Oral sex risk:
One common question that we get asked is “what are the risks related to oral sex?” We will address the most commonly transmitted infections via oral sex.
The risk to men when receiving oral sex:
The most common infections that are transmitted via oral sex are gonorrhea, syphilis and possibly chlamydia. Often there are no symptoms when people have these infections in the throat. I know it is hard to believe that when you are peeing “razor blades” that your partner had no symptoms in their throat.
If someone has herpes simplex on the mouth (cold sores) this could pass to the genitals. Herpes is most infectious when a sore is present to when it is completely healed back to good skin. There is some risk of shedding the virus when there is no sore. A good resource for Herpes information is www.herpesresourcecenter.com
The risk from HIV is considered extremely low. STD’s such as herpes or syphilis could increase the risk of HIV.
Risk for the person performing oral sex on a woman:
The STD risks could be herpes, syphilis and possibly hepatitis B. Even if a woman had chlamydia or gonorrhea it would be difficult to pass these infections to the throat of the person performing oral sex.
The risk from HIV is considered extremely low. STD’s such as herpes or syphilis could increase the risk of HIV.
The risk to a woman when receiving oral sex:
Again the main concern would be from herpes and syphilis.
Risk to the person performing oral sex on a man:
The most common infections that can pass to the throat are gonorrhea, syphilis and possibly chlamydia.
HIV is a known risk but is considered very low. Ejaculate (cum) in the mouth could increase the risk if you have open sores, bleeding gums or a throat infection.
Hepatitis B is also a possible risk.
What risk is OK for me?
This is a very individual question and everyone has to make up their own mind of what risk is acceptable. For example someone could have lower risk sexual contact but if they did get an STD the impact on their personal life would be problematic. I.e. someone with a steady partner, who contracts gonorrhea through oral sex, while easily treated, may have issues to consider regarding steady partner e.g. will they need treatment. So there are infection risks but also “social risks” to consider when deciding what type of sex you are having.
What symptoms would I notice?
Urethritis means inflammation of the urethra (pee tube). It can be caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia or other pathogens. The most common symptoms include burning when you pee, discharge from the penis and an itch or “awareness” in the urethra. If someone has urethritis, and tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea are negative, then it is commonly called non gonococcal urethritis (NGU). They are all easily treated with antibiotics.
Syphilis: May have a non-painful open sore and/or a rash on the trunk or palms.
Herpes: Usually painful open sores.
Sometimes a sore throat could be caused by gonorrhea.
Remember most STD/HIV show no symptoms, which is why we always recommend regular testing.
In summary:
•Oral sex is lower risk than vaginal or rectal sex.
•That it is impossible to look at an individual and determine if they have any infection.
•Most STD’s do not show symptoms so it is a good idea to get regular testing.
•Infectious such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are 100% curable, but if left untreated can cause irreversible damage to the body.
•Hepatitis B vaccination will protect you and is free at our clinics or your public health unit.
•We know that it can be embarrassing to discuss these issues, but remember our clinics offer confidential testing and we are use to discussing these topics.
•To reduce your risk of oral sex men can wear condoms and dental dams can be used for vaginal contact.
Feed back or questions are welcome.
Health Nurse
www.stdresource.com
One common question that we get asked is “what are the risks related to oral sex?” We will address the most commonly transmitted infections via oral sex.
The risk to men when receiving oral sex:
The most common infections that are transmitted via oral sex are gonorrhea, syphilis and possibly chlamydia. Often there are no symptoms when people have these infections in the throat. I know it is hard to believe that when you are peeing “razor blades” that your partner had no symptoms in their throat.
If someone has herpes simplex on the mouth (cold sores) this could pass to the genitals. Herpes is most infectious when a sore is present to when it is completely healed back to good skin. There is some risk of shedding the virus when there is no sore. A good resource for Herpes information is www.herpesresourcecenter.com
The risk from HIV is considered extremely low. STD’s such as herpes or syphilis could increase the risk of HIV.
Risk for the person performing oral sex on a woman:
The STD risks could be herpes, syphilis and possibly hepatitis B. Even if a woman had chlamydia or gonorrhea it would be difficult to pass these infections to the throat of the person performing oral sex.
The risk from HIV is considered extremely low. STD’s such as herpes or syphilis could increase the risk of HIV.
The risk to a woman when receiving oral sex:
Again the main concern would be from herpes and syphilis.
Risk to the person performing oral sex on a man:
The most common infections that can pass to the throat are gonorrhea, syphilis and possibly chlamydia.
HIV is a known risk but is considered very low. Ejaculate (cum) in the mouth could increase the risk if you have open sores, bleeding gums or a throat infection.
Hepatitis B is also a possible risk.
What risk is OK for me?
This is a very individual question and everyone has to make up their own mind of what risk is acceptable. For example someone could have lower risk sexual contact but if they did get an STD the impact on their personal life would be problematic. I.e. someone with a steady partner, who contracts gonorrhea through oral sex, while easily treated, may have issues to consider regarding steady partner e.g. will they need treatment. So there are infection risks but also “social risks” to consider when deciding what type of sex you are having.
What symptoms would I notice?
Urethritis means inflammation of the urethra (pee tube). It can be caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia or other pathogens. The most common symptoms include burning when you pee, discharge from the penis and an itch or “awareness” in the urethra. If someone has urethritis, and tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea are negative, then it is commonly called non gonococcal urethritis (NGU). They are all easily treated with antibiotics.
Syphilis: May have a non-painful open sore and/or a rash on the trunk or palms.
Herpes: Usually painful open sores.
Sometimes a sore throat could be caused by gonorrhea.
Remember most STD/HIV show no symptoms, which is why we always recommend regular testing.
In summary:
•Oral sex is lower risk than vaginal or rectal sex.
•That it is impossible to look at an individual and determine if they have any infection.
•Most STD’s do not show symptoms so it is a good idea to get regular testing.
•Infectious such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are 100% curable, but if left untreated can cause irreversible damage to the body.
•Hepatitis B vaccination will protect you and is free at our clinics or your public health unit.
•We know that it can be embarrassing to discuss these issues, but remember our clinics offer confidential testing and we are use to discussing these topics.
•To reduce your risk of oral sex men can wear condoms and dental dams can be used for vaginal contact.
Feed back or questions are welcome.
Health Nurse
www.stdresource.com