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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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