Is Oral Sex Risky? Expert Shares Safety Tips To Follow

The word ‘sex’ used to be a taboo earlier. Even today, in some parts of the world, the taboo remains. But conversations around sexual health are being normalised in today’s world. People are growing more and more aware of sexual wellness and safety. You must have heard that oral sex is often considered safer than penetrative sex, but it is not completely risk-free. Understanding the risks and following basic precautions can help reduce health concerns. But the big question that still dominates people’s mind is – is oral sex risky? Let’s find out.

To get an expert view on this topic, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Chetna Jain, Director Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Sector 14, Gurgaon. Read ahead.

What Are The Risks Of Having Oral Sex?

Oral sex is an act where a partner uses their mouth to stimulate the genitals or genital area of their partner. There are different types of oral sex, like the one which includes the penis (fellatio), another with vagina (cunnilingus), and anus (anilingus) as well. Now let us address the main question – is this sexual act risky? Dr Jain lists down its possible risks for us:

• Transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Mouth or throat infections.
• Sores, ulcers, or gum bleeding increase infection risk.
• Rarely, throat cancers linked to HPV
• Risk increases if there are cuts, sores, gum disease, or recent dental procedures.

Which Diseases Can Oral Sex Spread?

It is widely known how STIs and other infections do spread through oral sex. If one partner is infected, then the other one can contract STI – be it in the mouth, throat, genitals, or rectum. There are several factors which decide how the STIs spread through oral sex, such as the type of oral sex, number of sex acts performed, among others. We ask our expert to shed more light on what kind of diseases can oral sex spread. Dr Jain shares that oral sex can transmit:

• Herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2).
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
• Gonorrhoea.
• Syphilis.
• Chlamydia (less common but possible).
• Hepatitis B.
• HIV (very low risk, but not zero—especially if there are mouth sores or bleeding gums).

Also Read: Can You Get STDs Without Intercourse? Find Out Here

What To Wash Your Mouth With After Oral Sex?

Oral sex is a commonly practiced sexual activity by adults. As per CDC, more than 85% of sexually active adults, between the age 18 and 44 years, reported having oral sex at least once with a partner of the opposite sex. Another separate survey was conducted during 2011 to 2015, which stated that 41% of teenagers aged 15-19 years reported having oral sex with a partner of the opposite sex. So given how common it is, one should be aware of its safety practices as well. One question that is often asked is – what should be used for mouth wash right after oral sex to prevent diseases? Dr Jain jots down her suggestions for us:

• Rinse with plain water or saline (salt water).
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Avoid harsh mouthwashes or antiseptics immediately, as they can irritate tissues and do not prevent STIs.
• There is no guaranteed mouthwash that can prevent infection after exposure — prevention matters more than rinsing.

Is It Safe To Use Condoms During Oral Sex?

You must have heard how prevention is always better than cure. When it comes to sexual activities, condoms play a huge role in acting as a protective tool. People use condoms for penetrative sex, but can they be used during oral sex as well? Our expert answers. Dr Jain says, “Yes, using protection makes oral sex much safer.” She lists down some options for the same:

• Condoms (flavoured condoms are ideal) for oral sex on a penis.
• Dental dams or cut-open condoms are good for oral-vaginal or oral-anal contact.
• “These significantly reduce the risk of STI transmission,” adds the expert.

Who Should Avoid Oral Sex?

Can oral sex cause cancer? Well, some studies say so. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2007 depicted a greater risk for oropharyngeal cancer in people who had had oral sex with at least six different partners. But there are several other factors at play here as well. So oral sex is not always unsafe. But particularly who all should keep a one ‘mouth’ distance from this sexual activity? Our expert explains. Dr Jain shares that oral sex should be avoided if:

• Either partner has active sores, blisters, ulcers, or warts.
• There is gum disease, bleeding gums, or recent dental work.
• One partner has a known untreated STI.
• During active throat or mouth infections.
• If advised by a doctor (to stay away from it) due to immune-related conditions.

Safety Tips To Follow During Oral Sex

Now we know that oral sex is indeed a risky practice, but it still does and maybe will remain a common sexual practice among couples because of how it enhances pleasure. But fret not, here’s when safety precautions should be prioritised. Dr Jain lists down some safety tips to follow during oral sex.

• Use condoms or dental dams.
• Avoid oral sex if there are cuts, sores, or infections.
• Get regular STI screenings.
• Maintain good oral and genital hygiene.
• Avoid brushing or flossing just before oral sex (can cause micro-cuts).
• Communicate openly with your partner about sexual health.
• Consider HPV vaccination (recommended for both men and women).

Also Read: Sex and Cancer: How Intimacy Can Help Your Recovery and How to Navigate It Safely

The Final Word

Oral sex is a commonly practiced sexual activity by adults, but it can spread various diseases and infections. Thus, it is always important to take safety measures like using condoms or dental dams, while engaging in this sexual activity.