Condoms and Dental Dams

• Using condoms and dental dams are a great way to stop the exchange of sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
• Allergic to latex? Try the female condom that’s made of polyurethane.  It can be inserted up to eight hours before you have sex and it does not break down with oil-based products. There are also other condoms made of polyurethane.
• You can make a dental dam by cutting open a condom.  You can stretch it over any area where there could be body fluid before using your tongue or finger.
• If you are F to M Transgender and taking testosterone you can use the thumb of a latex glove to cover your clitoris.

 

Lube

• Only use water-based lube. Do not use lube marked “water-soluble” as it can break down the condom.
• Putting lube on the outside of the condom feels better and reduces the chances of the condom ripping.
• Putting lube inside the tip of the condom can increase sensitivity.
• Lube can reduce the risk of cuts and tears that can increase your vulnerability to HIV and other infections.

 

Toys

• If you want to share your sex toys with someone, be sure to put a condom over the toy and change the condom after each use so you don’t share body fluids.

 

Communication

• Talk to your partner to find out what each of you want and like in terms of sexual activities.
• Talking about sex before you start makes it easier to plan out what you will need to play safe.

 

Getting tested

• If you are having sex, get tested every six months.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can become more serious the longer you go untreated.
• If you have an STI, it can increase your risk of HIV and other infections.