Embedded Files
By Finley Baker
Last Updated May 30, 2025
Image Description [Vignette style illustration with purple, orange, and red color palette. The purple frame of the vignette features a condam, Lorals, an external condom, internal condom, and glove repeated in different colors in each corner with the text "Finley Baker 2025." Within the vignette, two figures are in an intimate position on a bed with a pink comforter. The figure on top is a clothed fat Asian trans masculine person. They have a vaccine scar and several healing bruises visible. They are wearing a pink shirt with a planet design that says "Take Up Space." He is wearing black latex Lorals. They are straddling their partner's lap and stabilizing themself on the wall. His hair is black, long, and up in a bun. He has a small chin beard. The figure lying on the bed is a thin, dark-skinned Black trans man with blue beads in his hair. He has keyhole top surgery scars, knee replacement scars, a limb length difference, and bunions. His eyes are closed softly and his hand rests on his partner's thigh. His knees and back are supported by multi-colored pillows. Several items are resting on the bed, including a small fan, an open box of Lorals, and an inhaler. There is a wall of crystals, VHS boxes, and records. A dying plant hangs in the corner.]
Y=Yes, recommended use. This isn't to say you can't use any barrier on any body part if you are creative enough, but the effectiveness will be less or nil.
Image Description [Infographic with a table that compares body parts with types of barriers. The header reads "Barrier Methods" with the subtitle "For STI or pregnancy prevention." There is a QR code with a link to this webpage and the caption "Scan for more." The first two columns are titled "What am I covering?" with the rows labelled "larger erectile anatomy & sex toys, mid-size erectile anatomy, small erectile anatomy, internal anatomy, and anus" The types of barriers across the top include external condoms, internal condoms, Lorals underwear, dental dams, and gloves & finger cots." Continue reading below for more information.]
Types of Barriers
Types of Barriers
Tips & Tricks
Some external condoms come with lube (silicone or water-based), so use an unlubricated condom if you are using it with a silicone toy.
External condoms made of latex and non-latex prevent pregnancy & STIs, lambskin condoms only prevent pregnancy
Flavored external condoms and dental dams are meant for STI protection during oral. Flavored external condoms are not meant for internal use.
Plastic wrap as dental dam: “There is a very popular myth that you can’t use microwave safe plastic wrap for oral sex because it has tiny holes to let steam out; this is not true. Microwave-safe plastic wrap simply melts at a higher temperature—so that you can put it over food that gets really hot—but poses no issues as a safer sex barrier” (Safer Sex for Trans Bodies, p. 16)
Internal condoms may or may not fit in post-vaginoplasty neovaginas - the inserting partner may need to cover their genitals instead.
Lorals are a good option if you do not have the hand endurance or dexterity to hold a dental dam. Sadly, they do not have a non-latex option at this time.
If you are using gloves, find a non-powdered option. If you only have access to powdered gloves, wash the power off in the sink like you are washing your hands before using them with someone's body.
See the How to Make Condams page for more information on how to make a combination condom-dental dam out of a glove.
Finger cots are not recommended for anal play, as they can easily slip off and get lost in an anus.
For anal play, external condoms and internal condoms can be used for penetrative sex with a phallus-shaped object, gloves can be used for penetrative sex with fingers, and Lorals/dental dams can be used for analingus.
External Condoms on Toys
External Condoms on Toys
Why would I put an external condom on my toy?
Your toy has a porous surface that can harbor bacteria
You are experiencing BV or yeast infection
You are using a non-traditional object as a toy - a condom will reduce bacteria introduced to your body and may reduce the chance of tissue damage from any rough parts of the object. Note: ALWAYS use a flared base when inserting toys anally.
Easier clean up - if you are camping or want to go to sleep right away after using your toy
Multiple users of the toy - if you have multiple sex partners (casual sex, poly relationships, etc.)
Multiple uses of the same toy - if you are planning to use a toy both vaginally and anally (at separate times)
What kind of condom should I put on my toy?
Glass/metal toys - use un-lubricated or condoms lubricated with any lube. Lubricated condoms often have a small amount of lube on the outside of the condom and in the tip. It can be water-based or silicone-based.
Silicone toys - use un-lubricated condoms or condoms lubricated with water-based lube.
Pro tip: add flat edge cock ring after you put a condom on a toy or a penis if you are experiencing slippage.
Example product here: Tantus Bouy Medium Cock Ring
Resources & References
Resources & References
Trans Sex by Kelvin Sparks (2023, p. 87-90)
How to Use an External Condom - CDC
How to Use an Internal Condom - CDC
Lorals - Latex underwear
How to Use a Dental Dam - CDC
Safer Sex for Trans Bodies - Human Rights Campaign & Whitman-Walker Health
Excellent guide to sexual health topics for trans people, with affirming language and considerations for people who are and aren't seeking medicalized gender affirming care.
Finally! A condom approved for anal sex - San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Charles Orgbon III (2022)
Sex Positions Illustrations (not real bodies)
Sex Positions Illustrations (not real bodies)
St. Luke's: Sex Positions After Joint Replacement - position in illustration inspired by this resource
Women's Health Sex Positions Guide - uses gender neutral language, non-penetrative and three partner options
The Mighty: 5 Disability-Inclusive Sex Positions - inclusive illustrations of disabled folks
Related Topics
Related Topics
Suggested APA 7 Citation
Suggested APA 7 Citation
Baker, F. (2025, May 30). Types of barriers. Disabled & trans sexual health. https://sites.google.com/view/disabled-trans-sexual-health/sex-ed-postcards/types-of-barriers
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