommends that teens use a condom, as well as back-up method of birth control such as the pill or patch, to give adequate protection against unwanted pregnancies.
If you have any further questions about STDs, STD testing, or safer sex practices, please speak to your primary care physician or adolescent medicine specialist. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens often abuse prescription drugs because of the myth that these drugs provide a medically safe high.
