A study conducted in Singapore found that 85 per cent of sexually active adults have had oral sex at least once with their partner, suggesting that oral sex is one of the most common sex acts many couples engage in.
Oral sex involves using the tongue, lips, or mouth to stimulate your partner’s anus (anilingus), vagina (cunnilingus), and penis (fellatio).
With that being said, there are still many misconceptions and myths about oral sex. In this article, we will address some of them.
I do not have to worry about spreading infections and germs
Many STDs, such as genital and oral herpes, can be transmitted via oral sex. Like any STD, the risk of contracting it is dependent on the type of STD, number of sexual partners, and type of sex. It is possible to contract an STD in several areas at the same time. Some of the truths worth noting about STDs before you engage in oral sex include:
- Some STDs are known to be infamously silent, developing without displaying symptoms until it is too late.
- You can get STD in the throat and oral region if you perform oral sex on an individual with STD at their genital or anus.
- You can get STDs in the genital region if you have gotten oral sex from an individual with STD in their oral region.
If you assumed that oral sex is safe, you assumed wrongly!
The risk of contracting HIV from oral sex, whether on the giving or receiving end, is definitely lower than from vaginal or anal sex. However, a risk is still a risk, nonetheless.
I do not need to consider any STD tests if I only have oral sex
There are a number of STDs that can be spread via oral sex, such as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Syphilis, and Trichomonas. It is vital to consider regular STD tests if you engage in regular oral sex. It is possible that certain STDs, such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia, in the throat may not be as severe as contracting either in the genital area.
However, it increases the chances of damaging the throat barrier, which might lead to other severe issues, such as neck or oral cancers. Although the risk of contracting incurable STDs, such as HSV or HIV, via oral sex is low, it does not mean that one is absolutely free from the risk. Do not take the risk of unprotected sex, even if it is just oral sex.
Oral sex is safer than other types of sex
The thing is that most couples engaging in oral sex will also be involved in other sexual intercourse, such as anal and vaginal sex. Hence, it is hard to say which practice is safer than the others. Oral STDs, such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia, pose a higher risk of systemic disease due to the two being less tested as compared to other STDs.
When left untreated, the risk of contracting HIV increases. All in all, there is no such thing as oral sex being safer than anal or vaginal sex. Sex, in general, increases your risk of contracting and transmitting STDs, even if you are in a monogamous relationship.
What are the risk factors for contracting STDs through oral sex, and how to reduce those risks?
Several risk factors include:
- Having poor dental or oral hygiene, such as tooth caries, periodontal disease, and gum disease.
- Open sores or wounds in the genital or mouth region.
- Exposure to body fluid, whether it is the actual ejaculation or pre-ejaculation stage.
The best way to prevent STDs is to avoid having sex. However, we know that it might not be possible. As such, here are some ways to lower your risk level:
- Practise safe sex by using barrier contraception
- Have long-term monogamous relationships
- Avoid having too many sex partners
- Conduct regular STD screenings and testing
- Get vaccinated for HPV immunisation
Conclusion
Oral sex is not as safe as many assume. It is crucial to remember that many STDS do not display warning signs and symptoms. As such, they often go unrecognised and untreated for many years, causing many people to be infected unknowingly.
Here at Elyon Clinic, we educate our patients on the ideal sex practice, ensuring that they have a safe and healthy sex life. We provide comprehensive and extensive STD screenings and testing. Contact us to inquire more!
