Can You Get a Disease from Oral Sex?

Oral Sex and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

While many view oral sex as the safer alternative to intercourse, recent studies by the Center for Disease Control have proven that sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, and HPV can all be transmitted via oral sex as well.

What is most alarming about this is the long term effects that each of the diseases can cause if not detected and treated early on, including: infertility and cancer.

So, if you are wondering “Can you get a disease from oral sex?” The answer is a resounding YES.

Long Term Health Effects

Herpes

One of the more Common STDs, Herpes can be contracted from both intercourse and oral sex. In addition to its signature painful blisters, Herpes can increase susceptibility to HIV and fatal infections in babies who are born to mothers during an outbreak.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is the number one cause of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women. In men, it can cause epididymitis, or swelling of the testicles, than may lead to infertility. In addition to those disastrous conditions, Gonorrhea also has the potential to move to your joints and cause arthritis.

Chlamydia

For both men and women, the long term effects of untreated Chlamydia are the same. Without treatment, Chlamydia results in infertility for both genders.

HPV

HPV is one the most dangerous and overlooked sexually transmitted diseases. Whether contracted from oral sex or intercourse, HPV has the potential to increase your risk of cancer and cause genital warts. While the strains of HPV that cause those conditions are different, it is not a risk that should be taken lightly.

How to Protect Yourself

While the best way to avoid contracting any type of STD is still avoiding sexual activity, we know that is not realistic. And when asking “Can you get a disease from oral sex?” it is important to know that the answer is yes. Many health organizations recommend testing yearly if you are engaging in any type of sexual activity, including oral sex. Being proactive will reassure you of your health and catch any infections that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Contributor: admin