Risks Of Oral Sex

Need to know about the risks of oral sex? In today's relationships, maintaining that physical attraction is key in ensuring a long-lasting and healthy relationship.  Whether that includes actual sex or just "fooling around," many opt to perform oral sex because it is believed to be the "safest" sexual activity.  While oral sex may be less risky than vaginal or anal intercourse, it's vital for both men and women to know that there is always a risk when engaging in any sexual activity; oral sex is no exception.  

What Constitutes as Oral Sex?

Oral sex is the act of stimulating the genitalia of one's partner with the mouth or tongue.  For women, this usually involved sucking or licking the testicles and penis; men usually perform the same on the vagina.  Oral sex is generally regarded as a more safer sexual activity, especially with regards to HIV/AIDS, because there is a constant supply of oxygen (HIV dies when exposed to oxygen) as well as little friction.  

Why is it Not 100% Safe?

Oral sex is not safe for one reason: it's still sex.  Despite the seemingly risk-free nature of oral sex, there is always the risk of transmission of diseases from either partner.  A person that suffers diseases such as genital warts, herpes, or other sexually transmitted diseases is without a doubt, still able to transmit the disease to their partner.  In many cases, those that develop conditions like herpes actually see them manifest as cold sores; the symptom of contracting herpes in the mouth.  Not only that, but diseases such as HIV also have a potential to be transmitted, albeit a small percentage, because there is always the chance that semen, precum, or in the women's case, vaginal secretion to come into contact with a cut or sore within the mouth that could result in infection; all it takes is a very small amount of virus to cause a rather monumentally devastating disease.  

How to Ensure Protection?

Before engaging in sexual activities, it's always advised that ample protection is used.  For oral sex, the most common method of protection involves the use of condoms during the act.  While it may seem odd, some companies have developed flavored condoms specifically for people using them for oral sex.  This eliminates the latex flavor that a condom would have with something fruity, minty, or even chocolaty; pick your poison.  Not only that, but it's important that before engaging in any sexual activity, know you and your partner's state of health to ensure neither of you contract any sexual transmitted disorder.