Using Protection

Condoms

There are several different kinds of condoms. The most common and easiest to find are latex condoms. Latex condoms help prevent STIs and pregnancy. Polyurethane condoms (sometimes called female or internal condoms) are an alternative for people who are allergic to latex, and also protect against pregnancy and most STIs. Natural condoms (sheepskin or lambskin) will protect against pregnancy, but not STIs. Here’s a few tips on using condoms safely:

• Use water-based, non-spermicidal lubes to reduce tears to condoms and skin
• Don’t re-use a condom, whether on the same person/toy or a different person/toy.
• Get the right size. A condom that is too large might fall off during sex. Dildos often need smaller condoms as well.
• Practice putting on a condom while masturbating or alone to make sure you’ve got the right fit and to increase your confidence when you are having sex with others.
• Store condoms safely. Heat breaks down condoms, so it’s not the best idea to keep a condom in your pocket or wallet where it may be in contact with body heat. Also make sure your condom doesn’t get punctured; if it does, throw it out, since it will be an ineffective barrier.
• Check expiry dates on condoms, and don’t use condoms that are past their expiry date.

Dams

Dams, also known as oral or dental dams, are a rectangular latex barrier that can be used for oral sex and rimming. In other words, it can be used on the anus, vulva (vagina and clit), or front hole. Put lube between the receptive partner and the dam to increase sensation.

If you can’t find dental dams, you can also take a non-lubricated latex condom and cut a slit along one side, open it up, and use it like you would a dam. If you’re allergic to latex, use a polyurethane condom cut in half.

Use a new dam if you’re switching partners or area on the body (i.e. don’t use the same dam for the vulva/front hole and the anus, even if it’s on the same person).

Gloves

Gloves are a fantastic barrier for fisting or manual stimulation of genitals. Plus, they can be downright sexy. Lube will help make things move more smoothly; latex gloves will need a water-based lube, and vinyl or nitrile gloves work well with oil-based lubes. You can find gloves at a pharmacy or medical supply store, and buying in bulk can make these cheaper.

Gloves can also be modified to fit over a penis, or cut apart to form a barrier for oral-genital or oral-anal sex (condoms cut along one side are also effective for this). You’ll want some lube between the barrier and genitals or anus to increase sensation. 

Lube

Using lots of water-based lube can help prevent friction that is more likely to break a barrier or cause small cuts or ruptures to sensitive genitals and internal wall linings.

Oil-based lubricants, lipstick, lip gloss, moisturizers, and other products such as petroleum jelly can destroy latex barriers, making them ineffective at protecting against STIs. If you’ve got oil-based products, use polyurethane condoms instead, or avoid sex that penetrates the mouth, vagina, front hole, or anus.

When you’re using lube on a condom around a penis or dildo, put the lube on the outside. If you’re using a barrier for an orifice, put the lube underneath the barrier, next to the person’s skin; this will increase the sensation for them.

Sugar & Yeast Infections

For women and transmen, yeast infections may be triggered by some flavoured condoms and many water-based lubes that contain glycerin. Try to avoid sugar-based products if yeast infections are a concern.