Oral sex-related STIs: Which infections could you potentially contract from it?

Oral sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise, with the World Health Organization reporting approximately 1 million new cases daily worldwide. These infections, which include cunnilingus, fellatio, and oro-anal contact, can have serious health implications if left untreated.

**Prevalence and Common Oral STIs:**

Several STIs are known to be commonly spread through oral sex. Among these are the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B, Chancroid, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococci.

HSV-1, in particular, is very common, with many individuals acquiring it orally before age 15. Among adults, HSV infections affect a large proportion of the population, with a substantial share of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections presenting in the oral or genital regions. Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Chlamydia can also be transmitted through oral sex, with sores or ulcers in the mouth facilitating transmission. HPV, while less frequently transmitted by oral sex compared to other routes, remains a risk, particularly for oropharyngeal cancers.

**How Common Are Oral STIs Overall?**

While exact prevalence rates vary by population and geographic region, oral STIs are significant contributors to the overall burden of sexually transmitted infections. For example, the global prevalence of HSV infections is high, with many individuals infected orally during childhood or adolescence. Gonorrhea and Syphilis also contribute substantially to STI cases, with gonorrhea particularly common in oral infections.

**Risk Reduction:**

Using barriers such as condoms or dental dams during oral sex can significantly reduce but not completely eliminate the risk of oral STIs. Regular STI testing, maintaining a monogamous, committed relationship, avoiding sex with someone who has a visible outbreak of an STI, and treating any STIs promptly are also important steps to reduce transmission.

In conclusion, oral STIs are a growing concern worldwide, with viral infections like HSV and HPV, and bacterial infections such as gonorrhea and syphilis, among others, being commonly transmitted through oral sex. Awareness and safer sex practices are crucial to reduce transmission during oral sex.

The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), often acquired orally before age 15, is a common STI spread through oral sex.
Among adults, HSV infections affect a large proportion of the population, often presenting in the oral or genital regions.
Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Chlamydia can also be transmitted through oral sex, with sores or ulcers in the mouth facilitating transmission.
HPV, while less frequently transmitted by oral sex compared to other routes, remains a risk, particularly for oropharyngeal cancers.
Although exact prevalence rates vary, oral STIs are significant contributors to the overall burden of sexually transmitted infections.
The global prevalence of HSV infections, for instance, is high, with many individuals infected during childhood or adolescence.
Using barriers such as condoms or dental dams during oral sex can reduce the risk of oral STIs, but not entirely eliminate it.
Regular STI testing, maintaining a monogamous, committed relationship, and treating any STIs promptly are also important steps to reduce transmission.
Oral infections of gonorrhea and Syphilis also contribute substantially to STI cases worldwide.
Other STIs commonly spread through oral sex include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococci, Chancroid, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Awareness and safer sex practices are crucial to reduce transmission during oral sex.
The World Health Organization reports approximately 1 million new cases of oral STIs daily worldwide.
science has shown that certain STIs, like HIV and AIDS, can cause degeneration and health issues if left untreated.
Diabetes, obesity, and certain mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder can also be exacerbated by untreated STIs.
Besides oral STIs, other diseases, such as lice, Crohn's, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, macular degeneration, and COPD, are not sexually transmitted but require attention for health-and-wellness.
It's important to maintain good sexual, mental, and overall health for a higher quality of life, including taking care of sexual-health issues, managing mental-health conditions, and staying informed about ADs and potential drug interactions from medications for various diseases.