Friday, March 28, 2014

Myth-Busted: Oral Sex Is NOT Safe Sex, But It Can Be Safer Sex With These Tips!



Some love giving it. Some would rather receive it. Some are not into it either way.  While some may consider oral sex safer than intercourse, it is not considered 100% safe by the experts.

What Is Oral Sex?
Oral sex is defined by mouth to genitalia contact.  Most people are familiar with the term fellatio, stimulation of the male genitals and cunnilingus or stimulation of the female genitals, however, oral sex can include anilingus, or oral to anal contact also called ‘rimming’. Many commonly known STDs or STI’s can be transmitted via any of these types of oral sex. Whether on the receiving or giving end, there are ways to make the practice safer and more fun.

Is It Safe?
Oral sex is on the rise, and even those who consider themselves virgins may be unknowingly putting themselves at risk for a long list of STDs . The most common of those being Gonorrhea, Herpes, Hepatitis B, HIV, Syphilis, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Chlamydia which may be spread through giving or receiving oral sex.

According to a recent article from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
• The risk of HIV transmission through oral sex is much less than that from anal or vaginal sex—but it is not zero.
• Performing oral sex on an HIV-infected man, with ejaculation, is the riskiest oral sex activity.
• Factors that may increase the risk of HIV transmission through oral sex are oral ulcers, bleeding gums, genital sores, and the presence of other sexually transmitted infections. You can read the entirety of the post on the CDC’s website here: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/behavior/oralsex.html

How to Make Oral Sex Safer.
But what to do if we still wish to practice oral sex? The only way to be sure if you are completely safe is not to have any sexual contact. Uh, right? That said, let’s be more realistic than that. Oral sex is only considered safe if you and your partner are in a 100%-committed, monogamous relationship and both of you have been tested for all STDs. If this is not you, we have a few suggestions to make it safer and more fun for you and your partner.

According to the University of Georgia’s Health Center…
When practicing safer oral sex: “For oral sex on a man, using a flavored latex condom can reduce STI transmission. Some people complain that condoms have a rubbery taste and lessen the sensation on the penis.” Try this tip: Using a small amount of Wet® Light® Personal Lubricant inside the condom may increase sensation and adding some to the outside will make it more palatable for the giver. It has a pleasantly sweet taste. An added benefit to note: when used properly, lubricants can also reduce the risk of condom breakage.(Note: For oral-anal contact, a latex barrier is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of STI transmission.)

You can read more about oral sex from the University of Georgia http://www.uhs.uga.edu/sexualhealth/oral_sex.html

How to Make Oral Sex More Fun
Whether on the giving or receiving end, it is a skill that can be learned; the good news is with practice we can all get better and better at it. If you are on the giving end, moaning or erotic talk can enhance both your pleasure. If on the receiving end, remember to relax.

For those who wish to perform oral sex for their partners but are more worried about possible odors that arise, we have a suggestion for both of you.  Add more fruit to your diet.  It has been shown that eating strawberries, pineapples, and honeydew melons while limiting the intake of red meat and dairy will increase the pleasure and overall taste and scent for both of you.

So just relax, be safer, and enjoy the give and take. 

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