Oral sex refers to sexual intercourse techniques that involve stimulation of the vagina, penis, or anus using the mouth, lips, or tongue. This method is considered a form of foreplay that can increase intimacy in sexual relations, as long as it is done carefully. However, it is important to remember that when performed without paying attention to the cleanliness of vital organs, oral sex can increase the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, find out more about the risks of oral sex and safe tips for doing it here.

Potential Risks of Having Oral Sex

When engaging in oral sexual activity, there is a high probability that the mouth will be exposed to genital fluids or feces, increasing the risk of infection, especially sexually transmitted infections. Some infections that can be transmitted through oral sex are as follows:

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Excessive oral sex can increase the risk of transmitting HPV, a condition associated with an increased chance of developing throat or mouth cancer. This prevention is very important, because transmission of HPV through oral sex is considered a major risk factor for the development of this cancer.

2. Syphilis

Oral sexual activity can also increase the risk of transmitting syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that is recognized by sores on the genitals. The Treponema pallidum bacteria that causes syphilis can easily spread through oral skin contact with syphilis sores during oral sex.

3. Gonorrhea

Oral sex can increase the risk of transmitting gonorrhea or gonorrhea. This disease can attack the throat, genitals, urinary tract and anus. The risk of contracting gonorrhea increases when having oral sex with an infected partner, and vice versa.

4. Herpes

Through oral sex, there is a risk of getting herpes on the genitals or mouth. Symptoms include itching, pain in the genital area or around the mouth, the appearance of small blisters with fluid or blood, and irritation of the skin.

5. Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through oral sex, especially if there are wounds in the mouth or wearing braces. Because the virus can be present in saliva, vaginal fluids, or semen, the potential for hepatitis B transmission remains high.

6. Chlamydia

Chlamydia can be transmitted through oral sex, as well as through unprotected anal or vaginal sex. Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the infection, such as sore throat, tooth or mouth pain, mouth sores that do not heal, pain when urinating, pain or swelling in the testicles, pain in the anus, and abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina.

7. HIV

The risk of contracting HIV is also a significant threat in oral sex activities, especially if there are wounds on the oral sex performer's mouth or lips and if the partner involved does not receive HIV treatment. The presence of HIV in this situation can be a serious risk.

Tips Performing Safe Oral Sex

Before trying to have sex by mouth, make sure you and your partner both want to do it. Apart from that, also discuss the sexual health history of both yourself and your partner.After that, follow the following tips to ensure that both parties can enjoy oral stimulation safely and avoid the risk of disease transmission.

1. Keeping Intimate Organs Clean

Wash properly using soap and clean intimate organs thoroughly so they are free from germs. This is an important step, especially if you plan to combine oral stimulation with sexual activity.

2. Using a Condom or Dental Dam

As with intimate relationships in general, the main way to reduce the risk of disease transmission through oral stimulation is to use protection. The protective equipment used when performing oral stimulation can be a condom for men or a dental dam, which is a sheet of latex plastic that is placed over a woman's vulva or anus area.

3. Using Lubricant

To avoid excessive friction on the teeth, it is recommended to use a lubricant when performing oral stimulation. Make sure to read the composition of the lubricant before use and avoid oil-based lubricants. Instead, choose water-based or silicone lubricants that are considered safe in direct contact with the mouth and genital area.

4. Avoid Forcing Your Partner

Oral stimulation techniques, such as fellatio, should not be carried out by forcing the partner. This approach can cause discomfort in women and increase the risk of bacteria or germs entering the throat.

5. Watch for Signs of Health

A healthy physical appearance does not always reflect the cleanliness and health of a partner's intimate organs. Therefore, before performing oral stimulation, make sure to check the cleanliness and health of your partner's intimate organs.

6. Pay Attention to Hygiene After Oral Sex

After completing oral stimulation, clean your mouth by brushing your teeth and gargling with antiseptic fluid. Always pay attention to your health and that of your partner after an oral stimulation session. If you are sexually active, including frequent oral stimulation, undergo regular screening for venereal disease to ensure freedom from infection.

By practicing safe oral sex, you and your partner can reduce the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases, as well as taking care of your and your partner's sexual health, creating a comfortable lovemaking experience.

References:

https://www.alodokter.com/seks-oral-yang-aman-seperti-apa

https://hellosehat.com/seks/tips-seks/cara-oral-seks/

https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/ini-tips-seks-oral-yang-aman-untuk-cegah-penyakit