Oral Sex and STIs
In recent years, the number of people engaging in oral sex has risen. Some choose to participate in this sexual activity because they do not view oral sex as a loss of virginity. Some also feel that it is a way to avoid STIs and that it is more socially acceptable. However, many are uninformed of the risks that are associated with this sexual activity. Although oral sex does eliminate the threat of unwanted pregnancy, it is still possible to contract STIs, though the danger is significantly less than with penile-vaginal or anal sex.
There are several STIs that can be transferred through oral sex. The STIs that are rarely contracted via oral sex are marked with an asterisk.
Chancroid can be spread from skin to skin contact. If a person does make contact with their partner's sore, they must immediately wash their hands thoroughly to lessen the chance of infection. Contact between lips, tongue, hands, and face are common during oral sex and offer many places of opportunity to transmit this STI.
Genital Warts Human Papilloma Virus is most commonly known as HPV. Infections in the throat contracted through oral sex are known to cause cancer of the tonsils and tongue in some people.
Gonorrhea is transmitted through bodily fluids. Therefore, if someone is performing oral sex, he/she can contract an infection in the throat from an infected partner.
Herpes can be easily transmitted from oral sex. It is spread from skin-to-skin contact and no bodily fluids need be involved. It can be passed in both directions, which means that if someone has a sore on their genitals and receives oral sex from a partner, then that person can contract herpes on their mouth. Likewise, if a person is having an outbreak on their mouth and gives oral sex to a partner, the receiver can pick up the STI.
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus can be contracted if someone is receiving oral sex, however it is much more common to acquire while performing. When a woman is on her period, her partner is more likely to become infected when giving her oral sex. After the virus enters the blood stream of a newly infected person, the levels of the virus in that person's system increase over the years. Someone who is in later stages of AIDS has higher levels in their blood, and therefore has a higher probability of transmitting the virus to partners. The amount of the HIV virus in the blood, known as the viral load, is also unexpectedly high at the first stage of infection.
NSU [Non-specific Urethritis]*
Yeast Infections*
Conclusions:
Many oral infections are asymptomatic, but warning signs can be anything from a sore throat to a cold sore. When in doubt, a person should get tested in order to both cease worry and prevent passing the disease to future partners.
There is a simple way of avoiding these STIs and that is: protection. When performing fellatio on a man, use a condom. When performing cunnilingus on a woman, use a dental dam. If a dental dam is unavailable, a cut-open condom is just as effective. Also, it is best to avoid this sexual activity after recent dental work or when cuts and sores are present in the mouth. These skin breakages allow an easier path for the infections to enter the body and go straight into the blood system. Although the hazard of contracting STIs is significantly less during oral sex than with penile-vaginal or anal sex, the risk still exists and we suggest being as safe as possible.
References:
"Chancroid." Plannedparenthood.org. 2008 <http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/stds-hiv-safer-sex/chancroid-21687.html>
Crooks, Robert, & Baur, Karla. Our Sexuality, Tenth Edition. Belmont: Thomson, 2008.
"FAQ." Avert.org. 30 July 2008 <http://www.avert.org/faqother.htm#q8>
Halpern-Felsher, Cornell, Kropp, & Tschann. "Oral Versus Vaginal Sex Among Adolescents: Perceptions, Attitudes, and Behavior." Pediatrics 115.4. (2005): 845-851.
Masters, Coco. "Oral Sex Can Add to the HPV Cancer Risk." Time 11 May 2007
"Oral Sex and STIs." Brown.edu. 5 September 2008 <http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/sexual_health/sti/oralsex.htm>"What Infections Can I Catch Through Oral Sex?" nhsdirect.nhs.uk. 22 August 2008 <http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=970>
"What is Chlamydia?" Goaskalice.columbia.edu. 2007 http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0471.html