Although oral sex is considered as an important part of sex life, it can actually make you very sick. Health experts say that engaging in this type of sexual act may increase your risk for other Sexually Transmitted Infections such as herpes, HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis: Since bacteria and virus from these diseases can be spread through vaginal fluids and semen, orally pleasing an infected partner may give the germs a chance to infect you as well.
In the same way, if you are already infected with STDs or HIV, you should avoid sexual contact with others. If you or your partner has bleeding gums, lesions, and skin ulcers, you increase the chance of getting the disease during the course of oral sex. This is because the virus and bacteria can also be transmitted through cuts, openings, sores, and mucous membranes of the mouth, anus, vagina.
Specifically, If you feel any symptoms of herpes, any sexual contact with your partner should be avoided as herpes can easily be transmitted from genitals to mouth or vice versa. Indulging in sex with an infected person can easily lead to the contraction of STDs. Interestingly, mothers infected with sex infections can pass the disease on to her baby through breast milk, The Times of India reports.
One of the most dangerous myths is probably that orally pleasing your partner is safer than the penetrative sex variety because you can't get an STD from going down on someone. On the contrary, a significant number of STDs can actually be transmitted through oral. Another common STD passed through oral is HPV, which has been associated with oral cancers.
"Because oral sex is seen as a safer alternative, there's growing concern on finding ways to educate and protect against these infections," Toronto-based endodontist, Gary Glassman says. He stresses the importance of getting STD screenings for sexually active partners, the Shape reports. He adds that aside from using protection, it's also important to be aware of both your own oral health and that of your partner as best you can before you engage in oral sex.
