Can You Get An STD From A Blowjob?

One question people that engage in oral sex always ask is, can you get an STD from a blowjob?  That question is not out of place because “life is precious”. Regarding sexually transmitted diseases, some can be contracted through mouth action. Even though oral sex appears to be a low-risk activity compared to penetrative sex, it is important to know the health risk before performing a blowjob.

Contrary to what some people believe, you can get an STD from getting a blowjob. This is why there is a need to practice safe sex.

In this article, we will outline the potential dangers and also explain some of the STIs that a person can get from oral sex and how to stay safe. Let’s get started!

Blowjob and STD

Blow jobs, like any other form of oral sex, can spread the following diseases: gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV. Although the likelihood of passing on the disease is low, it is still possible to get an STD if one has oral sex with an infected person.

For those of you just hearing the term blowjob for the first time, it is a sexual activity whereby a person uses his or her mouth and tongue to perform sexual service on the private parts of another person. This means oral stimulation in the most advanced forms, like sucking, licking, and even deep-throating.

It is pertinent to state here that blowjobs, like any other type of sexual behavior, have some health risks. STDs can be passed from one person to another through sexual activities or contact with the body fluids, including semen, vaginal secretion, or blood.

If the person giving the blowjob has a cut or sore in the mouth, the possibility of getting the STD from the genitals of the partner may be high.

However, at times, STDs are transmittable even if the person does not have symptoms: herpes or HPV, for instance. This is the case that can mean that you may get an STD from a partner who does not show any signs and symptoms, such as sores or lesions.

Can You Get an STD from a Blowjob?

So if you’re now asking yourself if one can get an STD from oral sex, particularly from giving a blowjob, then the answer is yes. Oral sex is widely known to be less dangerous in the transmission of STIs, but that does not mean that it is perfectly safe.

During oral sex, any individual who is giving oral sex to the partner is at high risk of coming into contact with the body fluids that may have the STIs.

For example, if the person receiving the blowjob has herpes sore or genital warts, then the infections can be transferred to the person giving the blowjob. Likewise, if the person providing the blowjob has any cut or sore in his or her mouth, this can also cause a transmission of STIs.

It is important to mention that a few of the STIs—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—can be transmitted through oral sex. These infections can affect the genitals and mouth, or the genitals and throat, respectively. There are scenarios where the mentioned infections show no symptoms.

STDs that can be transmitted through oral sex

Note that some STDs can be contracted through oral intercourse. Sadly, many people assume that oral sex means that they cannot get an STD or sexually transmitted disease when it is not the case at all. Here are some of the STIs you can contract from making out:

• Herpes

The Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be transmitted when an individual engages in oral sex. This virus may lead to painful ulcers in the mouth, lips, or genital area.

It is therefore important to remember that even where there are no signs, such as fever or flu, the virus can be present and transmitted. Male and female condoms or dental dams can also be used during oral sex to at least lower the risk of transmission.

• Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria. This bacterium can infect the throat, genitals, or rectum. If this disease is transmitted through oral sex, then the symptoms may include sore throats or swollen glands.

Gonorrhea may cause severe problems if left untreated, so it is advisable to consult your doctor if you think you have come in contact with it.

• Chlamydia

Chlamydia also remains one of the most prevalent STDs that can be contracted through oral sex. This bacterial infection may lead to symptoms like painful urination, discharge, or abdominal pain.

• Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through oral-genital sex. The infection follows certain stages and, if not treated, can cause dangerous consequences. Some of the possible manifestations of syphilis include the presence of ulcers, rash, and flu-like signs.

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

HPV is a popular type of STD that can be contracted through oral sexual contact. Some types of HPV can result in genital warts or cervical cancer in women. HPV vaccines are available, and both men and women are encouraged to get vaccinated to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Oral sex and STI

Several researchers have established that chances of passing an STD through oral sex depend on the type of STD. For example, there are high chances of transmitting STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea when having unprotected oral sex with an infected partner.

Studies show that cases of HPV infection in the USA are on the rise; the CDC reported that approximately 79 million women and men in the USA have HPV.

Also, cross-sectional studies have depicted that MSM had a significantly higher prevalence of oral HPV infection than heterosexual men. This goes to show the dangers of oral sex and what you should do to safeguard yourself and your partner.

The health implications of engaging in unprotected oral sex

It may not appear particularly risky to engage in unprotected oral sex, but the reality is that it can be rather dangerous if the appropriate measures are not taken. It is necessary to know the consequences if you must engage in a sexual act.

The major concern of individuals who do not use any form of protection during oral sex is the contraction of STIs. STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, and even HIV are potential threats that can be contracted from unprotected oral sex.

Moreover, unprotected oral sex exposes you to other risks such as throat infections and oral cancers. HPV causes throat cancer, and research also indicates that persons who practice unprotected oral sex are at greater risk of developing throat cancer.

So, it is useful to learn about the possible health risks and adopt the necessary precautions to avoid such dangers to you and your partner.

Read also: Can You Get An STD From Kissing?

FAQs

Q: Can you get an STD from a blowjob?

The short answer is yes; you can get a sexually transmitted disease if you give or receive oral sex. Although it is not as common as vaginal or anal intercourse, it is still possible to spread infections through oral intercourse.

Q: What STDS can be contracted through oral sex?

A: Here are some STDs that can be transmitted through oral sex: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV. These infections can be found in the semen, vaginal fluids, or blood of the infected partner and can be transmitted through contact with the mouth or throat during oral sex.

Q: What can I do to avoid getting an STD while giving a blow job?

A: The only method that can prevent you from getting an STD when engaging in oral sex is to use a condom or dental dam. These barriers may help avoid blood flow and other body fluids and consequently minimize the spread of the diseases.

Q: Is it possible to contract an STD even when using protection during oral sex?

A: It is possible because a condom is not 100 percent safe. Although the skin-to-skin contact is restricted, you must ensure that the barrier does not get off while giving a blowjob.

Q: How can I be sure that I have contracted an STD after a blow job?

 A: If you notice any of these, like abnormal discharge, itching, burning, or sores in the genital area or mouth, you must consult a healthcare provider for tests. Note that some of the STDs have no symptoms, and therefore those who engage in sexual activities should go for tests frequently.

Can you get an STD from a blowjob?

Yes, you can. But it is still not as dangerous as other types of sexual practices. Nonetheless, there are other health risks of practicing oral sex. If you prefer to do anal or mouth action on your partner, you should know the status of your partner before engaging into that.

Alternatively, to stay safe, use tongue condoms (oral sex condoms), or dental dams for protection. So, it is up to you to decide to be safe during any form of sexual conduct.