Many people wonder if it’s possible to contract an STI through oral sex. Often, no condoms or dental dams are used, which makes this a pertinent question. It is indeed possible to contract STIs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B through unprotected oral sex. While the risk of contracting an STI is lower than with vaginal or anal sex, there is still a risk.
Herpes
It is possible to contract Herpes if you engage in oral sex with someone who has a cold sore.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
It’s less likely to transmit Chlamydia through oral sex compared to Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is highly contagious and can nestle in the throat during oral sex. This may cause throat symptoms such as sore throat or swollen glands. It’s also possible to have the STI in the throat without symptoms, yet still be able to infect others.
Syphilis
You can contract Syphilis through kissing if the other person has an active sore in their mouth, and similarly during oral sex with someone who has an open sore.
HIV
The only way to contract HIV through oral sex is if the partner is menstruating and menstrual blood enters the mouth. Otherwise, saliva provides natural protection due to its bactericidal properties, preventing the transmission of HIV through saliva.
