Oral sex and STDs

Dr. Ryan a urologist and men’s health expert at Cleveland clinic said that such STIs to be transmitted is the human papilloma virus that is associated with the cervical, penile, anal, head and neck cancers which presents as genital warts . “Other infections through oral sex include the herpes, HIV, trichomonas’s, hepatitis A, B&C. In addition, it is possible to contract pubic lice and genital warts.” said Sunny Rodgers, a clinical sexologist. He exclaims further that these infections could be invisible and thus transmitted especially during latent stage in the carriers.

STDs or STIs? 

He suggests that the best way to refer to STDs is STIs since the term disease insinuates a medical problem with a visible sign and symptom. She adds that even though the symptoms may be absent or mild, the sexually transmitted virus and bacteria are best to be described as infections.

Research shows that most STIs are invisible i.e. 10% of infected women shows signs, 90% with genital herpes are never diagnosed since these sores could be mistaken for simple pimples and ingrown hairs, gonorrhea  may be transmitted symptomless, although mild  symptoms may be present.

Dr. Greves suggested that for this invisible nature of STIs should then gear many towards screening and testing especially when certain symptoms are noticed eg. Sores, changes in urination, pain in the urination among others. However, she exclaimed that with or without observable signs, it is important to screen for them.

Prevention of Oral sex and STDs infections

  1. Get tested and treated before any kind of sex-depending on the infection antibiotics and antiviral may be used eg. Azithromycin and nitroimidazoles
  2. Avoid oral sex upon noticing abnormal lesions on the partners genitalia
  3. Use barriers to lower risk of transmission eg. Condoms and dental dams. For more sensation water-based lube would be used.
  4. Engage in other physical methods with your partner alongside sex eg. Kissing, fondling
  5. Abstain

Although there is no 100% safe sex, it is better to protect oneself from these STIs with regular STD testing rather than be ignorant. So it is important to be more knowledgeable and follow through all your steps regarding your health status.

Contributor: admin