HIV infection risk
Because of growing concerns about the possibility of HIV transmission through the very widespread practice of oral sex, the British GovernmentÂ’s Department of Health set up an expert group to report back on the matter. In broad summary, their main conclusions were:
HIV can be transmitted by oral sex, though this does not occur frequently.
both fellatio and cunnilingus have been known to pass it on.
both ‘receiving’ and ‘giving’ fellatio have been incriminated.
oral sex is certainly much safer HIV-wise than rectal or anal sex.
oral sex is probably safer than vaginal intercourse.
ulcers in the mouth could increase the risk.
oral sex is more risky than non-penetrative sex (eg mutual masturbation, kissing, etc).
during fellatio, if the man avoids ejaculation, it probably reduces the risk somewhat.
in the case of cunnilingus, there may be an increased risk of transmission if the woman is menstruating.
there is no evidence that mouthwashes could reduce the risk of infection.
using condoms or ‘dental dams’ during oral sex could reduce the chance of infection, but not eliminate it.
What other germs could you pick up during oral sex?
GonorrhoeaGonorrhoea, a common form of VD, can be transmitted to the throat during oral sex, especially fellatio. Because of this fact, GUM clinics often take ‘throat swabs’ these days. In the throat, the germ usually causes inflammation, pus formation and sometimes soreness.
SyphilisThe lesions of syphilis usually appear on the genitals or the anus – and very rarely on the nipple. But they do occasionally appear on the lips, probably as a result of oral sex.
However, please bear in mind that in the UK syphilis has been a great rarity for many years. Nevertheless, there have been one or two small outbreaks among gay males in the early 2000s, notably in Bristol and Brighton.
ChlamydiaChlamydia trachomatis - this little genital bug has become almost epidemic among sexually active young people during the early years of the 21st century. It is sometimes found in swabs taken from the throat, and it is thought that it can be transmitted by oral sex, particularly fellatio. Please note that if it gets established in or near the mouth or nose, it could cause various infections, particularly of the eye