It’s very possible to transmit and contract STIs through oral sex. It’s hard to estimate the exact likelihood of any individual. One person involved must be infected and there must be skin contact or the exchange of blood, semen and/or vaginal fluids. Some STIs are more likely to be transmitted during oral sex than others. Herpes & HPV are both viral STIs that transmit via skin-to-skin contact. Both viruses present themselves in the mouth and genitals. Herpes can cause cold sores on the outside of the mouth and around the genitals. HPV can cause abnormal cell growth (that can lead to cancer) in the mouth, throat and genitals. It’s also possible to contract Chlamydia or Gonorrhea in the throat through unprotected oral sex. Symptoms are generally a sore throat. Flavored condoms & dental dams exist purely for protected oral sex. Check out your local clinic or pharmacy for condoms & dental dams; be sure to use them every time!

Tags: chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, oral sex