Oral sex isn’t necessarily a safer alternative to sexual intercourse, although you can't get pregnant from oral sex. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes, gonorrhoea and syphilis can still be passed on, so using a condom or dental dam (a thin, soft plastic that covers the vagina) is still important.2
Although it carries a very low risk, HIV transmission is also possible from oral sex. This could happen if the person receiving oral sex has an STI or sores on their genital area, or if the person giving oral sex has sores in their mouth or bleeding gums.3
You should avoid having oral sex if either of you has sores around your mouth, vagina or penis. These could be a sign of an infection, so get them checked out by a healthcare professional.4 Also be aware that infections can still be passed on through oral sex even if there are no signs or symptoms of the infection.5
Talking to your partner about protection before you start having oral sex will help things go more smoothly. This can be embarrassing, but it’s an important part of having sex – and if you find it too difficult to discuss then it could be a sign that you aren’t ready to start having oral sex just yet.
