To date, research on contracting STIs other than HIV during oral sexSo what do we know? The following STIs are commonly passed through oral sex:is limited . Even less research is available regarding STI transmission after performing vaginal or anal oral sex.
- gonorrhea
- genital herpes, which is typically caused by herpes simplex virus 2
- syphilis
- chlamydia
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- hepatitis A, B, and C
- genital warts, which are typically caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)
- pubic lice
- herpes simplex virus 1
- trichomoniasis
These conversation starters may help:
- “I was reading an article about using a condom during oral sex, and I wanted to discuss that with you.”
- “We’ve been having a lot of fun, and I’m excited to try new things with you. I’m wondering if we can check in about how and when we should use protection.”
- “I like to talk about sex, protection, and consent before anything happens. Can we talk about that now?”
- “Just so things aren’t confusing the next time we make out or fool around, I wondered if we could talk about oral sex and protection.”
Taste
Some people report that condoms or dental dams have an unpleasant taste. You may be able to minimize this by opting for a material other than latex or polyurethane. Lubricant and other additives can also affect the taste. Whether this is a good thing depends on the lube in question. Pre-lubricated condoms, for example, often have an unpleasant taste. Start with something unlubricated and go from there. If the taste is still troubling, consider adding an edible, flavored lube to the mix. Just make sure the lube is compatible with barrier material and safe for ingestion.Sensation
Despite what you may have heard, you’ll still be able to feel pressure, warmth, and movement. In fact, one person says that oral sex with a condom feels “about 80 percent there.” They went on to say that the overall sensation is on par with what they experience during vaginal intercourse. For some, slightly muted sensation may be a bonus. If you typically find oral sex too stimulating, using a barrier method may help prolong your endurance.- Size matters. Ill-fitting condoms may slip, tear, or otherwise allow fluid to leak out and expose skin.
- Lubricant is optional. Although pre-lubricated condoms may have an unpleasant taste, added lubricant may help mask the taste of the material.
- Spermicide is risky. You should never use a condom that has added nonoxynol-9 spermicide. N-9 can numb your mouth, which, may result in unexpected injury.
- Minimize effort. Open the condom or dental dam package before foreplay. This way you don’t have to stop the action to get to it. You can reach right over and retrieve it.
- Reward the rolling. Your mouth shouldn’t come into contact with any fluids before a barrier method is in place, so use your hands to place the condom or dam, and then quickly follow behind with your tongue.