It is possible for infectious diseases to be spread during oral sex. Throat infections by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) can turn into cancer. Moreover, a lot of sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and Chlamydia can spread to the entire body through oral sex.

One effective way to reduce the risk of contracting sexual diseases is through the use of dental dams. Here we will take a look at dental dams and how they work in reducing the risk of STDs during oral sexual intercourse.

What is a Dental Dam?

 

When asking, “Do dental dams protect against STDS,” the first thing to consider is how they work. A dental dam serves the same purpose as a condom in prevention of STDs. It acts a barrier between your body and your partners. The dental dam is in the form of a piece of rubber that you put over your mouth or your partners genitals. Their level of effectiveness is similar to that of using a regular condom, if used properly.

How to Properly Use Dental Dams

Dental dams should be held over the genital area during oral sex. Here is a step-by-step procedure that explains how to properly use dental dams during sexual intercourse to ensure you know what to do so dental dams protects you against STDs.

  • Step 1: Remove the dental dam from the package.
  • Step 2: Place the dental dam over the genital area, making sure that it properly covers any place your mouth will touch.
  • Step 3: After sexual intercourse, you should throw away the used dental dam.
  • Step 4: Use a new dental dam during any subsequent sexual encounter.

Importance of Using Dental Dams During Oral Sex

Using dental dams greatly reduces the risk of transmitting STDs. They work as a shield between your mouth and your partner's genitals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental dams can help in the prevention of the following common STDs.

  • Gonorrhea
  • Herpes
  • Chlamydia
  • Herpes
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Syphilis
  • Trichomoniasis
  • HIV

While the risk of STI infection is lower in case of oral sex as compared to vaginal and anal sex, you should wear dental dams to protect yourself. Apart from using dental dams and condoms to protect against getting STD during sexual intercourse, you should also get regular STD testing especially Chlamydia testing, HIV testing, and herpes testing.

Regular testing will help in early detection of any sexually transmitted disease. This will reduce the chances of the disease resulting in major damage to the body organs. With regular STD testing, the harm to the body can be minimized using anti-viral and bacterial medications. In this way, you will remain safe and protected from serious sexual diseases.

Contributor: admin