It is possible to get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from oral sex. Some STIs, such as genital herpes and gonorrhea, develop more commonly from oral sex than other STIs.
It is possible for STIs to pass through oral sex, as oral sex involves close contact and often an exchange of bodily fluids.
STIs spread through contact with bodily fluids or skin containing the STI. Different STIs spread at different rates and through various bodily fluids. The chances of getting an STI depend on a variety of factors.
Worldwide, more than
This article details which STIs can pass via oral sex and how to prevent this.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can pass through vaginal, oral, or anal contact. It is highly contagious and
The primary symptom of genital herpes is blister-like sores on or around the genitals. Depending on the type of herpes, the sores may spread to the thighs, buttocks, or other nearby regions.
Even condoms and other barrier protection methods may not prevent the virus from spreading. This is particularly so if someone has a sore or a blister that is not completely covered by a condom or dental dam.
Herpes is not curable, but medications can manage symptoms.
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Gonorrhea is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact with the vagina, penis, anus, or mouth of a person with an infection.
Many people who have gonorrhea do not have any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear,
- genital discharge
- painful bowel movements
- itching or burning during urination
- white, green, or yellow discharge from the penis
- bleeding between periods
Gonorrhea is treatable, but it can cause serious complications if left untreated, including pelvic inflammatory disease. This syndrome may lead to infertility.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads through vaginal, oral, penile, anal, or skin contact with syphilis sores. The sores may be small or unnoticeable, so the only way for a person to know for sure whether they have syphilis is to get tested.
Syphilis is
In its earliest stage, syphilis presents as many small, blister-like sores. The sores appear where syphilis entered the body, so people who get syphilis from oral sex may have sores on their genitals or near their mouth.
As syphilis develops, it causes rashes and harms the mucous membranes. In later stages, it can cause serious problems in many organs, including the heart and brain.
Chlamydia can pass through vaginal, oral, penile, or anal contact with a person who has the infection.
If a pregnant person has chlamydia, it is possible for them to pass the infection to their child during pregnancy, childbirth, or chestfeeding. This process is known as vertical transmission. Doctors apply antibiotics to the eyes right after birth in newborns because of the risk of vertical transmission.
Most people do not have symptoms. For those who do, genital itching or burning may occur, along with difficulty or pain urinating.
Genital warts are lumps and bumps on or near the genitals due to the human papillomavirus (HPV).
The disease spreads when a person’s skin comes into physical contact with a genital wart. This can occur during any form of sexual contact. It can also occur if sex toys are shared without proper cleaning.
Many people with genital warts have no symptoms, though some have pain and itching near their genitals.
HIV is present in blood, breast milk, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, semen, and pre-seminal fluid. To contract the disease, bodily fluids containing the infection must come into contact with another person’s bloodstream.
Oral sex does not provide direct contact with the bloodstream. For HIV to pass between people during oral sex, the bodily fluids of a person with the infection would need to come into contact with a torn mucous membrane or wound on their sexual partner.
It is also possible to transmit the virus when the person giving oral sex has an open wound in their mouth or another area of the body that comes into contact with the recipient’s mucous membranes or an open wound.
Hepatitis viruses attack the liver. They can
Hepatitis A may pass between people during fecal-oral contact, such as during annalingus or rimming. Hepatitis B may pass through contact with semen and vaginal fluids containing the infection, while hepatitis C pass through blood-to-blood contact.
Symptoms of hepatitis may begin with flu-like symptoms. In some people, the virus can cause acute liver failure or chronic liver problems.
The only strategy that can eliminate the risk of transmitting oral STIs is avoiding all sexual activity, including oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
To reduce the risk while remaining sexually active, a person can:
- getting tested regularly for STIs and asking all partners to do the same
- using barrier methods, such as condoms or dental dams, to reduce the risk of transmission
- avoiding sex with someone who has a visible outbreak of herpes, genital warts, pubic lice, or syphilis
- treating any STIs quickly as prompt treatment can eliminate or reduce the risk of spreading the infection
Sexually active people should talk with a doctor about the risk of oral sex with a person who has the infection. In some cases, there are precautions a person can take to avoid contracting the infection.
In all cases, open communication with a partner and keeping up to date with reliable medical information can help people make wise decisions.