Hi Dru,

Oral sex is generally safer than unprotected anal (or vaginal) sex, but you’re right in thinking that it’s not risk free. What could you catch from unprotected oral sex?

Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis: It’s a good idea to get tested regularly because these bacterial infections can be cured with antibiotics.

Hepatitis B: This virus is 100 times more infectious than HIV, and can be fatal in some cases. The good news is that you can get vaccinated, and in Quebec it’s free for gay and bi men, sex workers and their partners, IV drug users, people who have been sexually assaulted, and everyone 18 and under. Ask your doctor or CLSC for more information.

Herpes, HPV (Genital Warts): You can treat the symptoms of these common viruses, but there is no cure. Herpes is most infectious right before and during an outbreak (when there’s tingling or visible sores), and there are many different strains of HPV, not all of which cause warts.

HIV: There’s pretty much no risk with oral sex for HIV. This means that it is possible to catch the virus this way, but there have been very very few cases, and most of these people had cuts or sores in their mouth (like gingivitis, cold sores, canker sores, recent dental work, very recently brushed teeth). The vast majority of people living with HIV contracted it through a high risk activity, including unprotected anal or vaginal sex, sharing penetrative sex toys, or sharing needles and syringes.

As you mentioned, you can always protect yourself by using a non-lubricated or flavoured condom, adding a drop of lube on the inside to make his penis feel slippery and sensitive.

Anyone having oral sex with a someone who has a vagina can protect themselves by spreading a dental dam over their vulva, adding lube to one side of the latex or directly on their body. This latex square can also be made with a glove – just cut off the fingers and split it up the side opposite the thumb. This thumb extension is useful for stimulating your partner on the inside.

Anisa from ACCM