Barriers During Oral Sex: The Wise Choice

Oral sex does not equal safe sex! Although many popular myths suggest that oral sex is problem free, oral sex can and does lead to the spread of STIs. Despite the dangers involved, most high school and college students who engage in oral sex fail to utilize the contraceptive methods available to reduce their chances of STIs. As a result, viral and bacterial STIs spread from mouth to genital contact, sometimes cause many severe health problems, including oral cancer. To decrease the hazards associated with oral sex, people should begin to use male condoms and dental dams if they choose to engage in oral sex.

Common Infections Spread Through Oral Sex:

Many STIs including gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, HPV and HIV can be transmitted by mouth to genital contact. Although most bacterial pathogens like gonorrhea and chlamydia can be treated successfully with antibiotics, viral infections are generally more difficult to cure and often lead to serious health problems.

The HPV virus is one of the most common STIs transmitted through oral sex, and it is responsible for many tongue and throat cancers found today. According to researcher Ben Harder from his study on oral sex linked to mouth cancers, "HPV related cancers contracted as a result of oral sexual contact now make up over half of non-smoking related head and neck cancers within the United States" (Harder 2007). If left untreated, oral cancer caused by HPV can result in serious health complications and even death. HIV can also be transmitted through oral sex. Like oral HPV, this viral infection is very difficult to treat, and it is life threatening.

Why Young Oral-Sexers Fail to Use Contraception:

Despite the risks involved with oral sex, most high school and college students who do oral sex never use any contraceptive devices. In her study conducted at Boynton University, Jamie VanGeest (2005: 1) noted that "out of the 75.3 percent of students who have engaged in oral sex, only 2.9 percent have used a condom or dental dam." The excuses that individuals provide for neglecting contraception are numerous: They include the false belief that STIs cannot be spread via mouth to genital contact and a rather narrow focus on avoiding pregnancy as the primary goal. Even though mouth to genital contact does not lead to pregnancy, barrier methods are crucial if an individual wishes to minimize the chances of STI contraction.

Available Contraceptive Options:

Male condoms are very effective against STI transmission when used properly, (which is well worth learning) . Male condoms are generally made of latex, and they are used when oral sex is being performed on a man. For individuals who dislike the taste of latex, these contraceptive barriers can also be found in a variety of different fruit and spice flavors. Even though male condoms can help men who choose to engage in oral sex protect themselves from STIs, many choose not to use them. This is because some men believe unwrapping and positioning male condoms will only cause an awkward disruption during oral sex. Individuals concerned about the clumsy delay that these contraceptive barriers could potentially generate should ask their partner to roll the condom on for them, rather than doing it by themselves. If a couple practices this collective activity together, they will learn not to view condoms as an awkward interruption during oral sex.

Dental Dams are another contraceptive method available for protection against STIs. Dental dams are essentially small square pieces of latex that are applied to the female genitalia prior to oral sex. To properly put on dental dams, individuals must place them on the outside of the partner's vulva. Once individuals correctly fit the dental dam on the vulva, they can add a lubricant to increase the partner's genital sensitivity. Like male condoms, dental dams also come in a variety of different flavors and flavored gels can be used too. Although dental dams are an important barrier against STIs during oral sex, these devices can be difficult to find. Fortunately dental dams can easily be produced by altering a male condom.

Concluding Remarks:

Since oral sex can lead to the transmission of STIs, people who engage in oral sex should use male condoms and dental dams. By practicing safe oral sex, each of us can help safeguard the health of our partners and ourselves.

References:

Harder, Ben. "Oral Sex Linked to Mouth Cancers." U.S News & World Report Journal
143(2007): 70.

VanGeest, Jamie. "Boynton says students unaware of oral sex dangers." Minnesota Daily
21 October 2005: 1.