Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Oral Sex

What are the risks to health from oral sex?

Most sexually transmitted infections can be passed on through unprotected oral sex.

Some, like gonorrhoea, genital herpes, genital warts, chlamydia and syphilis are easily caught through unprotected oral sex with a man or a woman.

Though the risk is lower, HIV can also be passed on from a man during oral sex if his semen enters the bloodstream. This can happen if there are small cuts or sores in the mouth of the person giving him oral sex.

A woman's vaginal fluid can also contain the HIV virus and can pass into the bloodstream through cuts in the mouth.

Visit the clinic to read more about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

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Reducing the risks from oral sex

The risks from oral sex can be reduced if you:

• always use a fresh condom or dam
• change the dam or condom if in use for a long time
• refrain from oral sex if there are any signs of infection, or
• refrain from oral sex if the person giving it has any cuts or sores in their mouth.

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Safer sex alternatives to oral sex

There are plenty of ways to have safer sex.

Phone sex, cyber sex using toys with a condom and masturbation are all less risky.

Find out more about safer sex alternatives.

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