Let's get this out of the way first, as it's the most significant health concern. There's a persistent myth that oral sex is "safe sex" because it doesn't involve penetrative intercourse. Unfortunately, that's simply not true. Many STIs can be transmitted through oral contact with genitals or the anus, especially if there are any tiny cuts, sores, or even just abrasions in the mouth or on the partner's genitals.

We're talking about the usual suspects here:are all known to transmit via oral sex. Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, for instance, can set up shop in your throat without any obvious symptoms, making them tricky to detect and potentially spread further. While the risk of HIV transmission through oral sex is much lower than through unprotected vaginal or anal sex, it's not zero, particularly if there are open sores in the mouth or bleeding gums involved. And let's not forget HPV, which, in some cases, can lead to oral or throat cancers. Factors like having sores or bleeding gums can increase the risk, so brushing your teeth right before oral sex might actually make you more vulnerable!

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Beyond the typical STIs, other less-talked-about infections can also make an appearance, particularly with oral-anal contact (what some call "rimming").

This is a perfectly valid and often overlooked reason. Not everyone enjoys giving or receiving oral sex, and that's absolutely fine. Intimacy should always be a source of pleasure and connection, not discomfort or dread.

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Like any sexual activity, oral sex must be fully consensual and truly enjoyable for all parties involved. If one partner isn't genuinely enthusiastic – if they feel pressured, obligated, or coerced in any way – it completely erodes trust and the foundation of healthy intimacy.

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The state of your mouth can actually play a role in the risks associated with oral sex.

Conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, or any active infections in the mouth can increase the risk of transmitting or acquiring other infections during oral sex.

This is a big one. If either partner has an active cold sore (caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1, HSV-1), they can very easily transmit the herpes virus to the partner's genitals, leading to genital herpes. It's best to avoid oral sex until any cold sores are fully healed.

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If oral sex is part of your intimate life, or something you're considering, you can significantly reduce the risks by being proactive:

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Ultimately, the decision to engage in oral sex, like any sexual activity, is a personal one. It should always be made with full awareness of the potential risks, open and honest communication with your partner, and, most importantly, mutual respect for everyone's boundaries and comfort levels. Your well-being, both physical and emotional, should always come first.