Risks of Oral Sex: Can Men Transmit Infections to Other Partners? - Urology

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When a man performs oral sex on a woman, he may be at risk of contracting several sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These can include: 1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 2. Gonorrhea 3. Chlamydia 4. Syphilis 5. Herpes Simplex Virus


If a male performs oral sex on a female who may have an infection and then kisses or performs oral sex on another female, there is a potential risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis.
The risk of transmission depends on various factors, including the presence of sores, bodily fluids, and the overall health of the individuals involved.
It is important to practice safe sex and consider regular STI testing to reduce these risks.

Xiao Mi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/02

Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology


Hello, if a male has an oral wound at the time and the female has a cut or sore in the area of oral contact, the concerns you have are still possible, just a matter of probability.
Since the situation has occurred, it is still advisable to go to the hospital for a thorough examination.

Reply Date: 2019/04/02

More Info


Oral sex, while often considered a safer alternative to penetrative sex, still carries risks for the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When a man performs oral sex on a woman who may have an STI, there is a potential risk for the man to contract the infection, especially if there are any cuts or sores in his mouth. This risk is compounded if he then engages in kissing or oral sex with other partners, as infections can be transmitted through saliva or direct contact with mucous membranes.

In the scenario you presented, if a man performs oral sex on a woman who is infected with an STI, he could potentially become infected himself. Common STIs that can be transmitted through oral sex include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV). If the man then kisses or performs oral sex on another woman, he could potentially transmit these infections to her, especially if he has developed an infection himself.

For instance, gonorrhea and chlamydia can infect the throat, and if the man has these infections, he could pass them on through oral contact. Similarly, herpes can be transmitted even when there are no visible sores, as the virus can be present in saliva. HPV is particularly concerning as certain strains are linked to oral and throat cancers, and can also be transmitted through oral sex.

To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for sexually active individuals to engage in regular STI screenings, especially if they have multiple partners. Using barriers such as condoms or dental dams during oral sex can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Furthermore, open communication with partners about sexual health and STI status is essential.

In summary, yes, a man who performs oral sex on a woman with a potential STI and then engages with other partners can indeed transmit infections. The specific diseases that could be transmitted include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, and HPV. It is advisable for individuals to practice safer sex methods and to seek medical advice if they suspect they may have been exposed to an STI. Regular check-ups and honest discussions about sexual health can help in preventing the spread of infections.

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