Can Oral Sex with Lip Wound Lead to STDs or Throat Inflammation?

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that?

I would like to ask, both my boyfriend and I are virgins (we have not had any sexual contact with others before), and we do not have any sexually transmitted infections.
A few days ago, we performed oral sex on each other for the first time.
I have a sore on my lower lip (which is healing and not bleeding).
We did not wash the penis beforehand, nor did we rinse our mouths, and we did not use a condom.
After I performed oral sex on him, is there a chance I could contract a sexually transmitted infection? Could my mouth or throat become inflamed? After performing oral sex, I rinsed my mouth and brushed my teeth.
I hope it's okay to ask this question here, and I would appreciate the doctor's response.
Thank you!

Sugger, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/08/06

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, you may be at risk of infection due to an oral wound that could come into contact with external pathogens.
However, it is important to determine whether there are any pathogens present that could lead to infection.
Additionally, it is possible for pathogens from the oral cavity to infect the genital area through contact.
Nevertheless, if there are no wounds, the likelihood of this happening should be low.

However, the genital area can harbor certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which may be transmitted orally and potentially infect the esophagus, trachea, and other areas, leading to conditions such as oropharyngeal cancer.
This is currently a topic of significant interest among physicians regarding oral sexual practices.

Note: Oropharyngeal cancer is believed to be associated with human papillomavirus.
If you have further questions or need clarification, please feel free to ask for more discussion and research.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2014/08/06

More Info

Engaging in oral sex, especially when there are open wounds or injuries in the mouth, can raise concerns about the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and other infections. In your case, since both you and your boyfriend are sexually inexperienced and have no known STDs, the risk of transmission is relatively low, but there are still some important factors to consider.

First, let's discuss the potential for STD transmission. STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV can be transmitted through oral sex, particularly if there are open sores or wounds in the mouth or on the genitals. In your situation, you mentioned that your lower lip had a wound that was healing and not actively bleeding. While this reduces the risk, it does not eliminate it entirely. The presence of any open wound can create a potential entry point for pathogens, especially if there is contact with bodily fluids such as pre-ejaculate or semen.

Moreover, the fact that you did not wash the penis before engaging in oral sex could also increase the risk of introducing bacteria or viruses into your mouth, especially if there were any infections present on the skin of the penis. It's important to note that many STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning that even if neither of you has experienced symptoms, there is still a possibility of carrying an infection.

Regarding throat inflammation, oral sex can lead to irritation or inflammation of the throat, especially if there is vigorous activity or if the person receiving oral sex has a sensitive throat. Symptoms may include soreness, redness, or discomfort in the throat. If you experience these symptoms, it may be due to irritation from the act itself or from exposure to bacteria or viruses.

To minimize the risk of STDs and throat inflammation in the future, consider the following recommendations:
1. Use Protection: Using condoms or dental dams during oral sex can significantly reduce the risk of STD transmission. This barrier method helps prevent direct contact with bodily fluids and reduces exposure to pathogens.

2. Maintain Oral Hygiene: Before engaging in oral sex, both partners should practice good hygiene. Washing the genital area and ensuring that the mouth is clean can help reduce the risk of infections.

3. Avoid Oral Sex with Open Wounds: If you or your partner has any cuts, sores, or wounds in the mouth or on the genitals, it's best to avoid oral sex until they have fully healed.

4. Regular Testing: Even if you both believe you are STD-free, regular testing is a good practice, especially if you plan to engage in sexual activities. This can provide peace of mind and help catch any potential infections early.

5. Monitor Symptoms: If you experience any unusual symptoms following oral sex, such as persistent sore throat, unusual discharge, or sores in the mouth or genital area, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and further transmission.

In summary, while the risk of contracting an STD from oral sex with a healing lip wound is not negligible, it is relatively low given your circumstances. However, practicing safe sex and maintaining good hygiene can further reduce risks and promote overall sexual health. If you have any concerns or experience symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and testing.

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