SEVERAL METHODS HAVE BEEN USED TO PROTECT AGAINST STD TRANSMISSION DURING ORAL SEX
If a person has breaks in the skin of the mouth (such as chapped lips or a cold sore) or bleeding gums, this may increase the likelihood that he or she will become infected with an STD while performing oral sex on a partner, since breaks in the skin can make transmission easier. Using a barrier method can provide protection. Do not floss your teeth before or after an oral sexual contact, since the resulting disruption of the gum tissue may increase the chance of becoming infected with an STD through oral sex.
Several methods have been used to protect against STD transmission during oral sex with a partner whose status for STDs is not known or who is known to have a chronic STD. For women or men who perform oral sex on male partners, condoms are the best option for protection. You may want to try using unlubricated condoms, since spermicide has an unpleasant taste for many people. Both latex and plastic condoms can be used for this purpose. Flavored condoms are also available, and these may be an option for those who do not like the taste of latex or plastic. As discussed previously in this chapter, animal skin condoms do not provide an effective barrier against STDs.
A dab of lubricant inside the condom can help improve sensation. Be sure not to use too much lubricant, since the condom may fall off. (As mentioned earlier, latex condoms can only be used with water-based lubricants; plastic condoms can be used with either oil- or water-based lubricants.) The condom should be used for the entire sexual contact, since infections such as herpes (particularly type 1 herpes, the most common form of oral herpes) can be transmitted through kissing the genitals and therefore can be spread even without penetration. Oral-to-genital contact even with a condom carries a risk of transmitting herpes, but it is less likely with a condom.
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