Infections you can catch through oral sex and how to prevent them

Oral sex involves oral stimulation of a partner’s genitals. Eighty-five percent of sexually active adults between the ages of 18 and 44 report having had oral sex at least once with a partner of the opposite sex, according to reports.

HPV is a common virus that can affect both men and women. It usually spreads through skin-to-skin contact and can affect the mouth, throat, and genital area. HPV infection can lead to the development of stem-like protrusions or warts on the affected area.

Herpes can spread through skin-to-skin contact, caused by the herpes simplex virus. It can transmit to your genital area through oral sex if the infected partner has a cold sore around the mouth (oral herpes). Herpes can lead to sores, itching, and pain in the affected area.

Caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), AIDS attacks the infected person’s immune system aggressively and can have deadly consequences. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, recurrent infections and rapid weight loss. HIV can transmit through oral sex if there’s an open wound in the mouth or the genital area of an infected person.

Syphilis is a chronic bacterial disease that can transmit through direct contact with an infected person during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can pass on from one person to another if the infected partner has sores on their penis, vagina, anus, in the rectum, on their lips or mouth.

The most common mistake people make during oral sex is not using protection while doing it. For safer oral sex, use a condom to cover the penis. Dental dams can be used to cover the vulva, vagina or anus.

Another common mistake is having multiple sexual partners as more people means more chances that someone may be having an STI.

It is also important to be aware whether or not your partner is infected before having oral sex with them. Do not hesitate in asking them to get tested.