Although it's not always included in the conversation about safe sex , having oral sex comes with some risks.
There are many common sexually transmitted infections STIs that a person can contract from giving or receiving oral sex. Keep in mind that although knowing the signs and symptoms can be useful, the only way to receive a proper diagnosis of and treatment for an infection is by visiting a doctor or healthcare professional.
Here are eight STIs that can be transmitted during oral sex. Genital herpes is one of the many infections you can contract from oral sex, said Dr. It doesn't really matter who is giving or receiving oral sex, the transmission can go either way. Read More: 11 answers to all the questions about herpes you've been too embarrassed to ask.
Fortenberry, who also serves as the chief of the section of adolescent medicine at Indiana University, said that you may not always be able to see herpes breakouts, but the virus can cause itching or slight pain. This irritation is sometimes followed by bumps and blisters that can be very tiny and show up in clusters, he explained. That's what we call an ulcer. And, the sores often come back, usually in the same area. Although there is currently no cure for genital herpes, antiviral medications can help to manage and shorten outbreaks of it, according to the CDC.
Fortenberry said that gonorrhea is one of the more common infections you can get from oral sex. But he also said it's common for this infection to go undetected β many people with gonorrhea-related throat infections experience no symptoms at all.
