Similarly, herpes can pass from the genitals to the mouth. If you have a cold sore and you give your partner oral sex, you can infect them with the herpes virus. hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.herpes – type 1 and type 2, which can cause cold sores around the mouth and on the genitals or anus.STIs that can be passed on through oral sex include: However, it is still possible for STIs to be passed on. Generally, the risk of infection is lower when you receive oral sex than when you give someone oral sex.
This is because viruses and bacteria, which may be present in semen, vaginal fluid or blood, can travel more easily into a partner's body through breaks in the skin. The risk increases if either of you has sores or cuts around the mouth, genitals or anus. There's a risk of getting or passing on STIs if you're giving or receiving oral sex. Some men and women (gay and straight) choose to do this as part of their sex life, and others don't. Oral sex involves sucking or licking the vagina, penis or anus. If you use lubricants, only use water-based ones, which are available from pharmacies. Oil-based lubricants such as lotion and moisturiser can cause condoms to break or fail. Using condoms helps protect against STIs when you have anal sex. STIs that can be passed on during anal sex include: This is because the lining of the anus is thin and can easily be damaged, which makes it more vulnerable to infection. Men and women can choose to have anal sex whether they're gay or straight.Īnal sex has a higher risk of spreading STIs than many other types of sexual activity. Some people choose to do this as part of their sex life, and others don't. This is when a man's penis enters (penetrates) his partner's anus. There are many methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy, including the contraceptive injection, contraceptive patch, contraceptive implant and combined pill.īear in mind using condoms is the only method of contraception that protects against both pregnancy and STIs, so always use a condom as well as your chosen method of contraception.įind out about the 15 methods of contraception. Using a condom can help protect against infections. This is because infections can be present in pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-come).Įven shallow insertion of the penis into the vagina (sometimes called dipping) carries risks for both partners. Infections can be passed on even if the penis doesn't fully enter the vagina or the man doesn't ejaculate (come). If a condom is not used, there's a risk of pregnancy and getting or passing on STIs, including: This is when a man's penis enters a woman's vagina. Learn about the risks associated with various sexual activities.
In nearly every case, condoms will help protect you against this risk. Find out about the risks of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from different sexual activities.