Ask A Nurse: Oral Sex

 

At Life Options, we believe that every person should have the information and help they need to make healthy choices.  Our medical team offers education, testing, and treatment regarding sexually transmitted infections and sexual health.  Here is what one of our nurses says about oral sex and STI’s:

How Safe is Oral Sex?

Oral sex is sex.  With any kind of sex, you run the risk of catching an infection commonly called a STI.  Some are curable but others are untreatable.

The most common infections from oral sex are:

  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Syphilis

Other STI’s that can be spread through oral sex are HIV, HPV, genital herpes and possibly hepatitis C.

Can I get an infection if I give oral sex?

Yes, if your partner has an infection, you can get it.  Your partner may not have any symptoms but still have an infection and may still pass it on to you.

What are the signs and symptoms of an Oral STI?

You may have some of the more common symptoms described below or possibly have no symptoms at all.

  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty swallowing or eating
  • Blisters or sores on your lips
  • Blisters or sores in your mouth

If you are having Oral Sex you may have an STI and not even know it. If you are engaging in Oral Sex you need to be screened for STI’s, as there is no other way to know if you have an STI or not.  At Life Options we offer free screening for oral gonorrhea & chlamydia.  This is a simple test done by a swab of the throat.  Oral gonorrhea & chlamydia are treatable with antibiotics, which Life Options will give you free of charge.

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