There are many ways that STIs can be passed on, including through oral sex. The CDC lists chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and HIV as STIs that can be spread this way.
Most STIs can be treated if they are diagnosed early. So it’s important to visit your GP or local sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic as soon as possible.
Herpes
Oral sex, also known as fellatio or cunnilingus, involves putting the penis in the mouth. This type of sex can transmit herpes, hepatitis B, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Symptoms of these infections can include sores in the throat and genital area, a rash on the skin, and fever. If not treated, these STIs can lead to serious health problems.
Oral sex can also spread syphilis, which is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. It causes sores in the mouth, throat, genitals, and anus. This infection can also spread to the brain and heart. It can cause severe nerve damage and death. Symptoms of syphilis include swollen lymph nodes, reddened or tender skin, and low-grade fever.
It is possible to get an STI from oral sex, but it depends on the type of STI and how many sex acts were performed. To reduce the risk, always use a condom or dental dam during oral sex. You can use a non-lubricated latex or plastic (polyurethane) condom for this purpose, or you can cut open a regular condom to make a square. It is also important to avoid sharing sex toys, and to have regular STI testing. These tests are free and easy to obtain in many communities.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) is a bacterial STI that can cause genital infections and infertility in both men and women. Symptoms can range from a sore throat to discharge from the urethra or penis, and a burning sensation when urinating. It can also lead to complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease and erectile dysfunction. Symptoms of chlamydia may be difficult to detect, but the infection is easily treated with antibiotic medicine.
People can get chlamydia by having unprotected vaginal or anal sex. They can also get it by sharing sex toys with an infected partner or touching their genitals with a dirty toy. It can also spread through oral sex, causing an infection in the throat or mouth. In rare cases, a person can even get chlamydia by inhaling bacteria from coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms of chlamydia usually show up between one week and three months after unprotected sex. However, it can take longer to develop symptoms, especially in women. Because chlamydia can be spread to other areas of the body, it is important for sexually active adults to get tested regularly for STIs. In addition, everyone should use condoms or dental dams during oral sex and avoid sharing sex toys with an infected person. It is also recommended that couples or friends who have sexual contact discuss their STI history and use barrier methods when they engage in sex.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is spread through sexual fluids, including vaginal lubrication and semen. It can also be spread through anal sex, oral sex, or sharing sex toys. It is common for gonorrhea to not cause symptoms, so people may infect their partners without even knowing it.
There is a risk of passing gonorrhea to a baby during childbirth. This can lead to serious long-term complications, such as infertility and arthritis. It is important to get tested for gonorrhea regularly and to use condoms and dental dams whenever possible.
You can catch STIs such as chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis B from oral sex that is not protected by a condom or dental dam. Symptoms of these infections vary depending on the infection, and include pain-free ulcers or sores in the mouth and throat, genital area, or rectum.
Luckily, most STIs can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics will typically clear up gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. But if you get these infections, it is important to tell your recent partners so that they can get tested and treated as well. After you finish treatment for an STI, it’s a good idea to wait seven days before having unprotected sex again. This will give the antibiotics time to clear up any remaining bacteria.
HIV
While oral sex does not increase the risk of pregnancy, it can still cause certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These include herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. In addition, HIV can be passed through oral sex. Symptoms of most STIs don’t show up until the underlying infection is full-blown. Consequently, it is important to visit a clinic for STI testing regularly. This will reduce the risk of having an untreated STI and prevent the spread of other STDs.
Oral sex is a common way to contract STIs, but you can reduce the risk by using barrier methods. Condoms, dental dams, and internal condoms can help to protect against STI transmission during oral sex. These are effective in preventing herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Moreover, most STIs can be cured with antibiotics.
In addition to using barriers, it is essential to limit the number of sexual partners. This will reduce the risk of STI transmission and allow you to get tested regularly. In addition, you should talk to your sexual partner(s) about STIs. This will reduce the likelihood of miscommunication and misunderstandings. Lastly, it is also important to follow all recommended treatment regimens. This will ensure that you get a prompt diagnosis and receive treatment before the infection becomes chronic or more serious. It is also important to practice good hygiene and wash your hands frequently.
