It is a common held belief that oral sex is safe and therefore is also known as “safer sex”. But the fact is a myth and that oral sex has a risk of transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The risk is seen even more in serodiscordant couples where one partner is HIV positive and the other HIV negative. The risk is also great in people who inject drugs and share needles. Unprotected oral sex is safer than unprotected anal and vaginal sex yet there is a risk associated with it. The U.S Disease Control (CDC) classifies it as high risk behavior.

What is oral sex?

It is giving or receiving oral stimulation to the penis, the vagina or the anus. Oral sex in women is known as cunnilingus and that is stimulating a woman with the tongue into her vagina.

What risk to I face when I have oral sex?

If you have an unprotected oral sex then you do have a risk factors associated with it. Many of us are not sure that while having oral sex with the opposite gender there are chances of HIV to be transmitted. Bleeding gums and other teeth diseases can get you close to STDs. Herpes has been said to be transmitted from genitals to mouth and mouth to genitals. You may also have cut or sores in your mouth that could cause harm.

How to make oral sex safe?

Use condoms. The use of latex condoms can make oral sex safe. If you feel it has a rubbery taste than use flavored condoms and thinner condoms. Keep semen and vagina fluid out of the mouth and make sure that your mouth is healthy and clean without gum and teeth problems. There should have no sores or cuts as they are the reason for the infection during oral sex. A lot of care should be taken as regards the hygiene as due to oral sex bacteria can enter a woman’s body both through her private parts and mouth.

You pass on bacteria, cold and flu viruses with exchange of body fluids. There is a risk of transmitting gonorrhea from the penis to the throat and the other way round too. It is always recommended to have you tested after few months of having oral sex.

The only advantage of oral sex is that you cannot get pregnant. You do not lose your “virginity” from oral sex.