Many people find oral sex as an alternative to penetrative sex to avoid the risk of pregnancy. As per a survey, about 85% of the people engaged in sexual activity have tried oral sex with their partner of the opposite sex. While it can avoid pregnancy, can it really avoid STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) risk?
As per medical experts, oral sex poses as much risk as penetrative sex when getting infected with STDs. What is oral sexually transmitted disease? STD risk in oral sex is far greater in oral sex as it is often unprotected, and people hardly think about protection during oral sex.
What is oral sex?
Oral sex, as described by experts, is the use of lips and tongue on a partner’s genitals (penis, vagina, or anus) for sexual pleasure. However, different technical terms are used to describe kinds of oral sex.
- Fellatio – Oral contact with the penis
- Cunnilingus – Oral contact with the clitoris, vulva, or vaginal opening
- Anilingus – Oral contact with the anus
What is Oral Sexually Transmitted Disease?
Understanding what oral sexually transmitted diseases are can lead to better adoption of protective methods.
There are different types of sexually transmitted diseases that pass from person to person during sexual contact, oral sexually transmitted disease passes during oral sex. This can be diseases like Herpes, Chlamydia, and many other infections. Generally these diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Even top sexologists in Noida, Gurugram, New Delhi and other such places also recommend people to adhere the utmost care during oral sex and not to go reckless.
What are the STDs that One Can Obtain From Oral Sex? Are they really risky?
The STD risk from oral sex is obviously lower than vaginal or anal sex. However, the risk is still there. Unprotected oral sex can lead to several STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, and HPV. All these diseases can be transmitted from one person’s mouth to their partner’s genitals and true for vice versa as well.
Some STDs can pose severe health problems, while others may not be as severe. Chlamydia, for example, does not always present symptoms from the beginning, but it can cause health and fertility issues without any notice. Some other disease like herpes is incurable at the moment. It may require lifelong treatment.
HPV, which causes the development of abnormal cells, is another well-known disease that is always present as a potent STD risk during oral sex. In the worst case, it can lead to cervical cancer. In some instances, as seen in some cases, it can also cause mouth and throat cancer.
The Ways to Protect From STDs During Oral Sex
Both parties involved in oral sex can protect themselves from the STD risks by using condoms and dental dam. The penis should be covered entirely with condoms. Each time you use a condom, it must be discarded and replaced with a new one for both oral and penetrative sex.
Dental dams can protect the vulva and vagina or anus. Either you can buy it from the market or make your own dental dam by cutting the tip and the ring band off a condom. After that, you can cut it open and lay it flat.
A crucial point to remember is that you must not use condoms containing spermicide to make dental dams. It is advised that spermicide shouldn’t be consumed. Also, dental dams should only be used once and then thrown right away after every single use.
The Final Words
There are a lot of severe diseases that one can obtain through oral sex. However, using barriers during oral sex can reduce the chances of STDs. But, this will not eliminate the risk of skin-to-skin diseases such as syphilis and herpes. That is why it is recommended to practice safe and protected oral sex. This safe practice can reduce the risk of oral sex STDs by up to 85%.
Unprotected oral sex, on the other hand, puts you at risk for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases. Consider telling your doctor about any unprotected oral sexual activity that takes place with your partner. The expert may want to examine your throat as part of a routine STD screening.
Lastly, it is recommended to consult the Sexologist in Noida to ensure reducing the risks of any sexual disorder.