Despite some outdated misconceptions, sex doesnt need to include penetration.
Diseases are advanced infections that exhibit symptoms, according to theMayo Clinic.)
Its a really common mode of transmission, he says.
Many STIs can be transmitted through oral sex.
Here, experts explain how you’ve got the option to keep on keeping on.
In short, for the same reason that you get an infection from penetrative sex.
What STI symptoms should I watch for?
Heres what to know about each.
This bacterial infection can be really stealthy because its often asymptomatic.
When symptoms do appear, youll generally notice signs within two weeks from the time of the infection2.
Or, you may have a sore throat if the infection affects your throat, according to the CDC.
If your partner has oral chlamydia, they can spread it to your genitals or anus through oral sex.
It can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease if the genital infection is left untreated.
Syphilisis a bacterial infection that doesnt always cause symptoms.
Generally, signs appear between 10 to 90 days after your initial infection, according to the CDC.
However, both types can cause oralandgenital herpes, according to theU.S.
National Library of Medicine.
Symptoms typically appear between 2 and 12 days after exposure, according to the CDC.
There are more than 200 types ofHPVviruses, many of which dont cause symptoms.
(Yes, this is a thing that happens!)
Those throat warts can also make it difficult to breathe, according to theCDC.
We often call this a cancer-preventing vaccine, Dr. Husain says.
This STI, resulting from a parasite, might not cause symptoms, like the others on this list.
The CDC notes that there have been no reports of someone contracting genital trichomoniasis after receiving oral sex.
In that case, it might cause a sore throat, if any symptoms at all.
Hepatitis is typically asymptomatic.
Typically, HAV goes away within a few months.
HBV is primarily spread through blood, semen, and vaginal secretions.
Some peoples immune systems are able to clear HBV out of their bodies while others develop chronic cases6.
There are vaccinations to prevent HAV and HBV, which are the most effective methods of avoiding transmission.
Receptive anal sex is the most common mode of sexual HIV transmission by far.
HIV kills the immune cells (known as T cells) that help your body fight off infections.
(Its also possible to gowithout symptomsfor years, the CDC notes.)
How do I treat an STI from oral sex?
Most STIs can be cured or treated.
Genital herpes, HPV, and HIV cant be cured, but medications can treat symptoms.
Consider this your crib sheet on having safer oral sex.
Testing guidelines arent so straightforward.
Generally, the CDC recommends that all sexually active people get tested for HIV at least once.
However, screening frequency changes depending on a persons risk factors.
Talk to a medical professional about your specific situation to figure out which screenings make sense for you.
TheCDCspecifically recommends using a non-lubricated latex condom for protection during oral sex.
Condoms are essentially semen catchers that prevent STIs by blocking the spread of genital fluids, Dr. Leone explains.
Its not just about using a condom thoughits about using it correctly.
you could always order them through Amazon or online sex shops to have a stash on hand.
She recommends cutting off all the fingers except the thumb.
We thought youd never ask.
Having good oral hygiene is a surprisingbut necessarypart of having the safest possible oral sexregardless of your particular preferences.
And using some sort of barrier method if youre unsure of another persons STI status is alsohighlyrecommended.
(We cant stress this enough!)
