The Illusion of Safety: Do You Need to Protect Yourself During Oral Sex?

28 ottobre 2025

1 min di lettura

There is a common misconception that it is impossible to contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during oral sex. What is the reality?

Punti chiave

There is a common misconception that it is impossible to contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during oral sex.
Assessing the risks
Special case

Per chi è

Chi esplora Bacterial and viral infections attraverso STDs, HPV.

Perché è importante

Questo articolo ti aiuta a orientarti rapidamente, per poi passare a una raccolta o serie se vuoi continuare.

Autore dell'articolo

Dr. Mary

Dermatovenerologist

Assessing the risks

The risk of contracting STIs during oral sex depends on several factors, including the specific infection as well as the type and duration of sexual contact. Essentially, the most popular forms of oral sex, such as cunnilingus and fellatio, are almost as risky as unprotected sexual intercourse. The following infections are easily transmitted during oral sex:

Syphilis
Gonorrhea
Genital herpes
Human papillomavirus (HPV)

There is a slightly lower chance of acquiring:

Chlamydia
Pointed condylomas
Pubic lice
HIV

The risk of HIV transmission during oral sex with an infected partner is much lower than during anal or vaginal intercourse, but it still exists.

Special case

In addition to the previously mentioned risks, engaging in oral sex involving the anus (or anilingus) can lead to infection with hepatitis A, B, and C, as well as intestinal parasites such as Giardia, Escherichia coli, and Shigella.

How to protect yourself

When engaging in oral sex with a partner whose sexual health status is unknown, it is necessary to use protective measures. For example, use a good old condom and a special latex napkin. By the way, they come in various flavors. Unfortunately, there are no other ways to avoid infection.

Double danger

The chances of contracting unpleasant infections during oral sex with an infected partner significantly increase when the following factors are present:

Throat infections, sores, or ulcers in the mouth, inflammation on the lips or around them
Blisters, sores, cuts on the skin, rashes, or warts on the genitals or anal opening
Lip contact with skin that is about to develop a blister or sore
Menstruation in the partner
Contact of infected semen or vaginal fluid with the mouth, throat, or surface of the eyes

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