Oral Sex and STIs: Yes, Blowjobs Count Too

"We only had oral" can describe a very enjoyable evening. Someone's fingers in your hair, your mouth full, nobody in any hurry. It doesn't mean STIs didn't get an invite, though.

Giving or receiving oral can transmit infections, including gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes and HPV. The risk varies by infection and the kind of contact. You don't need to panic about enjoying a blowjob or going down on someone. You do need better information than "surely that doesn't count".

Match the barrier to the body part

For oral on a penis, an external condom covers the cock. For oral on a vulva or anus, a dental dam sits between your mouth and their skin. Our dental dam guide shows you how.

Use a new barrier each time and when changing body areas, and keep it in place throughout. It doesn't have to taste like rubber, either. Four Seasons Naked Strawberry condoms make it a lot more pleasant, and a little flavoured lube helps too. If latex is a problem, choose a non-latex barrier, as our condom materials guide explains.

A shower tells you nothing about STIs

Someone can look perfectly healthy, and have no symptoms at all, while carrying an STI. Being clean and smelling great doesn't change that. Barriers reduce the risk without removing it completely, as some infections can spread through skin the barrier doesn't cover. Oral contact with the anus can also pass on intestinal infections.

Mouthwash isn't a substitute for protection or testing. Minty breath has its charms, but it doesn't do that job.

Tell the clinic about the oral

When you get tested, say what kinds of sex you've had. Depending on your situation, a throat swab may be needed, and they can't test what they don't know about. A routine blood test for something else isn't automatically an STI screen, so ask what you're being tested for. A sexual health clinic has heard it all, and nobody's going to blink.

With a partner, talk about when you last tested and any new partners since. It can be a very short conversation. "When were you last tested? I went in March." Knowing you're both sorted can do a lot for how relaxed you feel.

Keep the supplies within reach

Keep barriers nearby, so using one doesn't mean abandoning the bedroom to search through the bathroom. If either of you has sores, unusual symptoms or concerns about an exposure, stop and get advice.

Protection's part of deciding what you both want, and our guide to speaking plainly in bed can help with the words. Our oral sex positions guide can help with the rest. Now, where were you?