Do I really need condoms for oral sex?
Did you know that flavored condoms were originally created for a very specific reason? Flavored condoms are actually designed to be used during oral sex. The flavor and scent help mask the taste of latex. It also helps make oral sex more enjoyable.
Why flavored condoms though? Why not just give a blow job raw?
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can still spread from the genitals to the mouth and vice versa, despite the fact that it’s typically a less dangerous activity than penis-in-vagina (PIV) or penis in anus (PIA). They include hepatitis B, gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia, syphilis, and HPV. For oral sex, using a barrier method like condoms or dental dams is a great way to stop the spread of STIs.
There is a very small chance that HIV will be transmitted during oral sex; this chance is, however, increased if the person performing the oral sex has any cuts or sores in or around their mouth, if the person receiving the oral sex ejaculates inside of their partner’s mouth, or if the recipient is currently menstruating.
The majority of STIs are spread by specific bodily fluids. You run the risk of infection if semen (come/cum), vaginal secretions, or pre-ejaculate (pre-come) comes in contact with your mouth, genitalia, including your anus. Herpes and HPV are two STIs that can spread through sexual skin-to-skin contact. The most typical STI symptom is NO symptoms, so you can’t tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them.
We recommend that everyone use condoms or dental dams during oral sex because of this.
Condoms can be used for oral sex with a penis (blow job, giving head, going down on). There are many flavored condoms available despite the fact that some people don’t like the taste of latex. Have fun trying different ones until you find one you like!
Dental dams can be used as protection when performing oral on the vagina or anus. Dental dams are made of a thin layer of latex (the same material used for condoms). They are worn over the vulva (outer genitalia) of the person having oral sex. Dental dams can also be used to prevent any contact between a mouth and an anus (sometimes called analingus or a rim job). Dental dams are available at most drug stores and sexual health clinics, but you can make your own by cutting off the tip of a condom and then cutting it lengthwise.
Don’t forget to test
In addition to using barrier methods, you and your partner can lower your chances of contracting or spreading STIs by getting tested on a regular basis.
Get tested for STIs before engaging in any kind of sex with a new partner. You can also discuss with your doctor how frequently you should be tested, which is determined by how many partners you have, whether you always use protection, and other factors. Before engaging in oral sex, have an open and honest discussion with your partner about STI testing.
Oral sex has no chance of leading to pregnancy as long as no sperm (cum) or pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) touches the vulva.
Even though physical safety is very important, keep in mind that sexual health involves more than just that. It is also about understanding and practicing enthusiastic consent. Check in with each other to ensure that everyone is comfortable about everything you’re doing together.
Have you ever used flavored condoms for oral sex?