Honestly, condoms are great. They're one of the few options out there that can protect against both STIs and pregnancy other than, you know, abstinence. When it comes to oral sex, though, it seems we're not so excited about 'em: In a recent survey, about a third of people admitted that they never use condoms or dental dams during oral sex, despite the fact that this can spread many of the same STIs as any other form of sex. The YouGov survey , which gathered responses online from a sample size of 2, adults in the U. Results showed that 14 percent of people reported never using a condom during sex. But when it came to oral sex, a whopping 34 percent of people said they never use condoms. Of course, we should mention that this survey only looked at about 2, adults at one moment in time, so it's hard to generalize this to every person who has oral sex. That said, it honestly didn't surprise us that much. Despite the prevalence of oral sex, it seems that most people forego protection based on an idea that it's just not that risky. Although it's true that oral sex exposes you to fewer risks for some STIs than penetrative sex, it does still pose some risks.
Skip navigation! Story from Sex. If you've ever had sex with someone who has a penis, you're probably pretty familiar with condoms. But, many people are only used to condoms for one reason: penetrative sex. About a third of people admit that they've never used condoms while giving someone a blow job. But putting a condom in your mouth is a little different from having one in your vagina or butt, and there are some things you should know beforehand. Read on for everything you need to know about putting condoms in your mouth. On Tuesday, politician Lord Bethell spoke in the House of Lords about the risk of transmitting coronavirus through kissing and other forms of social interc. The one with the stand-up comedian who insisted on recordin. Warning: The following includes details that some readers may find distressing.
You can still pass sexually transmitted infections STIs between you and your partner. Researchers note that this is partly because people who have oral sex often have vaginal or anal sex, too. This makes it harder to determine the point of transmission. The following STIs are commonly passed through oral sex:. The following infections occur less frequently as a result of oral sex:. The following infections can be transmitted through oral sex, but the overall likelihood is unclear:. Other bacterial infections — such as those caused by Escherichia coli E. Unexpected rips in the material — no matter how small — can also spread bacteria and viruses between you and your partner. For example, genital herpes and syphilis can be spread through any skin-to-skin contact in the genital region, including the pubic mound and the labia. It can be difficult to discuss your boundaries and expectations after clothes start coming off.
Great question! These include gonorrhea, herpes , chlamydia, syphilis, HPV and hepatitis B. Using a barrier method like condoms for oral sex is a great way to help prevent the spread of STIs. Most STIs are spread through certain bodily fluids. You can use condoms for oral sex involving a penis blow job , giving head , going down on. Grab a few and have some fun finding a flavor you like! Dental dams are a thin sheet of latex the same material used for condoms. You can also use dental dams for any contact between a mouth and an anus sometimes called analingus or a rim job.
You can get dental dams at most drug stores or sexual health clinics, but you can also make one from a condom by cutting off the tip and then cutting it lengthwise. Definitely get tested for STIs before having any kind of sex with a new partner. You can also talk to your health care provider about how often you should get tested, which depends on how many partners you have, whether you always use protection, and other factors. Have an open, honest conversation with your partner about STI testing before having oral sex.
The good news? Make sure you and your partner are checking in with each other and yourselves! We can also answer any other questions or concerns you have about your sexual health! Topics range from nutrition to pregnancy prevention, and everything in between. Got a question? Holler at us in the comments, send us a message on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or email us at teenhealthcareorg gmail. This column is not intended to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual, only general information for education purposes only.
It's recently started to smell down there, and I'm really self-conscious about it. What's going on? You asked it, we answered!
In this short film, our student ambassadors take you through getting the HPV vaccine at a school based health center in NYC! Do I really need to use condoms for oral sex? Because of this, we recommend that everyone use condoms or dental dams during oral sex.
In addition to using barrier methods, you and your partner can reduce the risk of getting or spreading STIs by getting tested regularly. A version of this post was originally published in December, Many STIs can be spread through oral sex.
To protect you and your partner, use a barrier method like a condom or dental dam. Share Facebook. Make an Appointment. Tags condoms safer sex sex ed sexual health.