Are you wondering about oral sex…what it is, if it’s safe, and so on?  Well, to begin with, oral sex involves any contact between the mouth and vagina, mouth and penis, or mouth and anus.  Oral sex may take place between a male and female, two males or two females.

      Is oral sex safe?  Well, first of all, pregnancy cannot occur through oral sex alone, and although the risk of acquiring an STI is believed to be lower than through vaginal or anal sex, it is NOT considered safe sex.  Unprotected oral sex, which is oral sex without the use of a barrier method (condoms for example), exposes both people to the possibility of sexually transmitted infections. Yes, you can get a STD from oral sex.  You might be thinking, aren’t STIs only infections of the penis or vagina?  That’s a common myth.  Many of the same bacteria and viruses that infect the penis and vagina can also infect the mouth, throat and anus, like herpes.  If you have unprotected oral sex, you are at risk for all of the same STIs associated with vaginal or anal sex, in particular syphilis, HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, and herpes.

      You can prevent infection by first, not participating in oral sex.  Or if you’re planning to have oral sex, both you and your partner need to be tested for STIs before beginning any sexual activity.  In addition, both you and your partner should remain monogamous – this means engaging in oral sex only with each other in a closed relationship.

      If you’re planning on participating in oral sex, you can decrease your risk of infection by using a barrier method of protection.  For a male receiving oral sex, this means covering the penis with a condom before oral stimulation.  For a female receiving oral sex, this means covering the vagina before receiving oral stimulation with either plastic saran wrap or a latex shield.  You can make a latex shield by cutting the top of an unlubricated condom, then cutting down one side to make a square.  That square piece of latex can then be used to cover the vagina before beginning oral stimulation.

      Okay, now that we got the barrier protection part down, there are several other things you can do to lessen your risk of infection.  1)  Do not let anyone cum or ejaculate in your mouth.  2)  Do not swallow semen if someone does cum in your mouth.  3)  Do not perform oral sex if you have sores in your mouth or throat because bacteria and viruses can enter through those openings.  Finally, 4) do not perform oral sex if you just brushed your teeth because brushing may have created small lesions or cuts on your gums where infections may enter.

      Infections don’t always have visible signs or symptoms and just because your partner looks clean and healthy, he or she still may have an infection.  Aside from getting tested for STIs, look for any visible sores or drainage of pus.  In addition, if your partner mentions having any history of painful urination, a chronic sore throat or abnormal vaginal or penile discharge DO NOT ENGAGE IN ORAL SEX and SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY!

      Many people feel that being careful ruins the mood or is un-sexy.  However, if infected with a STI, the consequence may be having mouth or throat sores that last a lifetime and will definitely ruin the mood.  Even, death can occur from some infections.

      If you think you or your partner may have an infection or if you’re interested in being tested, you can call the Diamond Head STI/AIDS Clinic on O’ahu at 733-9280.  If you are 14 years old or older, they perform free confidential STI testing.  If you are under the age of 14, a guardian must accompany you.  If you’re looking for a clinic on the neighbor island, call TeenLine during Peer Listener hours weekdays between 2:00-5:00pm.  For more information on STIs, contact the National STD Hotline at 1-800-227-8922 or the National AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-2437.