I had unprotected oral sex. Should I get tested?

Most people think you only get STIs from vaginal and anal sex. But this isn’t the case.

STIs can also be transmitted through sexual activities like oral sex and sharing toys. You can also get some STIs, like HPV and Herpes, through simple skin-to-skin contact.

While STIs may be called “sexually transmitted infections”, this is only because sex is their main route of transmission.

That’s why you can get some infections, like HIV and Hepatitis B, through sharing needles for drug use and blood transfusions.

Oral sex is a sexual activity that involves stimulation of the genitals using the mouth, lips, or tongue.

It can also be referred to as fellatio (stimulation of the penis with the mouth, lips, or tongue), cunnilingus (stimulation of the vulva or clitoris with the mouth, lips, or tongue), or anilingus (stimulation of the anus).

Many people practice oral sex and can be completely safe when done with a partner you trust and who’s sexual history you’re aware of.

If you can’t be sure of your partner’s sexual history, or if you just want to be extra cautious, you may want to consider using condoms or dental dams during oral sex.

Unprotected oral sex is risky because it can transmit STIs. Even if you cannot become pregnant from oral sex, you can still contract infections.

STIs spread through the exchange of bodily fluids, such as vaginal fluids, semen, and blood. Oral sex can cause these fluids to enter the mouth and cause infection.

Despite the protection condoms offer, few people use condoms during oral sex. More public awareness of the risks of oral sex needs to take place to help protect people of all ages against the transmission of oral STIs.

Several STIs can be transmitted through unprotected oral sex, including:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis
• HPV
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Herpes

It’s difficult to say with any certainty how likely you are to get an STI through oral sex, or to compare the risks of getting specific STIs from certain types of sexual activity. However, when oral sex has involved a penis (giving a man oral sex or if a man receives oral sex) infections such as Gonorrhoea are extremely common, and in clinics we see as many orally transmitted infections of Gonorrhoea as in Penetration.

Around half the STIs that involve bacteria like Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, and others detected in PCR tests are found colonising the throat.

Research has shown that the risk of getting HIV from oral sex from an infected person is much lower than getting HIV from anal or vaginal sex. However, this may not be true for other STIs.

As another example, the likelihood of Syphilis transmission is only slightly more likely during anal sex than oral sex. In a study conducted in 2010 that observed the transmission of Syphilis between men who have sex with men (MSM), researchers estimated a transmission probability of 0.5-1.4% per sexual act, assuming a higher transmission rate during anal sex (1.4%) than oral sex (1.0%). More research in this area is needed.

It’s possible to get infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea in the throat, but these infections are generally less harmful than genital infections. However, you will obviously become a potential source of infection for others without knowing you are carrying the infection. They may increase your risk of getting other STIs, including HIV., although they may increase your risk of getting other STIs, including HIV.

Although barrier methos exist, they have never been very popular in oral sex as they reduce the sensation of pleasure to low levels. They are however, very effective, if you would like to try them.

Condoms and dental dams remain the best way to prevent the spread of oral STIs.

For those who don’t know, a dental dam is a thin piece of latex that provides a barrier between your mouth and your partner’s genitals. If a dental dam is not available, a condom can be used.

For oral sex on the penis:

• Cover the penis with a latex condom
• Use a non-latex condom if one or both of you have an allergy to latex

For oral sex on the vagina or anus:

• Use a dental dam
• Cut open a condom to make a square and put it between your mouth and your partner’s vagina or anus

Following these instructions can significantly reduce your likelihood of contracting an STI through anal sex.

However, in clinical practice, we see that protected oral sex almost never occurs, and therefore the best way to reduce risk is with limiting the number of sexual contacts you have, or by getting tested regularly. Prompt detection of hidden STIs means you receive early treatment and do not therefore pose a risk to other people.

Better2Know can advise you about the best tests to do if you have had unprotected oral sex.

Unprotected oral sex can put you at risk for several STIs. It’s crucial to know the risks associated with oral sex and how to protect yourself.

If you’re concerned that you may have an STI, you should get tested. Contact Better2Know today and speak to one of our Sexual Health Advisors. They will be able to discuss your situation and find a test and clinic that’s right for you.

This blog originally appeared on 13/10/2023. Last updated 14/03/2025.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Steve Chapman, 16/07/2025.