Can Kissing Transfer Sperm? Risks of Oral Sex

French kissing and the movement of sperm?

The concern arises from the fact that during oral sex, my girlfriend did not cause me to ejaculate, but her tongue did come into contact with my pre-ejaculate fluid.
Shortly after the oral sex (within a minute), we engaged in a French kiss, and then I performed oral sex on my girlfriend.
In a situation like this, what is the likelihood of pregnancy considering the two mediums involved? Additionally, could sperm potentially move into my mouth through kissing, given that I only had contact with pre-ejaculate fluid?

Xiao Ming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/12

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, it is difficult to assess the likelihood of pregnancy.
However, as long as there are active sperm in the vagina during the ovulation period, there is still a possibility of pregnancy regardless of the method.
It is advisable to take appropriate contraceptive measures, and if necessary, consult a physician for evaluation.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2022/02/12

More Info

Kissing and oral sex are often subjects of concern when it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the potential for pregnancy. Let’s break down your questions and clarify the risks involved.

First, it’s important to understand that sperm transfer through kissing is highly unlikely. Kissing involves the exchange of saliva, which does not contain sperm. Sperm must be deposited in the vagina or near the vaginal opening to have a chance of fertilizing an egg. In your scenario, where your girlfriend licked pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) and then you engaged in kissing, the risk of sperm being transferred to her mouth and then back to yours is extremely low. Pre-ejaculate does contain some sperm, but the concentration is significantly lower than that found in ejaculate. Moreover, sperm are not designed to survive long outside the male reproductive tract, especially in saliva.

Now, regarding the risks of STIs, both oral sex and kissing can potentially transmit infections, but the likelihood varies based on several factors. Oral sex can transmit STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and herpes, especially if there are cuts or sores in the mouth or on the genitals. Kissing, particularly deep kissing, can also transmit infections like herpes, but the risk is generally considered lower compared to oral or penetrative sex.

In your specific case, if both you and your girlfriend are free of STIs and there are no open sores or cuts in your mouths, the risk of transmission through kissing is minimal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes deep kissing as a moderate risk for HIV transmission, but this is primarily if one partner is HIV positive and has open sores or bleeding gums. Since you mentioned that neither of you has any visible wounds, the risk remains low.

Regarding your concern about the possibility of pregnancy, the chances are virtually nonexistent in the scenario you described. For pregnancy to occur, viable sperm must be deposited in the vagina, and the conditions must be right for fertilization. Since you did not ejaculate and only had contact with pre-ejaculate, the likelihood of sperm traveling from your girlfriend’s mouth back to your mouth and then into her vagina is extremely low.

In summary, while there are risks associated with oral sex and kissing, the specific scenario you described does not present a significant risk for either STI transmission or pregnancy. If you have ongoing concerns about STIs or pregnancy, consider consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice and potential testing. Regular STI screenings are recommended for sexually active individuals, especially when engaging in activities with multiple partners. Always practice safe sex to minimize risks and ensure both partners' health and safety.

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