Dams
In this section you will learn about dams
Dams can help protect people from getting or passing on sexual infections during oral sex.
They can also be called “oral dams”.
This page is for people aged 13 years and older.
If you are younger than 13, you can talk to a trusted adult about dams.
This page has drawings of:
These drawing are used to help you understand.
There are no photos of real people’s private body parts on our website.
It is ok to see these drawings because you are learning about dams.
If you have any questions, it is good to speak to an adult you trust.
Move down the page to if you want to learn more about dams.
What are dams?
Dams can help protect people from getting or passing on sexual infections during oral sex.
A dam is a thin, rectangle shaped, sheet.
Dams are soft and stretchy, like a condom.
Some dams are flavoured.
Some dams are made of latex others are non-latex.
If you are allergic to latex you will need to use a non-latex dam.
Move down the page to find out more about dams and how to get them.
Why do people use dams?
Dams can help keep us healthy by preventing sexual infections that may be passed during oral sex. Find out more about sex.
Sexual infections can be passed between people when their private body parts touch the mouth.
A dam acts as a barrier between the private body parts and the mouth.
This barrier helps stop infections being passed from private body parts to the mouth of the person who is giving oral sex.
How to use dams
If you choose to use a dam, it must be placed over the vulva or anus before having sex.
It is good to be prepared. Have dams before you are ready to have sex. Carry them with you.
Check the use by date on the dam.
It is important to use dams that have not passed their use by date.
For oral sex on a vulva:
Use your hands to hold the dam in place over the vulva during oral sex.
For oral sex on the anus (bottom):
Use your hands to hold the dam in place over the anus during oral sex.
Lubricant can be placed on the side of the dam that will be touching the vulva or anus.
After sex, wrap the dam in a tissue and put the dam in a bin.
Do not turn the dam over during oral sex. If you turn it over, the dam will not stop STIs (sexual infections).
Use a new dam every time
Dams should be thrown in the bin after being used once.
If you are having oral sex more than once, use a new dam every time.
If you re-use a dam, it will not stop STIs.
Where to get dams
Free dams are available in Edinburgh and Lothians from c:card’s condoms by post service.
If you live outside Edinburgh and the Lothians, get in touch with your local service provider to find out if they provide dams.
