The possible consequences of unprotected "traditional" sex are well known to everyone. But can oral contact lead to damage and diseases of the oral mucosa?
We tend to think of oral sex as the safest, and there is some rational kernel in this. It does not lead to unwanted pregnancy, and the chances of infection in this case are much lower than with other types of sexual contact. The oral mucosa is a natural barrier that prevents infections from entering the bloodstream, and saliva helps fight bacteria.
And yet, without following precautions, oral sex can lead to a number of diseases that will require long and hard treatment.
Yulia Klouda from Startsmile.ru will talk about what both men and women need to remember to maintain health during sex.
Mechanical Trauma
Most often, during oral-genital contact, the frenulum of the tongue suffers. It rubs against the sharp edges of the front incisors, and a small sore appears on it. In this case, it is very important to take a break until complete healing, as constant trauma can lead to recurrent bacterial infection. And that brings more serious consequences and requires prolonged treatment.
Sometimes fellatio can cause damage to the soft palate, accompanied by redness and spots. In this case, a person may not experience any unpleasant sensations. Usually, the spots go away within a week, during which one should refrain from oral contacts.
Infectious Diseases
Unfortunately, mechanical trauma is far from the only negative consequence of oral sex. If one partner suffers from herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted diseases, he can transmit them to the other partner during unprotected contact.
What symptoms appear? Most often, it concerns pharyngitis and tonsillitis — lesions of the mucous membrane of the throat and tonsils, accompanied by elevated temperature, sore throat, and even bad breath. In some cases, the gums are affected, with small ulcers forming on them.
When such symptoms appear, it is very important not to self-medicate, as it can complicate diagnosis. Sexually transmitted diseases are not a joke; they require urgent treatment.
Candidiasis
Thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection that usually manifests with reduced immunity. This disease can also be contracted during oral sex if the partner suffers from genital candidiasis.
Typically, thrush can be identified by the characteristic white coating on the palate, cheeks, tongue, sometimes accompanied by inflammation and sore throat. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor: he will refer you for necessary examinations and prescribe antifungal medications.
Severe Consequences: Throat Cancer, Syphilis, AIDS
One of the causes of throat cancer is the human papillomavirus, which is also transmitted during oral-genital contact.
The main symptoms — tickling, hoarseness, abundant salivation — rarely cause concern, so the patient does not undergo examination in time. In late stages, there are pains, cough, loss of voice, difficulty breathing. Sometimes the tumor may involve the tongue and tonsils.
During unprotected oral sex, one can contract syphilis or HIV. In this case, lesions of various types are observed on the oral mucosa. For example, in syphilis, a painless ulcer is often diagnosed (most often on the lip), which may disappear on its own after a while, misleading the patient and delaying diagnosis.
In AIDS, due to weakened immunity, a person is more susceptible to infections, so inflammations, ulcers, suppurations, sudden gum bleeding, and other unpleasant symptoms may arise in the oral cavity.
How to Prevent Diseases
- The most important advice is to refrain from unprotected oral sex with unverified, casual partners. A regular condom or latex wipes for women will eliminate the chances of infection.
- It is essential to maintain oral hygiene, regularly brush teeth, and visit the dentist twice a year. Any inflammation, sores, bleeding gums increase the likelihood of infection entering the bloodstream.
- It is better to avoid oral sex if the partner has visible redness, rashes, or coating on the genitals. Also, do not practice cunnilingus during menstruation.
- Doctors recommend avoiding oral sex after recent dental and gum treatment, as well as for at least half an hour after brushing teeth. After sexual intercourse, it is advisable to rinse the mouth thoroughly with an antibacterial solution.
- Of course, it is necessary to have regular medical check-ups and seek medical help at the first suspicious symptoms. This is the case when vigilance is not excessive.
