Oral sex and STIs

Oral sex is the act of stimulating the vagina, penis or anus with the mouth. This is also known as cunnilingus, blowjob or rimming.

For a long time, it was thought that oral sex was relatively safe from STIs however, this is not always true. Oral sex without protection, that is, without the use of a condom or dental dam, can put you at risk of STIs. However, the risk is much lower than if you have unprotected vaginal or anal sex.

STI are transmitted through semen, blood and contact between mucous membranes. Mucous membranes are thin, moist linings in the vagina, penis, anus and mouth/throat. You can get and pass on STIs without knowing it.

Blowjob, cunnilingus and the risk of chlamydia and gonorrhea

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial STIs. When you have oral sex; blowjob, rimming or cunnilingus without protection (a condom or dental dam) the mucous membranes of the penis/vagina/anus meet the mucous membranes of the mouth/throat. During this contact, the bacteria may be transmitted from one person to another. Chlamydia in the throat is not often seen, which may be because chlamydia does not usually cause throat symptoms.
Gonorrhea after oral sex is more common and also more contagious. Gonorrhea in the throat often does cause symptoms. Symptoms of gonorrhea in the throat for both men and women include a sore throat, inflamed tonsils and swollen glands.

Oral sex and the risk of syphilis 

Syphilis can be transmitted through oral sex. This STI occurs mostly in men who have sex with men (MSM). It can be passed on through damaged mucous membranes in the mouth or on the genitals, allowing syphilis bacteria to enter. Visible sores in the mouth may indicate syphilis.

Oral sex and the risk of hepatitis B

The risk of hepatitis B being passed on through unprotected oral sex is small. The virus is transmitted through blood and semen. However, be careful that someone giving blowjobs, rimming or fingering does not have cuts or sores in their mouth or on their vagina, penis or anus.

The risk of HIV from oral sex

Oral sex in which semen or (menstrual) blood enters someone's mouth may pose a risk of HIV. The risk of HIV in oral sex without ejaculation in the mouth, or when someone does not have their period, is negligible. If you have another STI, you are more at risk because cuts, sores or tears in your mucous membranes (which may not be visible to the naked eye) can allow HIV to enter more easily through your mucous membranes. So make sure no semen, vaginal fluid or (menstrual) blood gets in your mouth when you have oral sex and be aware of any cuts, sores, ulcers or cold sores around the mouth, genitals or anus.

Safer oral sex

To help prevent STIs being passed on through the throat or mouth during blowjobs, rimming or cunnilingus, it's best to use a condom or a dental dam. Safe flavoured condoms (strawberry, chocolate, champagne) are available. Flavored condoms are marketed specifically for this purpose. To protect yourself during oral sex or rimming, a dental dam (or cut-open condom) can be used when licking the vulva or anus. You cut open the condom at the long end. Then open it out and place it lengthwise over the genital area to be licked. Flavoured condoms are also suitable for vaginal or anal sex. When having anal sex, always use extra water-based lubricant.

What if you have a sore throat? If you have a sore throat, it's best not to suck, rim or lick unless you're using a condom or dental dam.

Would you like to know your risk and which STI test you need? Then use our free STI test guide

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