Oral Sex
Many people are unsure about the risks of oral sex. One of the most regularly
asked questions about oral sex is 'what are the risks attached to
giving oral sex (sucking)? There is no simple answer to this question.
The risk for HIV infection is much lower than for anal sex
- but low risk doesn't mean no risk.
There are ways to further reduce what risk there is,
by avoiding getting semen (cum) or pre-ejaculate (pre-cum)in
your mouth by using flavoured or unlubricated condoms.
Lubricated condoms taste unpleasant. Cuts, mouth ulcers,
sore throats and bleeding gums increase the risk of transmission.
The risk of HIV infection to the person receiving oral sex, is
very low, with a greater risk to the person giving oral sex. Gonorrhoea,
Hepatitis and some other STI's
are more readily transmitted than HIV when sucking or being sucked.
Can I get HIV during oral sex?
Yes it is possible to get infected with HIV, whilst giving or receiving
oral sex. The risk of getting HIV from oral sex is far less
than the risk of getting HIV from anal or vaginal sex, however, numerous
studies have shown that oral sex can transmit HIV.
What factors increase my risk for getting HIV during oral sex?
There are several factors that can increase your risk for getting HIV during oral
sex. Obviously, having unprotected oral sex, without a condom
or dental dam, can increase your risk
for HIV.
Other factors that can increase your risk for getting HIV
during oral sex, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) include oral ulcers, bleeding gums, genital sores,
and the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Aggressively brushing your teeth or flossing too harshly,
can increase the risk of disease transmission. So it is
best to brush and floss properly, and wait at least an hour
before having oral sex
And finally, "look before you lick." If you see any type of lesions,
growths or discharge on the penis, that's nature's way of telling
you to hold off. These symptoms can be due to numerous STDs, and physical
contact with them could lead to infection. However your partner could
have a disease and have no symptoms at all, but if you see something
that doesn't belong there, don't touch it!
Can you get HIV during receptive oral sex if the insertive partner doesn’t ejaculate
Yes. You can get HIV during oral sex even if your partner doesn’t ejaculate,
according to the CDC. Keep in mind, that with most people
there is some amount of precum, before ejaculation.
Most doctors will agree that a partner ejaculating into your mouth increases your risk of catching HIV, though there have never been studies to document this. Saliva kills HIV, as will stomach acids. Pre-cum also contains HIV, so just having his penis in your mouth without ejaculation may be more than enough to give you the virus.
Should you swallow or not? Again because the numbers
are so small it can't be determined (for certain) whether swallowing
increases or decreases risk. It is probably safer to swallow
than keep the semen in your mouth. (Yes, it might decrease
risk because HIV is killed in your stomach). If you keep his semen
in your mouth while you run to the bathroom to spit it out, you
are keeping the virus in contact with mucous membranes longer than
if you just swallowed.
Can I get other STDs during oral sex?
Yes. You are at risk to certain STDs (sexually transmitted
diseases) during oral sex, including syphilis, gonorrhea,
herpes and HPV. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted during rimming
(oral-anal contact).
Remain safe by buying condoms
fast and discreetly online, in the UK, Ireland and across Europe.
Safer oral sex guidelines
Having oral sex with a man: use a condom always. This is the
best way to prevent the transmission of HIV and other STD's. So, experimented
with unlubricated or flavoured condoms. Put a small amount of lubricant
inside the condom before putting it on, to enhance the comfort and
sensation.
Having oral sex on a woman: use a dental dam or plastic
wrap always. Once again, a small amount of lubricant on
your partner can enhance the experience. A dental dam can also
be made cutting off the teat end of a condom, and cutting a straight
line up the condom. This will make a square of latex, that can be
used as a dental dam.
Remember that many food products contain fats that could
damage condoms if you are moving toward protected anal or oral sex.
If you get cut during oral sex, wash the area thoroughly
with an antibacterial soap several times a day. Hydrogen
peroxide can also help clean the wound, and Bacitracin or other
anti-bacterial ointment can reduce your chance of infection. If
the area becomes red, swollen or tender, get to a doctor. You might
need to take an antibiotic.
Risk of Phlebitis:
Your penis contains many veins just underneath the surface.
Vigorous sucking by your partner could cause blood to clot inside
one or more of these veins. You will feel a tender knot just
under the skin. However don't panic about it, as it isn't the kind
of clot that could travel to your heart and or cause gangrene of your
most prized possession! It will go away on its own, though warm
soaks and aspirin or ibuprofen containing anti-inflammatory medications
should will help it heal faster. Let it rest until the phlebitis goes
away, and contact a doctor if it gets worse!
If you're very unfortunate, you might have to deal with penis amputation. If its bitten off, pack your penis in a moist towel and place it on ice. Then immediately proceed too to the nearest hospital, preferably one with experience re-attaching severed limbs, and they should be able to reattach it. (If they can't there's always group therapy!)
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