Information about oral sex, the risk of getting and passing on sexually transmitted infections through oral sex, how to get tested and treated if you think you have an infection, and how to protect yourself. Many people believe you cannot get a sexually transmitted infection through oral sex, but it is possible. There is no risk of pregnancy from having oral sex but some sexually transmitted infections can be passed on this way. It is very difficult to give a definite answer to this, as it can be hard to find out exactly how a sexually transmitted infection was passed on. What we do know is:. This information covers the main infections which can be passed on through oral sex. The most commonly passed on are:. It is not known how many people have been infected with HIV through oral sex, but it does happen. The risk is much less than with vaginal or anal sex.

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Preventing STIs
Can someone be infected with a sexually transmitted infection STI from oral sex? Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can be spread through oral sex. However, the chances of giving or getting STIs during oral sex can be lowered by using a condom or dental dam.
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Some people mistakenly believe that it is rare or impossible for sexually transmitted infections to be spread through oral sex. It is essential that sexually active people understand how STIs are transmitted and how they can reduce the risk of spreading infections. It is possible to contract many STIs through oral sex, as oral sex involves close contact and often an exchange of bodily fluids. Different STIs spread at different rates and through various bodily fluids. The chances of getting an STI depend on a variety of factors. Genital herpes is a virus that is transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal contact with someone who has herpes.
This means that oral sex using the mouth, lips, or tongue poses the same risks as other sexual activities. The only way to prevent transmission and reduce your risk of infection is to use a genital or dental condom for every sexual encounter. Keep reading to learn which STDs and STIs can be spread through oral sex, the symptoms to look out for, and how to get tested. Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis.