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!
The tricky thing about Chlamydia is that most people who contract the infection are asymptomatic – they don’t have any symptoms at all! Half of men and one in three women do not experience symptoms. For people who do get symptoms of Chlamydia, it can include
- painful urination
- painful ejaculation
- pelvic pain
- unusual discharge
Like all bacteria, Chlamydia will multiply when left untreated. If an infected person does not get tested and treated, the infection can spread in their bodies causing irreversible damage to their reproductive organs and can lead to infertility. Chlamydia will get worse if untreated even if a person never experiences symptoms. Fortunately, a test for Chlamydia is very easy and straight-forward – a urine test. A person can leave a sample of urine at the clinic and receive results in a few days. Make an appointment for a Chlamydia test or any other STI testing at Teen Clinic by calling 303.442.5160.
Yes, many STIs can be transmitted through unprotected oral sex. Chalmydia & Gonorrhea can infect the throat, causing a sore throat. HPV has been linked to mouth and throat cancer when the virus is transmitted via oral sex. Herpes Type II (genital herpes) can be transmitted to the mouth, leading to cold sores on the outside of the mouth. Herpes Type I (oral herpes) can also cross-transmit, causing cold sore outbreaks on the genitals. Since there is a great risk for transmission it’s very important for you and a partner to get tested for any STIs. Until you’ve ruled out infection, always use a condom or a dental dam every time you engage in oral sex.
Only some STIs are completely curable. STIs that cannot be cured, however, can be treated. When we say that STIs are treatable we mean that symptoms can be soothed and managed, but the infection cannot be cured. STIs that are curable can go away completely with the right medication. Curable STIs are the bacterias: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis; and the parasites: Trichomoniasis, Pubic Lice & Scabies. Bacterial infections are cured with antibiotics. Parasitic infections are curable with various shampoos, creams, and medications.
The viral STIs cannot be completely cured, but their symptoms and effects can be managed and treated. Herpes, HPV, HIV, Hepatitis A, B, C can be managable infections. If you or someone you know is concerned about any STIs, make an appointment at one of our Teen Clinics for free and confidential testing and treatment. Remember, the best treatment is prevention and partner communication.
Chlamydia is the most common reported STI among youth in the US. Medical providers must report all the cases of Chlamydia they see, so the government has good data on how common Chlamydia really is. It’s the most common STI among youth in Boulder County too. Other than that, HPV and Herpes are very common. About 1 in 3 adults have genital Herpes (Type II). We don’t have a solid statistic for how many people contract HPV, but the CDC estimates that 50% of sexually active men and women will contract HPV at least one time in their life.
Teen Clinic offers free and confidential STI testing. If you or someone you know is at risk for an STI, call us at 303.442.5160.
All STIs infect the genital area. Most of them can also infect the mouth and throat if they are transmitted through unprotected oral sex. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can infect the throat, causing soreness. Syphilis sores can appear on the inside of the mouth. High risk strains of HPV have been linked to mouth and throat cancer. Herpes can cross transmit between the genitals and the mouth, so it’s possible to get Herpes Type II on the mouth or Type I on the genitalia. Hepatitis A is only transmitted through oral-fecal contact that can occur through anal stimulation by mouth.
Using a male condom or dental dam can help reduce the risk of STI transmission during oral sex if one partner is infected. It’s also important to talk with a partner before any sexual contact about STI testing, protection, and past sexual histories. We know this can be difficult sometimes, but we hope you’ll find it that taking away the risk of STIs makes for a positive sexual experience.
