8 tips for safe oral sex

8 tips for safe oral sex

Oral sex has been shown to be less risky than vaginal or anal sex, but it is not without dangers. It is also possible to contract other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as syphilis, herpes and gonorrhea, and through this practice; in addition to HIV in unprotected relationships.

The risk is greater if you or your partner have STDs for which they have not received treatment, if there is no good oral hygiene (bleeding or diseased gums, ulcers or oral herpes), or if the semen is received in the mouth.

Recommendations to reduce risks:

1. Visually check your partner’s genitals for injuries or cuts. If you find something, do not believe your partner if he tells you that it was caused by heat, weather or clothing. You should avoid any contact with the area until a doctor examines it.

2. Do not use dental floss, do not brush your teeth or perform any activity that may cause abrasions or cuts in your mouth before practicing it. Instead, use a mouthwash or a peppermint pill.

3. Avoid swallowing pre-ejaculatory fluid, semen or vaginal fluids.

4. Use latex condoms to perform oral sex on a man (try flavored condoms that do not have lubricant). If you practice it without a condom, end it with your hand or spit it out and use a mouthwash instead of swallowing it.

5. Use a mouth barrier (latex box, dental shield) to perform oral sex on a woman or to lick your partner’s anus (rimming). Failing that, it has been shown that plastic wrappers for food prevent the transmission of herpes, but there is no evidence that it can prevent the transmission of HIV.

6. Avoid vaginal oral sex during menstruation to avoid contact with blood.

7. Look for alternatives: Massage your partner, resort to caresses or mutual masturbation. You can also use a vibrator (use a condom if you share it).

8. Avoid strong and prolonged oral sex (“deep throat”); as well as traumatisms in the mouth or throat caused by a large number of partners in a short period of time.

Remember that any type of sexual contact with a person involves risks, so the best way to avoid contagion is to maintain proper hygiene, the use of male or female condoms, as well as reliable and honest communication with your partner.