Frequent questions
How Do I Use a Condom Properly?
Planned Parenthood video: A step-by-step guide on the proper use of condoms, and additional written information on the site.
Sexplanations video: A casual explanation and demonstration by Dr. Lindsey Doe, a clinical sex edutainer. This video has information specific to people with intact (uncircumcised) penises.
What Are Dental Dams and How Do I Use Them?
Dental dams are a type of barrier method, like condoms. It is a thin, square sheet that is usually made of rubber. The dental dams are placed over the vulva or anus for oral-vaginal or oral-anal intercourse. Boynton offers latex dental dams that come in different flavors.
Brown University Health and Wellness video: A guide on the proper use of dental dams, and alternative options if dental dams are unavailable.
What Do I Do with Lube?
My Secret Luxury video: An explanation of how to use lubricants to promote sexual health.
Why Are There Different Condom Sizes?
Just like clothes, condoms come in various sizes. In order to have safe and pleasurable sex, choosing the right size can make a difference in your sexual experience. Boynton recommends trying out different sizes and types of condoms to find your preference.
Boynton offers three different condom sizes:
- SNUGGER FIT condoms have a smaller ring size for people who prefer a tighter sensation.
- TROJAN condoms have a standard ring size that fits most.
- MAGNUM condoms have the widest ring size. Using a condom that is too big can increase the risk of the condom slipping off during intercourse.
When Should I Use Condoms?
You should use condoms for every type of sex, every time. Condoms will reduce the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Condoms will also reduce the risk of pregnancy during vaginal sex. Using lube with a condom for any type of sex will reduce the risk of sensitive tissue tearing or condom breakage.
For oral-vaginal and oral-anal sex, a dental dam should be used to reduce the risk of transmission of STIs.
Which Lubricant Should I Use?
There are many different types of lubricants available in the market, and choosing the right one for you can be confusing. The Our Bodies Ourselves website can help you understand which lubricants are the best for you based on your preferences. SHADE offers water-based lubricants, silicone-based lubricants, and flavored lubricants.
Boynton recommends using flavored lubricants for oral intercourse, but not for vaginal or anal intercourse. They may cause irritation to the sensitive tissue of vaginas and rectums.
What If I Am Allergic to Latex?
Boynton provides free Lifestyles Non-Latex condoms, too. You can make a non-latex dental dam out of a latex-free condom, learn how by watching this Brown University Health and Wellness video.
I Have More Questions. Who Can I Talk To?
If you’d like to talk to someone in person, please make an appointment. Or, if you have a question for a nurse, you can call the Boynton Health Nurse Line at 612-625-7900. This number is answered 24 hours a day.