Risk of Infection from Oral Sex After Kissing with Mouth Ulcer

Q: Risk of Infection from Oral Sex After Kissing with Mouth Ulcer

Hello： Transmission can only occur if there is an infection present. <br>The likelihood of transmission can be categorized based on the risk levels associated with sexual behaviors. <br>No risk activities include masturbation, hugging, and touching areas other than the genitals;

Kissing after having a cold sore and engaging in oral sex?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a situation where a male has a mouth ulcer without bleeding but has engaged in kissing with a female partner.
Later, the female performed oral sex on him without a condom (the female does not have any mouth ulcers).
What is the likelihood of infection in this scenario? Thank you for your response.

shu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/04

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: Transmission can only occur if there is an infection present.
The likelihood of transmission can be categorized based on the risk levels associated with sexual behaviors.
No risk activities include masturbation, hugging, and touching areas other than the genitals; low-risk activities include mutual masturbation, light kissing, mutual rubbing, and sexual intercourse with condom use; moderate-risk activities include deep kissing, oral sex, and withdrawal before ejaculation; high-risk activities involve unprotected intercourse and intercourse that causes wounds or bleeding.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/04/04

More Info

When it comes to the risk of infection from oral sex, especially following kissing when one partner has a mouth ulcer, there are several factors to consider. In your situation, where the male partner has a mouth ulcer but is not bleeding, and the female partner does not have any oral lesions, the risk of transmitting infections can vary based on several aspects.

Firstly, mouth ulcers can be caused by various factors, including viral infections (such as herpes simplex virus), trauma, or other underlying health conditions. If the ulcer is due to a viral infection, there is a potential risk of transmitting that virus through kissing. However, if the ulcer is not caused by an infectious agent, the risk may be lower.

When it comes to oral sex, the act itself can pose a risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if one partner is infected. Common STIs that can be transmitted through oral sex include herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV). In your case, since the female partner does not have any oral lesions, the risk of her contracting an infection from the male partner through oral sex is relatively low, provided that he does not have any other STIs.

However, it is important to note that even without visible symptoms, some STIs can still be present and transmissible. For instance, HPV can be asymptomatic and still pose a risk for transmission. Additionally, if the male partner has any other infections that are not visible, there is still a potential risk during oral sex.

To further mitigate the risk of infection during oral sex, the use of barriers, such as condoms or dental dams, is highly recommended. These barriers can help prevent direct contact with bodily fluids and reduce the risk of transmitting infections. If the male partner has any concerns about his mouth ulcer or potential infections, it would be wise for him to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.

In summary, while the risk of infection in your scenario may not be high, it is not negligible. The presence of a mouth ulcer can increase the risk of transmission if it is due to an infectious agent. Practicing safe sex, including the use of barriers during oral sex, can significantly reduce the risk of STIs. If either partner has concerns about their health or potential infections, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step. Regular STI screenings and open communication about sexual health with partners are also essential components of maintaining sexual health.

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