Several sexually transmitted diseases can be spread through oral sex. These include herpes, chlamydia, and syphilis. Those who engage in oral sex should use condoms and dental dams to protect themselves.
The risk of getting an STI or passing it on through oral sex is low. However, it’s important to practice safe sex and use barrier methods for all sexual activities.
Chlamydia
The bacteria Chlamydia can be spread through oral sex, which involves using the mouth and tongue to stimulate genital tissue. It can also be transmitted by a woman’s vaginal secretions and ejaculate when engaging in anal or vaginal sex. The disease can cause a number of serious complications for women, including infertility, cervical cancer, and miscarriage. It can also be passed on to newborns from infected mothers during childbirth.
Oral sex can also be a risk factor for the STI Gonorrhea, which is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea can be transferred through semen and vaginal fluids, as well as skin-to-skin contact. It can also be passed through a woman’s cervix during vaginal and anal sex, and from a man to a partner during oral sex or to a newborn baby through pregnancy or childbirth.
It’s important to use a barrier method like condoms or dental dams when performing oral sex. In addition, it’s essential to have regular STI screenings with all new sexual partners. Many STIs have no symptoms and can be undetected, so it’s vital to get tested regularly. If you have a positive test result, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for antibiotics. These medications can treat and prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STIs. They’re available at your local GP surgery, sexual health clinics, and online.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another sexually transmitted disease that can be spread through oral sex. Sometimes referred to as the “clap,” it affects both men and women and causes infection of the throat, urethra (where urine exits), and rectum. For some, symptoms include a sore throat and rectal discharge. It can also cause a burning sensation with urination and can result in a swollen or painful penis. For women, it can also cause infections of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and cervix.
People can catch and transmit gonorrhea, as well as chlamydia and HPV, through oral sex. However, gonorrhea is one of the most common STDs to be caused by unprotected sex. The best way to protect against this infection is by practicing safe sex and using condoms, dental dams, or other barrier methods every time you engage in sex with someone else. Additionally, you should use an at-home gonorrhea test regularly to help decrease your risk of getting and spreading the disease.
Once you have gonorrhea, it’s important to get treatment. Your doctor may recommend that you treat yourself and your sexual partner(s) with antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone or azithromycin. Once you have finished your treatment, it’s essential to avoid oral sex until you have fully recovered and to let your sexual partners know that you have an infection so they can protect themselves.
Herpes
Although it is less common than vaginal or anal sex, oral sex can cause herpes. Herpes is a virus that causes sores in the mouth or throat. It can also spread to the genitals. It can also be passed to other parts of the body, but this is rare. Herpes is a lifelong condition that cannot be cured. However, medication can help ease symptoms.
Herpes can be spread through saliva or mucous, but it is more likely to be transmitted during oral sex. People who have herpes can pass it to others without even realizing it. This is especially true of herpes type 1, which primarily affects the mouth or throat, and herpes simplex virus type 2, which usually causes genital sores. Herpes can also be passed in non-sexual ways, such as when a parent with a cold sore kisses a child on the lips.
Sexually transmitted infections are a serious problem, and it is important to be aware of how they can be caused. While it is not possible to get pregnant from oral sex, there is still a risk of STIs and other infections, so it’s essential to use protection every time you have sex. It’s also a good idea to talk openly with your partner about STDs and how to prevent them. And be sure to get regularly tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and syphilis.
HPV
HPV is a virus that can be caused by oral sex. It can also be spread through anal or vaginal sex and other forms of genital contact. Depending on the strain of HPV, it can cause a variety of symptoms in the mouth, throat and vagina. It can also lead to cervical cancer and other reproductive problems. Some high-risk strains of HPV can also cause a form of throat cancer called oropharyngeal cancer. It can be prevented by using a condom and by practicing safe sex practices.
Some STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be spread through oral sex in the same way as they are transmitted through vaginal or anal sex. However, they may be more likely to be spread through anal sex or through sexual contact other than oral sex. Symptoms of these infections include a red, swollen tongue and a sore throat. They can be diagnosed by a doctor or through an at-home STD test kit.
There are no scientific studies that show whether some types of STIs are more likely to be spread during oral sex or during other types of sex. In any case, it is important to use protection every time that you engage in sexual activity. You can protect yourself by using a condom, dental dam or other barrier method during oral sex. You should also get the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for all preteens and all teens through age 26.
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