Oral Ulcers and Safe Oral Sex: Risks and Precautions Explained

Oral ulceration and oral sex?

Hello, doctor.
If both partners are each other's only sexual partner and both are first-time partners, is it safe for the girl to perform oral sex on the boy if she has an oral ulcer due to a recent cold? Since her boyfriend really enjoys the sensation of oral sex, will this increase the risk of the girl contracting oral HPV? If the boy uses a condom during oral sex and avoids contact between his mouth and the penis, does that eliminate the risk of infection? Additionally, if the girl has an oral ulcer and they kiss, could the boy's oral contact with the girl's clitoris and vulva potentially transfer any viruses and cause an infection in the genital area? Thank you for your time and assistance.

Y, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/08/26

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If both partners are each other's only sexual partners and both are first-time partners, and the female has oral ulcers due to a recent cold, can she still perform oral sex on her boyfriend? Since her boyfriend enjoys the sensation of oral sex, is there a risk of the female contracting oral HPV? Answer: The female can still perform oral sex on her boyfriend while having oral ulcers, but she should use a condom.
This way, it will not lead to the male contracting oral HPV.
If the male uses a condom during oral sex and avoids contact between his mouth and the penis, will this prevent infection? Answer: Yes, it will.
If the female has oral ulcers and they engage in kissing, followed by the male performing oral stimulation on her clitoris and vulva, is there a possibility of transferring the virus and causing an infection in the genital area? Answer: Yes, it is possible, but the likelihood is low.
Typically, if the male has oral ulcers and performs oral stimulation on the female's clitoris and vulva, he could transfer the virus to the genital area, leading to an infection.

Reply Date: 2019/08/26

More Info

When it comes to oral sex, especially in the context of oral ulcers and potential risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there are several important factors to consider.
First and foremost, oral ulcers can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, stress, or even mechanical irritation. If a person has oral ulcers, it is crucial to understand that these can serve as entry points for pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. Therefore, engaging in oral sex while having oral ulcers can increase the risk of transmitting infections, even if both partners are otherwise healthy and have no known STIs.

Regarding the specific question about whether a female partner with oral ulcers can perform oral sex on her male partner, it is generally advisable to avoid this activity until the ulcers have healed. The presence of ulcers can increase the risk of transmitting infections such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) or human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly if the male partner has any cuts or abrasions on his genitalia. While the risk of HPV transmission through oral sex is lower compared to genital contact, it is still a possibility, especially if there are open sores in the mouth.

Using a condom during oral sex can significantly reduce the risk of STI transmission. If the male partner wears a condom, it can help protect against direct contact with any potential pathogens. However, it is important to note that if the female partner has oral ulcers, there is still a risk of infection if there is any contact with the sores. Additionally, if the male partner were to perform oral sex on the female partner after engaging in oral sex with a condom, there could be a risk of transferring any pathogens from the condom to the female's genital area, especially if there are any cuts or abrasions.

As for the concern about HPV, it is known that HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, and oral sex can be a route of transmission. While the risk of developing oral HPV from oral sex is relatively low, it is not negligible. If the female partner has oral ulcers, this could potentially increase her risk of contracting oral HPV if the male partner has the virus.

In summary, while both partners may be each other's only sexual partners and may not have any known STIs, the presence of oral ulcers poses a risk that should not be overlooked. It is advisable to refrain from oral sex until the ulcers have healed completely. If oral sex is to be performed, using a condom can help reduce the risk of STI transmission, but it is still essential to be cautious about any potential contact with the ulcers. Regular STI screenings and open communication between partners about sexual health are also crucial in maintaining a safe sexual relationship.

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