Safe oral sex tips

The only safe sex is no sex, according to most health care providers. Abstinence may be the only true form of "safe" sex, as all forms of sexual contact carry some risk. However, certain precautions and safe behaviors can minimize a person's risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics AAP recommends that parents start talking to children about sex when they first ask where babies come from, usually between the ages of 3 and 4.

Emma Kaywin, a Brooklyn-based sexual health writer and activist, is here to calm your nerves and answer your questions. No gender, sexual orientation, or question is off limits, and all questions remain anonymous. Q: I have a question about safety and oral sex. That sounds like a lot of work, so which is it — and how big is the STD risk if I have unprotected oral sex? Oral sex is most accurately described as a low-risk way of getting most STDs , and low-risk is not the same as no-risk. So, why is oral sex lower-risk than other types of sex?

We use cookies on this website. By using this site, you agree that we may store and access cookies on your device. Using condoms correctly and every time you have sex will reduce your risk of getting an STI.

Oral sex involves using the mouth, lips, or tongue to stimulate the penis fellatio , vagina cunnilingus , or anus anilingus of a sex partner. The penis and testicles and the vagina and area around the vagina are also called the genitals or genital area. Oral sex is commonly practiced by sexually active adults. Oral sex can happen between heterosexual straight and same-sex gay or lesbian couples. Many STDs, as well as other infections, can be spread through oral sex.