Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are super common. In fact, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates [1] that one in five people have them. But there's still so much that's misunderstood. For example, many people hear the word STI and associate it with penetrative sex. But, of course, there are other forms of sex out there — and more than one way to get an STI. That raises a big question: Can you get an STI from oral sex?
It's a fair question given that STI rates continue to climb in the US. Preliminary data released by the CDC [2] shows that there were 2.5 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in 2021 and, according to the agency, cases of these STIs show "no signs of slowing." Condom wearing is also on a decline [3], which is likely contributing to the increase in STIs.
Basically, you need to have your guard up regarding STIs now more than ever. So, can you get an STI from oral sex? Here's the deal.
Is oral sex safe?
"Safe" is a relative term but, when it comes to STIs, experts say that oral sex is not safe. "There is no such thing as completely safe sex," says Mary Jane Minkin [4], M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine. She jokes that the only way to have completely safe sex is to "use a vibrator," and even that poses its own set of risks. [5]
Dr. Minkin points out that you can't get pregnant from oral sex, but you can have other unintended consequences. That leads us to the next question…
Can you get an STD from oral sex?
Yup, you definitely can. In fact, the CDC specifically warns about this online [6], noting that you can get an STI in your mouth, throat, genitals, or rectum if you're exposed to an infected partner. It's not just one or two STIs you have to worry about, either: "Many sexually transmitted diseases can be spread through oral sex," says women's health expert Jennifer Wider [7], M.D.
The CDC [8] specifically says you can get STIs from oral sex in the following ways:
- In your mouth or throat after giving oral sex to a partner who has a genital, anal, or rectal STI
- On your genitals and in your genital area after receiving oral sex from a partner with a mouth or throat infection
- STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, and intestinal infections can be transmitted through oral sex and then spread in the body
- Oral sex involving the anus can transmit hepatitis A and B, along with intestinal parasites like Giardia and bacteria like E.coli and Shigella [9]
There are also a few factors that can increase your risk of getting an STI from oral sex. Dr. Wider lists the following:
- Sores in your mouth
- Bleeding gums
- Sores on your genitals
- Mouth coming into contact with infected menstrual blood
Which STDs are you most at risk for during oral sex?
There are actually a lot. However, the CDC specifically calls out some of the most common STIs to be wary of including gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, HIV, HPV, and syphilis.
Here's a breakdown of STI symptoms to look out for, according to the CDC [10]:
Chlamydia
You can initially get infected with chlamydia in the throat, genitals, urinary tract, or rectum, but most chlamydia infections in the throat have no symptoms. It's possible to have symptoms elsewhere, though, which can include:
- Discharge from the vagina or penis
- Burning feeling when peeing
- Painful or swollen testicles
- Rectal pain or discharge
Gonorrhea
Like chlamydia, most gonorrhea infections in the throat have no symptoms. But, when you do have them, "you can get a sore throat from gonorrhea, just like a strep throat," says Dr. Minkin. Other symptoms, per the CDC, can include:
- Discharge from vagina or penis
- Burning feeling when peeing
- Painful or swollen testicles
- Rectal pain or discharge
Syphilis
Syphilis may not cause symptoms, or it can lead to the following signs, the CDC says:
- Painless ulcers or sores on the lips, mouth, throat, skin, or on or near the genitals or anus
- Rash on the trunk, palms of hands, and/or soles of feet
- Flu-like symptoms
Herpes
Like syphilis, it's possible to have no symptoms with herpes. However, the CDC says you may have the following:
- Headache or fever when you're initially infected
- Painful or itching sores at or near the area of infection
HPV
"HPV is a biggie" when it comes to STIs that can be transmitted via oral sex, Dr. Minkin says. In fact, this route of transmission is a growing cause of throat and mouth cancers, according to Harvard Health [11]. With HPV, you may have no symptoms all or you might experience the following, per the CDC:
- Warts in the throat that can cause changes in the voice, difficulty speaking, or shortness of breath
- Genital or anal warts
- Abnormal changes in cells of vagina, cervix, or anus found by clinical exams and tests
- Vaginal or cervical, anal, penile, head, and neck cancers
HIV
People with HIV may have no symptoms for many years, the CDC says. However, an initial sign of infection can feel like you have the flu.
What are the best ways to protect yourself from STDs during oral sex?
It's important to "know your partner's history" and avoid having oral sex with them if they have an untreated STI, Dr. Wider says.
Condoms can also be helpful in protection, Dr. Minkin says, along with dental dams, which go over the vaginal opening or anus like a big piece of cling film. You can also cut open a condom to make a square and put it between your mouth and your partner's vagina or anus, the CDC [12] says.
Experts stress the importance of knowing your risk of getting an STI from oral sex and taking the proper precautions.