Oral sex is not necessarily a safer
alternative to sexual intercourse, although you cannot get pregnant from oral
sex. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes, gonorrhea and
syphilis can still be passed on, so using a condom or
dental dam (a thin, soft plastic that covers the vagina) is still important. Although
it carries a very low risk, HIV transmission is also possible from oral
sex. This could happen if the person receiving oral sex has an STI or sores on
their genital area, or if the person giving oral sex has sores in their mouth
or bleeding gums.
