Oral & Anal Sex / Question
Published: April 17, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
IS IT TRUE THAT YOU CAN GET LIKE A COLD AND SUCH FROM HAVING ORAL SEX IF THE PERSON YOU ARE PERFORMING IT ON IS SICK??
Signed: Colds & Oral Sex
Dear Colds & Oral Sex,
Oral sex, either giving or receiving, should always be done with protection to ensure that a transmission of disease does not occur. Some common forms of protection are barrier methods like male condoms, female condoms, and dental dams. These items reduce the amount of body fluids that are exchanged.
When one partner has a cold, they may feel run down or tired, and sex may be one of the last things on their mind. While cold germs are more easily transmitted through nasal secretions, saliva, and germs on the hands, it is certainly possible to give a cold to someone while being intimate. This also may be due to other activities like hand holding, kissing, and hugging that may go along with oral sex.
If you or your partner are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, a trip to the doctor is definitely a good idea. Make sure that you tell your healthcare provider that you are sexually active, because common cold or flu symptoms may also be an indicator of other illnesses like STDs.
If you live in northern NJ, call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971-6475 or visit your local teen health center. For more information about the risks of oral sex check out "Concerned About The Health Risks Of Oral Sex".
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The highest Chlamydia rates occurred among women ages 15 to 19 and 20 to 24.
