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Can I get an STD from Oral Sex?

Dear STD Advice,
I always use protection for intercourse, but never have for oral sex. Yet recently I heard of someone who got an STD from oral sex. Is that possible? ~ Orally Confused

Dear Orally Confused,
It is definitely possible to catch an STD simply from unprotected oral sex. In fact, several STDs can be transmitted via oral sex including herpes, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

In some cases, HIV can also be transmitted during oral sex. Here's what the CDC says about that:

It is possible for either partner to become infected with HIV through performing or receiving oral sex. There have been a few cases of HIV transmission from performing oral sex on a person infected with HIV. While no one knows exactly what the degree of risk is, evidence suggests that the risk is less than that of unprotected anal or vaginal sex.

If the person performing oral sex has HIV, blood from their mouth may enter the body of the person receiving oral sex through

> the lining of the urethra (the opening at the tip of the penis);

> the lining of the vagina or cervix;

> the lining of the anus; or

> directly into the body through small cuts or open sores.

If the person receiving oral sex has HIV, their blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), or vaginal fluid may contain the virus. Cells lining the mouth of the person performing oral sex may allow HIV to enter their body.

The risk of HIV transmission increases

> if the person performing oral sex has cuts or sores around or in their mouth or throat;

> if the person receiving oral sex ejaculates in the mouth of the person performing oral sex; or

> if the person receiving oral sex has another sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Not having (abstaining from) sex is the most effective way to avoid HIV.

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Only a physician can properly diagnose whether or not you have an STD. Thus it is important that you get an STD test done if you have a concern. None of the advice given in this column is a substitute for physician advice.

If you think you may have a sexually transmitted disease, you should see a physician immediately to be properly diagnosed and treated. You should not try to diagnose or treat symptoms on your own.

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