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Oral Sex Issues - How to Stay Healthy and Safe from
STDs Sexual activity
carries some risks regardless of the type of sex you want to participate in.
Oral sex is no exception. The only way to be completely safe from sexually
transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual encounters or maintaining a
monogamous relationship. In this type of relationship, you both must know that
your partner is uninfected. Oral sex is the giving or receiving of oral (with
the mouth) stimulation to the genitals of your partner. These can include the
vagina, penis, and anus. Many adolescents engage in oral sex but in their
minds, they do not think of it as “sex” because there is no penetration. Many
teens think they are safe and are practicing abstinence when the opposite is
true. Here are some methods available that aid in performing oral sex safely. ·
Plastic Wrap –
this is inexpensive and easy to find in any grocery or drug store. The wrap can
cover large areas and be used with oil or water-based lubricants. Plastic wrap
also allows heat to be felt. The downside is that fingernails can easily rip
it. To use plastic wrap
you would cover the vulva with the wrap or cut a piece and hold it in place. If
you want to increase the sensitivity for your partner, rub lubricant on the
side that will face the vulva. Plastic wrap also offers easy disposal. Once you
are finished pleasuring your partner, throw it away. The same directions apply
if you were performing oral sex in the anal area. ·
Dental Dams –
provide a strong latex barrier and even come in various flavors. The downside
is that they are not easily accessible and may not allow for a strong sensation
of warmth. The dam covers a small area and fluids may seep past the dam. You
may need to hold the latex in place while performing oral sex. It is also
important not to use these with an oil-based lubricant, as it will break down
the latex. The way you use a dental dam is to place it over the vulva. Some
will stay in place while others must be held in place for protection. To
increase sensitivity, you can place lubricant on the side facing the vulva. Be
sure to use water-based lubricants. These are made to only use one time so
discard after use. As with the plastic wrap, place over the anus for protection
and discard after use. Cutting a Condom
into a Rectangle – Condoms are easy to purchase and not very expensive. They
come in various flavors. The downside is that they provide a small area of
coverage and care should be taken to make sure fluids do not seep past the
condom into the mouth or the anus/vulva area. You must use both hands to hold
the cut condom in place. Only the use of water-based lubricant can be used and
it only protects what it covers. To use, you would unroll the condom and cut
off the end and the tip. Then you would cut lengthwise to form a rectangle.
Hold in place over the vulva or anus. This is a one-time deal so when you are
done, throw it away. Barrier methods for
giving oral sex on the penis include: Non-lubricated Condom – They are very easy to find in drugstores and are not
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