21 августа 2023
The Illusion of Safety: Do You Need to Protect Yourself During Oral Sex?


21 августа 2023
The Illusion of Safety: Do You Need to Protect Yourself During Oral Sex?
## Assessing the risks
The risk of contracting STIs during oral sex depends on several factors, including the specific infection as well as the type and duration of sexual contact. Essentially, the most popular forms of oral sex, such as cunnilingus and fellatio, are almost as risky as unprotected sexual intercourse. The following infections are easily transmitted during oral sex:
- [Syphilis](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=27)
- [Gonorrhea](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=220)
- Genital [herpes](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=217)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
There is a slightly lower chance of acquiring:
- [Chlamydia](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=213)
- Pointed condylomas
- Pubic lice
- [HIV](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=116)
*The risk of HIV transmission during oral sex with an infected partner is much lower than during anal or vaginal intercourse, but it still exists.*
## Special case
In addition to the previously mentioned risks, engaging in oral sex involving the anus (or anilingus) can lead to infection with hepatitis A, B, and C, as well as intestinal parasites such as Giardia, Escherichia coli, and Shigella.
## How to protect yourself
When engaging in oral sex with a partner whose sexual health status is unknown, it is necessary to use protective measures. For example, use a good old condom and a special latex ===napkin. By the way, they come in various flavors. Unfortunately, there are no other ways to avoid infection.
## Double danger
The chances of contracting unpleasant infections during oral sex with an infected partner significantly increase when the following factors are present:
- Throat infections, sores, or ulcers in the mouth, inflammation on the lips or around them
- Blisters, sores, cuts on the skin, rashes, or warts on the genitals or anal opening
- Lip contact with skin that is about to develop a blister or sore
- Menstruation in the partner
- Contact of infected semen or vaginal fluid with the mouth, throat, or surface of the eyes