Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Question
Published: April 25, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I want to give my boyfriend oral sex but I'm scared about STDs. We are 15 and I don't really feel comfortable getting tested and no one that I know uses a condom.
Signed: Want To Give Oral - Scared About STDs
Dear Want To Give Oral - Scared About STDs,
There is reason to be concerned about the health risks of oral sex. Oral sex can pass many types of STDs including Herpes and HIV. If you feel that you are mature enough to be having oral sex then you can take responsibility for yourself and to your partner to get tested for STD's before having sex (and your partner can, too!). It sounds as if you don't want to use a condom because it isn't what everyone else is doing or it is too much of a hassle. TeenHealthFX wants you to reconsider this carefully. Condoms can protect you from coming into contact with body fluids that can carry STDs.
Oral sex does carry a risk for getting STDs. Make sure that you are practicing safe oral sex by using a condom you can even buy condoms that come in flavors. When giving oral sex to a woman try using a dental dam. Good luck!
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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