Safer oral sex practices 

Deciding whether or not to have oral sex is your choice. Some people enjoy it, and some don’t—and both are totally OK. Oral sex can’t lead to pregnancy, but it can spread sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it’s worth knowing the facts and how to stay safe. 

STI risk from oral sex  

STIs are caused by viruses or bacteria that like warm, soft, moist places — like your mouth or genitals. That includes the penis, vulva, vagina, anus and the areas in between.

Infections can spread from the genitals to the mouth and from the mouth to the genitals, usually through body fluids or direct contact with skin or sores.

While oral sex generally carries less risk than vaginal or anal sex, the risk is still real. You can pick up infections in your mouth or throat from oral sex, such as:

• Chlamydia
• Genital warts (less common)
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes
• HIV
• Syphilis

The only way to completely avoid a sexually transmitted infection is to skip oral, vaginal and anal sex altogether. But there are ways to lower your risk.

Quick tips:

• Talk openly with your partner about sexual history and any past STIs.
• Agree on which barrier method you’ll use to reduce exposure.
• If either of you has symptoms or is being treated for an STI, wait until it’s cleared before having oral sex.    

Oral HPV and cancer risk

Oral HPV is one type of human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common STI in the U.S. It usually spreads through oral sex.

There are more than 200 strains of HPV, and about 40 of them can affect your mouth, throat or genitals. Twelve of them can lead to cancer. Most people who get oral HPV won’t develop cancer, but about 8 in 10 oropharyngeal cancers are linked to HPV.

Remember: The HPV vaccine protects against some strains, but it doesn’t prevent other STIs. Using a barrier method during oral sex adds extra protection.

Getting tested and vaccinated is easier than ever, with many clinics offering online booking or home testing kits. It’s a smart habit for anyone who’s sexually active, including people having oral sex.

Barrier methods for the vulva and anus

If you’re giving oral sex to a vulva or anus, barriers help reduce your risk. Here’s how some of the most common options work:

Dental dams or other latex squares provide a stronger barrier and some come in flavors. They may feel less warm than skin and cover only a small area, and you might need to hold them in place during use. Fluids can seep past, and oil-based lubricants can break down latex, so stick with water-based lube. To use, place the square over the vulva or anus, hold if needed, add lubricant on the side facing the genitals and dispose afterward.

Cutting a condom into a rectangle is another option. Condoms are easy to find, but coverage is small and fluids can leak if you’re not careful. You’ll need both hands to hold it in place, and only water-based lubricants are safe. Cut off the tip and base, slice lengthwise to make a rectangle, place it over the vulva or anus, add water-based lube if you want more sensation and throw it away afterward.

Plastic wrap can be used when dental dams or condoms aren’t available as a way to reduce your risk, but keep in mind that the method has not been tested for STI prevention. If you choose to try this barrier method, use non-microwavable (non-porous) plastic wrap only. It’s inexpensive, easy to find at grocery or drug stores, and lets heat through so it still feels good. You can use oil- or water-based lubricants. Plus, it can cover a larger area. Just remember it can tear easily. To use it, cut a piece to cover the vulva or anus, hold it in place or wrap it around and add lubricant on the side facing the genitals if you want more sensation. Throw it away when you’re done. 

Barrier methods for penises

When giving oral sex to a penis, non-lubricated condoms are simple and effective. They’re easy to find, though some people find them dry or dislike the taste and they only protect the area they cover. You can add a bit of water-based lubricant in the tip to increase sensation, roll it onto the penis and dispose of it when finished.

Flavored, lubricated condoms can make the experience more enjoyable and are sometimes available at stores or teen-friendly clinics. They still only protect what they cover, and some people find they taste or feel less natural. Use water-based lube if you want extra sensation, roll the condom on and discard afterward. 

Tips for safer oral sex

• Avoid oral sex if you or your partner has symptoms of an STI
• Communicate openly with partners — talk about sexual history and STI testing
• Keep up with HPV vaccination and routine STI testing
• Stick with water-based lubricants with latex barriers
• Use a barrier every time you give or receive oral sex