Sure, your partner going down on you is fun, but it’s also fatal for your vagina

Oral sex might sound like fun and games minus all the risks that come with unprotected intercourse but the truth is that it comes with its own set of dangers, contrary to popular belief.

The logic behind safety seems simple enough: No penis, no semen, no baby. What we tend to forget is that the health of our vagina is still on the line. Oral sex involves licking and the vagina, being one of the most sensitive body parts, might be at risk of catching an infection.

How does that work?
Basically, when the saliva interacts with vaginal fluids, it can actually mess with the biome of the vagina due to the presence of bacteria. This might eventually turn your pleasure to pain as you might experience an infection down there.

To elaborate on this very intimate problem we have Dr Krutika Makhija, DNB (OBGY), infertility specialist from Apollo Spectra hospital, Mumbai. Let’s read her take on the risks of oral sex.

Oral sex is riskier than you think, says Dr Makhija
Shockingly, the risk is very high for your vagina if you indulge in an oral sex act. According to our expert, sex might bring the couple closer but we need to be a little cautious about the whole thing since vaginal health on the line here.

“Oral sex is risky as it tends to involve licking the vagina. Hence, one is likely to come in contact with the vaginal fluids and faeces, increasing the chances of STIs. Human papillomavirus (HPV) or genital warts are also commonly seen. HPV is a virus that can affect both males and females. It can be passed on through genital or oral sex,” she explained.

Here are some possible vaginal health risks due to oral sex:

Herpes: It is one of the common STIs that has two types: oral herpes (blisters and cold sores around the mouth or nose) and genital herpes (pain, itching, and small sores on the genitals that turn into ulcers and scabs). One may be infected with one of these STIs if infected fluids come in contact with any sores, cuts, or ulcers one may have.

The fluids can also get into inflamed cells on the lips, mouth, genitals or anus, the membrane of the eye, or the cells of the throat. This contact can allow the fluids to get into the bloodstream and make one sick.

Other infections: Apart from herpes, other infections such as hepatitis A, B, C, gonorrhea, shigellosis, herpes, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis can be passed on through oral sex.

Also read: Even oral sex can lead to an itchy vagina! Here’s how to prevent it

“Consult your gynecologist immediately, if you suffer from STIs or any other infections”, Dr Makhija suggests.

But relax, every problem comes with a solution. Here are some tips that you can practice while indulging in an oral act.

1. Use a dam which is a small thin latex or plastic square that is used to prevent the spread of STIs. Basically, it will act as a barrier between the vagina and the mouth.
2. If you notice that your partner has a throat infection or sores or cuts in the mouth, oral sex should be avoided.
3. If you have any allergy or blisters around your vagina, stay away from oral sex as it can aggravate the problem.
4. Ensure that both of you maintain proper hygiene before engaging in oral sex.

Now, would you call oral sex to be a part of sex practices? Well, we don’t think so.