Oral sex is an activity in which the mouth and tongue are used to give or receive sexual stimulation. It's often performed as foreplay leading up to sexual intercourse, but not always.
Although in some circumstances oral sex may be safer than vaginal or anal sex, this type of sexual activity also puts you at risk for certain health issues if you don't take the right precautions. Learn about how to engage in oral sex safely and the risks you may face if you have oral sex without condoms or other forms of barrier protection. This common sexual activity involves oral stimulation of another person's genitals or anus.
Usually, someone is performing oral sex while another person receives it. There are several types of oral sex. They include:. Consent means that both parties have clearly and verbally communicated that they want to engage in sexual activity. Consent cannot be given by people who are underage, intoxicated, incapacitated due to drugs or alcohol, or who are asleep or unconscious.
Sexual assault happens when a person intentionally, sexually touches another person without consent. Oral sex will not result in pregnancy and has a lower risk of passing on HIV, but it can result in other STIs and additional health concerns. Having oral sex can increase a person's chances of contracting certain STIs, including:. Risk factors that can increase the risk of STIs from oral sex include poor oral hygiene, ejaculating into the mouth, and having cuts, abrasions, or sores in the mouth or on the genitals.
Symptoms of STIs include:. A UTI is an often painful infection of the urinary system typically caused by bacteria. It's best to avoid performing oral sex if your partner has a urinary tract infection UTI or receiving it if you have a UTI.
