Unprotected oral sex can be an uncomfortable topic, but it’s important to understand the risks involved. If you’ve had unprotected oral sex and are unsure whether you should get tested for possible sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it’s natural to feel anxious or anxious.
Luckily, Daily Sparkz is here to offer advice and help answer your questions. This blog explores when it might be necessary for someone who has practiced unprotected oral sex to get tested, as well as other helpful information STI test and prevention.
You can get a sexually transmitted infection from all types of unprotected sexual activity.
What is oral sex?
If you’re not sure what counts as oral sex – this is it any act in which one partner stimulates the other partner’s genitals or anus with their mouth, tongue or lips.
When is oral sex considered unprotected?
Unprotected oral sex is defined as Any oral contact with a partner’s genitals, genital area or anus, without protective barriers such as condoms and dental dams.
Most people don’t think about protecting themselves during oral sex because they assume it is much less risky compared to vaginal or anal sex. However, oral sex is a form of sex and carries its own risks. It’s just as important to protect yourself during oral sex as it is during any other type of sex.
How high is the risk of unprotected oral sex?
Just like anal or vaginal sex, oral sex also carries the risk of contracting and spreading sexually transmitted diseases. The risk associated with different sexual acts varies and the likelihood of transmission during oral sex depends on several factors.
Although the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases from oral sex is lower, it is still possible. STIs can be transmitted during oral sex when infected body fluids come into contact with the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.
The sexually transmitted diseases you can get from oral sex include:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea: Although very unlikely, it is technically possible for someone with a chlamydia or gonorrhea infection in their throat to transmit bacteria to your genitals.
- syphilis: If someone with a syphilis infection who has a chancre in their mouth or tongue performs oral sex on you, the infection can be spread to your genitals.
- Herpes simplex virus: If you receive oral sex from someone who has oral herpes, it is possible that the infection could spread to your genitals.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is often transmitted through oral sex or skin-to-skin contact during foreplay. HPV can cause genital warts and is associated with cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, and head and throat cancer.
Most sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms. Even if you feel fine after unprotected oral sex, you may still have caught a sexually transmitted infection. The risk of STI transmission during oral sex depends on factors such as the type of infection, the presence of wounds, and the frequency of exposure.
How about unprotected oral sex?
If you have oral sex with another person, you have the same infections to worry about, just in reverse. However, oral sex is less risky than oral sex.
- Chlamydia: Chlamydia bacteria from the genitals can infect the mucous membranes of the throat. Almost all chlamydia throat infections cause no symptoms.
- gonorrhea: Like chlamydia, gonorrhea infections of the throat usually do not cause symptoms, but the risk of spreading the infection remains. Oral gonorrhea can cause a sore throat similar to strep throat, although most cases are asymptomatic.
- Syphilis: Syphilis is highly contagious. It’s more likely to spread if you come into contact with one Syphilis soreor chancres on your partner’s anus, genitals, or mouth.
- Herpes: If your partner has a genital herpes infection, the virus can be transferred to your mouth during oral sex. Your partner could also have an anal herpes infection, which you could also contract through oral sex.
- HPV: If you have oral sex, you are more likely to get an oral HPV infection. Getting HPV through oral sex can increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
- Hepatitis A: There is evidence that hepatitis A can be transmitted sexually, particularly during anal sex or oral sex on the anus. This is because the virus is found in the feces of infected people and can be transmitted through contact with infected feces.
However, it is technically possible to transmit HIV through oral sex The risk is extremely low. However, the risk of HIV transmission is higher if your partner is an HIV-positive person, although the overall risk from oral sex remains low.
How likely is it that I will get a sexually transmitted infection from oral sex?
It is not possible to give an exact number that indicates the likelihood of getting a sexually transmitted infection during oral sex. The likelihood of developing an STI depends on several factors and is highly context-dependent.
However, Some factors can increase your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection during oral sexlike for example:
- Poor oral health, such as tooth decay, gum disease, bleeding gums, or oral cancer
- Sores in your mouth or your partner’s mouth
- Any contact with infected body fluids such as precum, semen or vaginal fluids
How can I have safe oral sex?
There are many things you can do in the future to reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection during oral sex. To reduce the risk of STI transmission, it is important to practice oral sex safely by using protective measures such as condoms or dental dams and following recommended guidelines.
Oral sex on the penis
Cover the penis with a condom before oral sex. Although many may not like the idea, many manufacturers make flavored condoms that can make the act more pleasurable.
Oral sex on the vagina or anus
Since the vagina and anus are not shaped like a penis, it may be difficult to use a condom straight from the package in this situation. Cut the condom into a square and place the material over the area you want to stimulate. You may also want to consider using a dental dam if you have access to one.
Get vaccinated
You can cover some bases before you start by getting vaccinated against some sexually transmitted diseases. Vaccines are widely available HPV, Hepatitis AAnd Hepatitis B. The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing HPV infections, including those that cause genital warts and certain cancers.
When should I get tested if I have unprotected oral sex?
You should get tested after any unprotected sex, including unprotected oral sex. Most STDs are not detectable on an STI test until 14 days after the worrisome incident, although some STDs are detectable sooner or later.
If you are sexually active and have frequent unprotected oral sex, you should get tested regularly. That could mean getting tested every few weeks.
What symptoms should I look out for?
Most sexually transmitted diseases do not show any symptoms. You may have an infection and feel fine. However, if you have given or received oral sex, you should watch out for the following symptoms.
If you are given oral sex:
- Any sores, bumps, blisters, itching, or tingling around the lips or mouth
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, nausea, fatigue or general malaise
- Sore throat or itching
If you have had oral sex:
- Sores, blisters, bumps, itching, or pain in your genitals or anus
- Unusual discharge from the genitals or anus
- Fever, nausea, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes
What tests should I have done after unprotected oral sex?
If you have practiced unprotected oral sex, you most likely need one Throat swab test to determine whether a chlamydia or gonorrhea infection is present.
Other infections that can be spread through sores or warts on/around your partner’s genitals or anus, or conversely to your throat or mouth, include: syphilis, HPVAnd Herpes. This would require a blood sample.
Final thoughts
If you are concerned about your sexual health, contact our team of sexual health advisors on the number above. They can help you Find your nearest sexual health clinic and book an STI test. Or you can start your own online booking by clicking the “Book Now” button.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.
This article first appeared on March 10, 2023. Last updated 12/19/2025.
