Safe oral sex: 5 important tips

In 2013, actor Michael Douglas voiced the true cause of his diagnosed laryngeal cancer. The disease was caused by the human papillomavirus, which Douglas contracted through cunnilingus. Of course, this does not mean that there is no place for oral sex. But it is important to be aware of some safety rules concerning this kind of sex to protect yourself from distressing consequences.

Here is the possible health risks of oral sex:

Sexually transmitted diseases

If one of the partners has STDs (chlamydia, herpes, etc.), then oral contact can be crucial. There is an infection of the oral mucosa, followed by an increase of body temperature, sore throat, and the minor mouth ulcers.

Thrush

According to statistics, 70% of women have had candidiasis at least once in their lives. This disease manifests itself with weakened immune system and can be transmitted to the oral mucosa if one of the partners has candidiasis of the genitals. In this case, the typical symptoms for thrush can include: white patches in the mouth and a sore throat.

AIDS, cancer, syphilis

The human papillomavirus causes throat cancer. This DNA virus triggers the development of benign lumps - papillomas. 290 million women on the planet have the human papillomavirus. Certain types of papillomas can increase the risk of developing malignant tumors.

The first symptoms of laryngeal cancer (increased salivation, hoarseness and tickling in the throat) usually pass quickly, so the patient does not suspect anything and continues to live a normal life. Meanwhile, the disease is progressing. In the later stages, symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, loss of voice, and pain appear. Sometimes the tumor spreads to the tongue and tonsils.

People infected with syphilis often have a painless ulcer (usually on the lip). This ulcer can go away on its own after a while. The patient does not seek help, which delays the diagnosis.

In a study conducted in the United States, it was revealed that 68% of women and 77% of men engage in oral sex. Here are 5 tips on how to protect yourself from contracting the abovementioned diseases, but not to give up oral sex at the same time:

• Eliminate unprotected oral sex with random partners.
• Refrain from oral sex if you or your partner has redness, rashes, or nontransparent genital discharge.
• At least once a year, go to the dentist for a checkup. Do not engage in oral sex if you have cuts on your gums. After all, any infection through the cut can get into the blood. After visiting the dentist, you should refrain from orogenital contact for at least a day.
• Do not alternate between different types of sex (vaginal, anal, oral) during the same sexual act. This can cause bacteria from the rectum getting into the vagina, mouth or on the tissues of the penis.
• Annually have preventive medical examinations done. At the slightest suspicion of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.

According to the WHO, many sexually transmitted diseases, including those transmitted through orogenital contact, may have only minor manifestations or even be asymptomatic. But do not deny yourself and your partner the pleasure of oral sex. The main thing is to take precautions so that sex is as safe as possible for both of you.