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Though one might think primarily of penetrative intercourse when they consider sexual protection, it is also pertinent during oral sex. Many might ignore this component, but it is an important factor. Can you find dental dams in stores? Believe it or not, they do exist, and if all else fails, Amazon is here to help!
Dr. Shyama Mathews, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, AAGL-certified minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon, and NAMS-certified menopause practitioner, stresses the importance of safety when engaging in oral sex, noting that exchanging bodily fluids or skin-to-skin contact can lead to an STI transmission in either direction. She warns, "An STI can transfer from the genitals or anus to the mouth, as well as from mouth to the genitals or anus.”
In this oral sex safety guide, you'll understand the variety of ways to reduce your risk of STI transmission while engaging in oral sex, such as being aware of one's and partner(s)' STI status, applying protection for cunnilingus, analingus, and fellatio, and emphasizing oral hygiene. Using a sex doll torso for oral sex training is also an effective measure to avoid the risk of pregnancy. Our oral sex dolls are also the best adult toys to experience oral sex.
Which sexually transmitted infections can be contracted through oral sex?
"STIs that are spread through penetrative intercourse can also be contracted through oral sex (oral-to-genital or oral-to-anal contact)," notes Dr. Kecia Gaither, MD, Director of Perinatal Services for NYC Health+ Hospitals/Lincoln and Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cornell Weill Medicine. Examples, according to Dr. Gaither, include:
Trichomoniasis
Herpes
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
It's important to note that STIs may spread in either direction; for example, genital STIs can be passed to another person's mouth, and oral STIs can be transmitted to the other person's genitals, experts explain.
How dangerous is engaging in unprotected oral sex?
The risk of STI transmission through unprotected oral sex isn't zero, according to Dr. Mathews. While the likelihood is lower than for intercourse, it is still possible for a partner to become infected if either participant has an oral or genital STI.
Dr. Kate White, MD, a practicing gynecologist, associate professor of OB/GYN at Boston University, and Women's Health board member, comments that, although there's not much proof, oral sex may carry lower risks than intercourse because of the smaller surface area involved.
It can be difficult to determine the source of an STI. According to Dr. Mathews, those engaging in oral sex are often engaging in other types of sexual activities as well. The safest approach is to use barrier methods of protection for all sex acts, she advises.
What symptoms may indicate an oral STI?
STIs are not the same as family members who come to stay. While your relatives often make their presence felt right away (and give lots of unwanted tips!), STIs typically don't. Contrary to the common belief that STIs usually cause physical symptoms such as bumps and soreness, the reality is that 70% of STIs are typically symptomless, explains Dr. Mathews. This includes oral herpes and throat or mouth infections from a partner's genital area, which often don't make themselves visible.
Though STIs often present with minimal symptoms, they are often mistaken for other illnesses. For example, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils and lymph nodes may be signs of an oral STI, but can be mistaken for dehydration or a cold. Dr. Mathews notes that lesions resembling cold sores, fever blisters, strep throat, and redness with white spots may also indicate an STI. Unfortunately, due to the lack of regular STI screenings in the mouth and throat, these symptoms may be difficult to diagnose.
Meanwhile, Dr. Felice Gersh, MD--a dual board-certified integrative gynecologist and author of PCOS SOS--notes that STI-related symptoms may include stinging while urinating, abnormal discharge, and bumps. However, many are likely to ignore the indicators, thinking they're being caused by factors like menstrual cycle or ingrown hair. Additionally, Dr. White notes that gonorrhea and syphilis may spread to further parts of the body. Thus, remember: What begins in the throat could potentially migrate elsewhere.
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