Is Cunnilingus Safe From STDs?

Cunnilingus is a type of oral sex performed by a person on the vulva or vagina of their partner. It involves stimulating the female genitals using the tongue or lips.

It is commonly practiced by sexually-active adults. A study shows that oral sex in general is practiced by more than 85% of sexually-active adults aged 18-44 years old. Another survey conducted during 2011 to 2015 found that 41% of teenagers aged 15-19 years have engaged in oral sex with a partner. 

Can STDs Be Spread During Cunnilingus?

STDs and other infections can be transmitted through oral sex practices such as cunnilingus. A person can catch STD from an infected partner through the mouth, throat, genitals, or rectum. The risk of getting STD from oral sex or spreading it depends on several factors: 

It is still possible to get STDs in the mouth or throat from giving cunnilingus to a partner whose genitals or rectum are infected. Alternatively, you can also get infected in the genitals after receiving cunnilingus from a partner whose mouth or throat are infected. You can also get STDs in more than one area at a time.

The Different STDs/STIs That You Can Get

There are many types of STDs that can be transmitted through oral sex, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and intestinal infections. Spreading of STDs can also happen even if the infected partner shows no signs or symptoms. 

Here are some of the STDs/STIs that can be transmitted during cunnilingus: 

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs and is caused by a bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis. You can get chlamydia in the throat as a result of giving oral sex to a partner with an infected vagina or urinary tract. 

Gonorrhea

The Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) bacteria infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract of women. This includes the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. It also affects the urethra. Men can also get infected in their urethra. Performing cunnilingus on a person with an infected vagina or urinary tract may result in getting gonorrhea in the throat.

Syphilis 

When a person is infected with syphilis, they will have blotchy red rashes that appear anywhere on their body. Giving oral sex to a partner with syphilis on the genitals may result in getting infected with syphilis.

HPV 

HPV or Human Papillomavirus is a viral infection that causes the skin to grow warts. Giving cunnilingus to a partner with an HPV-infected vagina can also result in getting HPV in the throat. This may also be a risk factor for throat cancer.

Herpes

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes sores or blisters to form on the mouth or genitals. Giving oral sex to a partner with herpes on the genital area  may result in getting herpes on the lips, mouth, or in the throat.

HIV

It is possible to contract HIV from giving oral sex from a partner with the virus.  The risk, however, is very low and there have been very few studies about this. 

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis or Trich is caused by parasites. Symptoms include greenish or yellowish vaginal fluid that has a foul odor. Giving oral sex to a partner with an infected vagina may result in getting trichomoniasis of the throat. 

How to Prevent STIs from Oral Sex

You may consider other sexual activities than vaginal, oral, anal sex, or any technique that involves the exchange of body fluids. 

When performing cunnilingus, protect your mouth by having your partner wear a female condom. 

It also helps to be in a long-term and mutually monogamous relationship, especially if your partner is not infected with an STD. 

Always remember that many infected individuals may not be aware that they are infected. Many STDs often do not show symptoms. 

If you are sexually active, get tested regularly for STDs and HIV. Have your partner get tested, as well. If you think that you have been infected with an STD, refrain from having sex and visit your doctor to get tested. 

Always shower before sex to prevent the spread of infections. Make sure to wash the hands, genitals, and anal area, before and after sex. Avoid douching as it may push infections higher up the vagina and affect other reproductive organs. 

Learn more about Safe Sex here.