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The Pleasure Playlist

Condoms, dams and lube – how to make barrier methods more pleasurable 

We’ve all heard the saying that sex is more enjoyable without protection, but we’re here to tell you that that’s not true! When used incorrectly, some people think that barrier methods – like condoms and dams – can feel like they reduce friction, intimacy, and pleasure between you and your partners, but when used correctly… oh-my!

Not only do barrier methods reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by acting as a physical barrier between sexual fluids and the body, but they can help elevate your sex life by feeling amazing while you get to the fun stuff, but also give you and your partners the peace of mind of knowing you’re protected. With syphilis and gonorrhea on the rise in WA, it’s important to protect yourself and your partners. We know people want to stay safe and feel good, which is why we’ve made The Pleasure Playlist to show you how to make sure sex is pleasurable while using barrier methods. 

Listen to our carefully curated Pleasure Playlist on Spotify by clicking here!

 

abcdef (use a condom)

abcdef (use a condom)

Did you know that 76% of young people use condoms with casual partners? Condoms are the only form of prevention that can prevent both pregnancy and STI transmission. While many young people use condoms to protect themselves and their partners, there is a common misconception that using condoms means that sex won’t feel as good. Check out our tips below on how to make condom use more pleasurable.

 

Find the right fit

Having an incorrectly sized condom can make sex feel less comfortable, and also increase the risk of the condom breaking or coming off. Every penis is different, it’s important to try different sized condoms to find the size that fits best.  Condoms should fit snuggly, but not be too tight. If it feels uncomfortable, or it’s difficult to stay hard, you may need a larger size. If the condom feels loose or comes off during sex, you may need a tighter fit. 

To make sure you get a perfectly sized condom you can also take measurements. Most condoms will give measurements in length and/or width. To find the perfect fit for you, you will need:

  • String 
  • Ruler/measuring tape

Simply wrap the string around your penis for girth, then from base to tip for length, and measure the length of string for each on a ruler. You can use a measuring tape the same way to figure out the ideal condom size for you.

 

Add lube before the condom

Put a few drops of lube on the penis before putting on the condom to increase sensitivity and pleasure. Not all lubes are made the same or are suitable for all situations, so for details on which lube is best for you check out our section on lube below.

 

Think about the benefits

Using condoms can also have mental benefits too! For example, some people feel more relaxed because they’re less worried about pregnancy or STIs, allowing them to enjoy sex to the fullest and be more present in the moment, meaning you can have more fun without worrying. Using condoms can also delay orgasms for the person wearing it, so penetrative sex may last longer.

 

Put the condom on in a sexy way

Putting on a condom doesn’t have to be an awkward experience. You can make putting a condom on fun and sexy and involve your partners, like by putting it on together, incorporating it into foreplay, making sure it is on-hand before you begin, and so many other options!

In need of a condom? You can buy bulk packs in a variety of sizes from our store, or find the size for you with our Find Your Right Fit pack!

It's about dam time

It’s about dam time  

Dams are thin latex or polyurethane sheets used during oral sex to act as a barrier between the mouth and the vagina or anus. They are made of very thin material to maximise pleasure. Some people who find direct clitoral/anal stimulation to be too intense may prefer using dams as it diffuses sensation, resulting in a more pleasurable experience.

 

How to use a dam: 

  • Carefully open the dental dam packaging 
  • Place the dam flat over the vulva or anus 
  • Have oral sex! 
  • Throw away the dam after one use

If you find you need a fresh dam, use a new one. Do not flip the dam over and lick the side that was against the anus or vagina – this may lead to STI transmission.

 

A little lube goes a long way

Put a few drops of lube on the vulva/anus before using the dam, to increase sensitivity and pleasure. Another little hint is you can either buy flavoured dams or put some flavoured lube on the outside of the dam so the person giving oral can have a bit more sensation at the same time!

 

Where do you find them?

We’ve got good news for you, you can buy dams directly from our store, available in packs of 25, 50, or 100, so you never have to go without when the mood is right!

Dams can be found at some pharmacies but are less readily available than condoms. If you’re in a pinch, you can make a dam out of a condom. Check the link below to see how:

Until I found lube

Until I found lube  

Using lube can make sex more pleasurable and gets things moving… literally. The vagina does self-lubricate, however, everyone’s body is different and may vary daily so it’s not uncommon for people to experience vaginal dryness. This can cause discomfort during sex and may lead to small tears in the vaginal wall which increase the risk of HIV/STI transmission. For people having anal sex, the rectum does not self-lubricate which can cause discomfort for the bottoming partner and increase the risk of HIV/STI transmission.  

Lube can help with all of this! It can make sex more pleasurable by reducing friction and helping things move more smoothly. It can also reduce the risk of condoms and dams breaking, so not only does it feel better, but it also helps to keep you and your partners safe.

 

Which lube is best for you?

There are lots of different types of lube and what people choose to use is often down to personal preference. Lubes vary in texture, flavour and how frequently you may need to reapply. When using barrier methods such as condoms and dams only use silicone or water-based lube (oil or lotion can make condoms break more easily). If you’re using silicone sex toys only use water-based lube, as silicone lube can break down the material and degrade the toy over time. To find out which lubes are best for you, check out the table below:

  Water-based  Silicone  Oil  
  Use with condoms and dams   
  Use with silicone sex toys      
  Use in the shower      
  Lasts a long time      

Some people prefer to use silicone lube as it lasts longer (particularly for anal sex), whereas others prefer the lighter feel of water-based. We encourage everyone to try different types of lube to see which ones they like best. It can also be helpful to have a couple of different lubes at home so you can choose the best one for what kind of sex you’re having. For example, using silicone lube in the shower (as it doesn’t wash away like water-based or oil lube), but using a water-based lube with silicone sex toys.

In a pinch, it’s easiest to use the opposite lube for the situation you’re in. Use silicone based lube in and around water, use water-based lube when playing with silicone, and keep the oils for massages and foreplay.

 

Check for sensitivity  

Because you are using lube in areas where the skin may be sensitive, it can be a good idea to try out the lube before using it with a partner. Use a couple of drops to test out how the lube feels and notice if there is any sensation of tingling, itching or stinging. Some lubes are designed to heat, cool, numb, and more, so make sure to test these lubes in a controlled environment first. You don’t want to jump straight to using a heating lube to find it’s too hot for the bedroom!

If you want to get wet and wild but not sure where to start, why not slide on over to our store and grab some lube? Better to be prepared than be caught high-and-dry!

Want to share The Pleasure Playlist so everyone can enjoy the music? Why not check out our resources below, including posters, social posts, pamphlets and more, and of course make sure to head on over to Spotify and give the playlist a listen too!