The chances of giving or getting STIs during oral sex can be lowered by using a condom, dental dam or other barrier method each and every time a person has oral sex:
For fellatio (mouth-to-penis contact):
- Cover the penis with a non-lubricated latex condom.
- Use plastic (polyurethane) condoms, if a partner is allergic to latex.
For cunnilingus (mouth-to-vagina contact) and anilingus (mouth to anus contact):
- Use a dental dam, or
- Cut open a condom to make a square, and put it between the mouth and the partner’s vagina or anus.
The surest way to not get a sexually transmitted infection from oral sex is to abstain from vaginal, anal, and oral sex or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship
with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
However, many infected persons may be unaware of their infection because
STIs often have no symptoms and are unrecognized.
Sexually active individuals should get tested
regularly for STIs and HIV, and talk to all partner(s) about STIs.
Anyone who thinks that he/she might have an STI should stop having sex
and visit a doctor or clinic to get tested. There are free and low-cost options for testing available.
It is important to talk openly with a health care provider about any
activities that might put a person at risk for an STI, including oral
sex.
