Safety of oral sex

Many people question whether oral sex is really sex. That depends on how you define sex, but one thing is clear: Oral sex isn't inherently safe sex. Oral sex STDs are definitely a risk, at least if you don't take proper precautions. Oral sex is a relatively low-risk activity for HIV transmission, particularly when compared to vaginal or anal sex. However, although such transmission is rare, it is possible to transmit HIV through oral sex. Using latex or polyurethane condoms , female condoms , or dental dams are effective ways to reduce your chances of contracting HIV when engaging in oral sex.

Gonorrhoea, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts and syphilis are among the infections that can be transmitted. Sex is a taboo - leaving people in the dark about how the act can damage their bodies and their partner's. But health experts fear that people are not protecting themselves against Sexually Transmitted Infections, as they do not realise they can be spread orally. The facts are that genital herpes, gonorrhea, and syphillis are the most commonly spread diseases, but chlamydia, HIV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, genital warts and pubic lice can also be transmitted. If your partner has any open sores from genital herpes around the genital region it is best to avoid sexual contact until these have healed. A barrier device such as a dental dam can offer protection against STIs.

Think about it: Oral sex puts you into contact with skin and body fluids—semen, vaginal fluids, blood, urine, feces, breast milk—any of which can contain disease-causing viruses or bacteria… And spitting out these fluids will not protect you from infection. Simple acts like shaving too close and flossing leave tiny cuts that can allow viruses and bacteria to enter the body. Sexually transmitted infections STIs that can be passed from one partner to another through oral sex include herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphillis and Human papillomavirus HPV. There are many brands, styles, types and flavors to choose from, so experiment to find one that works for you.

Oral sex is commonly practiced by sexually active male-female and same-gender couples of various ages, including adolescents. The various type of oral sex practices are fellatio, cunnilingus and analingus. Oral sex is infrequently examined in research on adolescents; oral sex can transmit oral, respiratory, and genital pathogens.