Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are great common. As a matter of fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates. that one in five people in the United States has an STI. But there is still so much that is misunderstood. For example, many people hear “STI” and associate it with penetrative sex. But of course there are other forms of sex out there — and other ways of getting an STD. This raises a big question: Can you get an STI from oral sex?
Given that STI rates continue to rise in the US, that’s a fair question. Provisionally Data published by the CDC shows that there were 2.5 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis in the US in 2021; According to the agency, cases of these STIs “show no signs of slowing down.” Condom use is also declining, likely contributing to the rise in STIs.
Basically, now more than ever, you need to be on the alert when it comes to STIs. So can you get an STI from oral sex? That’s the deal.
Is oral sex safe?
“Safe” is a relative term, but when it comes to STDs, experts say oral sex is not safe. “There is no such thing as absolutely safe sex,” she says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences at the Yale School of Medicine. She jokes that the only way to have absolutely safe sex is to “use a vibrator,” and even that comes with its own set of risks.
dr Minkin points out that you can’t get pregnant from oral sex, but you can can have other unintended consequences. That leads us to the next question. . .
Can you get a sexually transmitted disease from oral sex?
Yes, you definitely can. Actually the CDC warns about it online, noting that you can get an STI in or on your mouth, throat, genitals or rectum if you are exposed to an infected partner. You don’t just have to worry about one or two STIs: “Many sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted through oral sex,” says the expert on women’s health Jennifer Broadermd
According to that CDCYou can get STDs through oral sex in the following ways:
- In your mouth or throat after oral sex with a partner who has a genital, anal, or rectal STI
- On your genitals and in your genital area after oral sex from a partner with a mouth or throat infection
- STIs such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and intestinal infections can be transmitted through oral sex and then spread throughout the body
- Oral sex with the anus can transmit hepatitis A and B, along with intestinal parasites such as Giardia and bacteria such as E. coli and Shigella
There are also some factors that can increase your risk of getting an STI from oral sex. dr Wider lists the following:
- sores in the mouth
- bleeding gums
- sores on your genitals
- The mouth comes into contact with infected menstrual blood
Which sexually transmitted diseases are you most at risk for during oral sex?
There are actually many. The CDC lists gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, HIV, HPV, and syphilis.
Here’s a breakdown of STI symptoms to look out for CDC:
chlamydia
You can first get chlamydia in the throat, genitals, urinary tract, or rectum, but most throat chlamydial infections are asymptomatic. However, it is possible to have symptoms elsewhere, which may include:
- Discharge from the vagina or penis
- Burning sensation when peeing
- Painful or swollen testicles
- Rectal pain or discharge
gonorrhea
Like chlamydia, most gonorrhea infections in the throat are asymptomatic. But “you can get a sore throat from gonorrhea, just like a sore throat,” says Dr. Minkin. Other symptoms according to the CDC include:
- Discharge from the vagina or penis
- Burning sensation when peeing
- Painful or swollen testicles
- Rectal pain or discharge
syphilis
Syphilis can be present with no symptoms or result in the following signs, the CDC says:
- Painless ulcers or sores on the lips, mouth, throat, skin, or on or near the genitals or anus
- Rash on trunk, palms and/or soles
- Flu-like symptoms
herpes
As with syphilis, it is possible to have no symptoms with herpes. However, the CDC says you may have:
- Headache or fever when first infected
- Painful or itchy sores on or near the area of infection
HPV
“HPV is a big problem” when it comes to STIs that can be transmitted through oral sex, says Dr. Minkin. In fact, this transmission route is a growing cause of throat and mouth cancer, according to Harvard Health. With HPV, according to the CDC, you may have no symptoms at all, or you may find:
- Warts in the throat, which can cause voice changes, difficulty speaking, or shortness of breath
- Genital or anal warts
- Abnormal changes in the cells of the vagina, cervix or anus detected by clinical examination and testing
- Vaginal, cervical, anal, penile, head and neck cancer
HIV
People with HIV may not have symptoms for many years, the CDC says. However, flu-like symptoms are a first sign of infection.
What are the best ways to protect yourself from STDs while having oral sex?
It’s important to “know your partner’s history” and avoid oral sex on them if they have an untreated STI, says Dr. Contrary.
Condoms can also help with protection, says Dr. Minkin, along with Dental Dams, which are pulled over the vaginal opening or anus like a large piece of plastic wrap. You can also cut a condom into a square and put it between your mouth and your partner’s vagina or anus CDC says.
Experts emphasize the importance of knowing your risk of getting an STI from oral sex and taking the right precautions.