• True: You can't get pregnant from having oral sex.


• False: You can't get sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STI) from having oral sex.

Sorry, but it's possible: You can get an STI from having oral sex.

• What Is Oral Sex?
• Oral Sex and STIs
• Oral Sex on the Vulva (outside of vagina) and Anus
• Oral Sex on a Penis

What Is Oral Sex?

Oral sex is defined as the act of sexual intimacy from mouth to penis (fellatio), mouth to vagina (cunnilingus) or mouth to anus. Or in slang terms: a blowjob, going down, giving head or rimming. You can't get pregnant from oral sex, but you can get an STI.

Whether to have oral sex is a personal choice. Some people like it; others do not. You should consider your values, where you are in your relationship, how you feel about giving/receiving oral sex, how your partner feels about giving/receiving oral sex and how you both feel about the risk of getting an STI. Discussing this decision with a doctor, older sibling or other trusted adult may help you in this decision.
Back to top

Oral Sex and STIs

STIs are caused by viruses or bacteria that like warm, soft, moist places such as your mouth and genital area (penis, vulva, vagina, anus, area between penis and anus, and area between vulva and anus). STIs can spread from the genital area to the mouth and from the mouth to the genital area. They are generally passed between people via body fluids or direct contact with skin or sores.

Though there's admittedly less risk of STIs in oral sex than in vaginal or anal sex, the risk still exists. You can get a bacterial infection of chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea in your mouth and/or throat, and in some rarer occasions, can develop genital warts in the mouth. Herpes is commonly passed between genitals and the mouth, and HIV can be passed through cuts in the mouth or small abrasions.

The only 100 percent effective way to avoid an STI is not to have oral, vaginal or anal sex at all. If you are planning to have oral sex, know how to make it safer by avoiding the exchange of bodily fluids and other risky contact.

Before you have oral sex, talk to your partner about sexual history, history of STIs and protection.

Communication is essential.

Do not have oral sex if either you or your partner is on treatment for a STI or is having an outbreak of symptoms (as in herpes).

If you choose to have oral sex, using a barrier method to prevent direct contact between one partner's mouth and other partner's genitals or anus is the best way to reduce your chance of getting or giving an STI. These methods are discussed in more detail below.
Back to top

Barrier Methods for Protection During Oral Sex

Oral Sex on the Vulva (outside of vagina) and Anus

If you are giving oral sex from mouth to vulva (outside of vagina) or from mouth to anus, you can protect yourself with methods such as the following:

• Plastic Wrap (such as Saran or Cling Wrap)

  Pros Inexpensive and easy to find in any grocery or drug store) Covers a larger area Can be used with oil- or water-based lubricants Allows heat to be felt through the wrap

  Cons Can rip -- use caution with fingernails

  Directions on Use: Cover the vulva area with the plastic wrap. You can either cut a piece of the wrap and hold it in place or wrap the pelvic area. To increase sensitivity, you can place lubricant on the side facing the vulva. Once you are done, throw the plastic wrap away. If you are rimming, follow the directions above but place the wrap over the anal area.

  
  
• Dental Dams, Licks and Other Latex Square Barriers

  Pros Provides a stronger latex barrier Some, such as "Glide Dams," come in flavors such as grape and vanilla

  Cons May not be easy to find, although some teen-friendly clinics (such as Planned Parenthood) and dental supply stores carry them Some feel there is less sensation of warmth and feeling Covers a small area and fluids may seep past the dam (use caution) Only protects what it covers Some require that you hold the latex in place for protection May not be used with oil-based lubricants because they will break down the latex

  Directions on Use: Hold the latex square over the vulva area. Some will stay in place (like Glide Dams), while others must be held in place for protection. You can also try using a garter belt to hold it and free up your hands. To increase sensitivity, you can place lubricant on the side facing the vulva. Be sure to only use water-based lubricant (not Vaseline or oils). Dental dams can only be used once, so after you are done, throw away the dam. If you are rimming, follow the directions above but place the dam over the anal area.

  
  
• Cutting a Condom into a Rectangle

  Pros Easy to get. Look for a non-lubricated condom, flavored lubricated condom or flavored non-lubricated condom

  Cons Provides a small area of protection and requires care to ensure that fluids don't seep past the condom into the mouth or the anus/vulva area You must use both hands to hold the cut condom in place Can only use water-based lubricant (not Vaseline or oils) Only protects what it covers

  Directions on Use: Unroll the condom and cut off the very tip and the very end of the condom. Then cut lengthwise to make a rectangle. Hold the latex square over the vulva area. To increase sensitivity, you can place lubricant on the side facing the vulva. Be sure to only use water-based lubricant (not Vaseline or oils). Once you are done, throw away the condom. If you are rimming, follow the directions above but place the condom over the anal area.

  
  Back to top

  Oral Sex on a Penis

  
  Barrier methods for giving oral sex on the penis (fellatio) include:

  • Non-Lubricated Condom

    Pros Easy to find in drugstores

    Cons Some say it's dry or don't like the taste Only protects what it covers

    Directions on Use: If available, place some water-based lubricant (not Vaseline or oils) in the tip of the condom. Put the condom on the penis (see step-by-step instructions). After you are done, throw away the condom.

    
    
  • Flavored Lubricated Condoms

    Pros Sometimes can be found in drug stores Some teen-friendly clinics carry different varieties

    Cons Some say that the lubrication feels/tastes more like Chapstick Only protects what it covers

    Directions on Use: If available, place some water-based lubricant (not Vaseline or oils) in the tip of the condom. Put the condom on the penis (see step-by-step instructions). After you are done, throw away the condom.

    
    
  • Kiss of Mint Condoms

    Pros Many find mint a more favorable flavor Condom is not lubricated

    Cons Hard to find. Generally, only adult stores open to people over 18 carry this product. You may want to try teen-friendly clinics as well Only protects what it covers

    Directions on Use: If available, place some water-based lubricant (not Vaseline or oils) in the tip of the condom. Put the condom on the penis (see step-by-step instructions). After you are done, throw away the condom.

  
  
  Last reviewed January 2008
  
  Back to top