Health risks of oral sex and how to protect yourself: Expert tips

While oral sex can definitely take the pleasure factor up by several notches between the sheets, it needs to be done with utmost care. Oral sex is the mainstay for the couples who fear an unwanted pregnancy due to sexual intercourse. From touching each other’s sensitive points to simply going down on each other, oral sex can definitely add excitement to your sex life. But there’s more to it than just pleasure. There are health risks of oral sex that can be detrimental to your sexual health as well as over health and wellbeing. Poor hygiene and ignoring the risk of STIs from oral sex can make this experience regrettable.

Is oral sex safe?

There is a lack of awareness about oral sex. Oral sex is not a hundred percent safe when it comes to your intimate and general health as it can cause infections, explains gynecologist Dr Sandeep Chaddha. The health risks of oral sex includes sexually transmitted dieses, bacterial infections and vaginal health issues. Read here to know more about how to make oral sex safe for you.

Sexually transmitted diseases spread by oral sex

Here are some of the sexually transmitted diseases that you can catch through oral sex.

1. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

This is a common virus that can affect both men and women. It usually spreads through skin-to-skin contact. This virus can affect the mouth, throat, and genital area, leading to the development of stem-like protrusions or warts on the affected area.

2. Herpes

Another health risk of oral sex is herpes. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, this STI can spread through skin-to-skin contact very easily. In fact, in case your partner has a cold sore around the mouth (oral herpes), they can pass the infection on to your genital area during oral sex and vice versa. Herpes usually leads to sores, itching, and pain in the affected area.

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3. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), this sexually transmitted disease (STD), can be deadly as it attacks the immune system aggressively and can lead to fever, fatigue, recurrent infections, rapid weight loss, etc.

Even though the chances of transmission of HIV through oral sex are highly unlikely, if there’s an open wound/cut in the mouth or the genital area of an infected person, one can get infected as it usually spreads through blood.

4. Syphilis

This is a chronic bacterial disease that can be contracted by coming into direct contact with an infected person during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. There may be sores on your partner’s penis, vagina, anus, in the rectum, on their lips, and on their mouth. That’s exactly what can pass on the infection to you as well.

5. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can be spread through oral or penetrative sex and lead to pain in the genital area and lower abdomen, along with watery/puss-like discharge from the vagina/penis.

Common mistakes during oral sex and how to avoid them

Despite a relatively lower chance of getting an STI through oral sex, many people still manage to get infected, thanks to their carelessness while practicing it.

1. No protection

The most common mistake made by people during oral sex is that they do not use protection while they’re at it. If you choose not to use protection during oral sex, then you should know that the risk of transmission of HIV and other STIs increases, especially if the person performing the act has cuts or sores in his/her mouth, or if the ejaculation of the infected person takes place in the mouth itself.

2. Multiple sexual partners

Another common mistake is having multiple sexual partners or simply not being aware of whether or not your partner is infected already before having oral or penetrative sex with him/her.

3. Neglecting STI tests

If you are sexually active, especially with multiple partners, it is very important to get yourself tests for STIs regularly. This is essential for maintaining your sexual health, and must be followed religiously.

4. Not maintaining hygiene

Not maintaining proper hygiene can also lead to the transfer of bacteria in oral sex. The same is true for sex toys, or other objects that are used. Proper cleaning and storage is crucial.

Also Read: Ladies, oral sex can give you STIs. Here 5 ways to stay protected

Safe practices for oral sex

One of the biggest oral sex safety tips is to use barrier protection every time you have sex, both oral and penetrative. Using dental dams and condoms for oral sex are essential, suggests Dr Chadha. Additionally, another oral sex protection method is that you must try to abstain from having sex until you are emotionally as well as physically ready and have ensured that your partner is not infected. “Don’t hesitate or forget to ask your partner to get tested,” she concludes.

Conclusion

While oral sex is a great alternate to penetrative intercourse, it can result in being highly unsafe is not practiced in the right manner. Ignoring the health risks of oral sex can make this a very dangerous practice. Maintaining hygiene, using protection and getting tested for STIs regularly can make oral sex safe.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of STIs from oral sex?

While STIs can be asymptomatic, there are some symptoms of oral sex STDs and STIs that you might experience. Sores in mouth, sore throat and difficulty swallowing are some of these. Unusual discharge, painful urination and vaginal bleeding can also be tell-tale signs of STIs.

Is oral sex safe if both partners are clean?

The risk of catching STIs and other infections though oral sex is much lower if both the partners are clean. However, regular tests and using barriers is essential.