I had unprotected oral sex. Should I get tested?

Having unprotected oral sex can be an uncomfortable subject to think about, but it’s essential to understand the risks associated with it. It’s natural to feel anxious or scared if you’ve engaged in unprotected oral sex and are not sure whether you should get tested for any potential sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Fortunately, Better2Know is here to provide guidance and help answer your questions. This blog will explore when it might be necessary for someone who has engaged in unprotected oral sex to get tested, as well as other helpful information related to STI testing and prevention.

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You can get an STI from all sorts of unprotected sexual activity.

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What is oral sex?

If you’re not sure what counts as oral sex – it’s any act where one partner stimulates the other partner’s genitals or anus with their mouth, tongue, or lips.

When is oral sex considered unprotected?

Unprotected oral sex is defined as any oral contact with either a partner’s genitals, genital area, or anus, without using protective barriers such as condoms and dental dams.

Most people don’t think to use protection during oral sex because they assume it’s much less risky when compared to vaginal or anal sex. Oral sex, however, is a form of sex and carries its own risks. It’s just as important to use protection during oral sex as any other kind of sex.

What is the risk of receiving unprotected oral sex?

Just as with anal or vaginal sex, engaging in oral sex carries the risk of getting and spreading STIs. The risk associated with different sexual acts varies, and the likelihood of transmission during oral sex depends on several factors.

While you’re less likely to get some STIs during oral sex, it’s still possible. STIs can be transferred during oral sex when infected bodily fluids come into contact with the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.

STIs you can get by receiving oral sex include:

Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea: Though very unlikely, it’s technically possible for someone with a Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea infection in their throat to transfer bacteria to your genitals.
Syphilis: If someone with a Syphilis infection that has a chancre on their mouth or tongue performs oral sex on you, the infection may pass on to your genitals.
Herpes Simplex Virus: If you’re receiving oral sex from someone who’s having an outbreak of Oral Herpes, it’s possible that the infection may transfer to your genitals.
Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is often passed on through oral sex or skin to skin contact during foreplay. HPV can cause Genital Warts and is associated with cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, and cancers of the head and throat.

Most sexually transmitted infections present with no symptoms, so even if you feel fine after receiving unprotected oral sex, you may still have caught an STI. The risk of STI transmission during oral sex depends on factors such as the type of infection, the presence of sores, and the frequency of exposure.

What about giving unprotected oral sex?

If you’re performing oral sex on someone else, the infections you’ll need to worry about are the same, just the other way around. However, receiving oral sex is less risky than giving it.

Chlamydia: Chlamydia bacteria from the genitals can infect the mucous membranes of the throat. Almost all throat-based Chlamydia infections don’t produce any symptoms.
Gonorrhoea: Like with Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea infections in the throat don’t tend to cause any symptoms, but the risk of spreading the infection remains. Oral Gonorrhoea can cause a sore throat similar to strep throat, although most cases are asymptomatic.
Syphilis: Syphilis is highly contagious. It’s more likely to spread if you come in contact with a Syphilis sore, or chancre, on your partner’s anus, genitals, or mouth.
Herpes: If your partner has a Genital Herpes infection, the virus could transfer to your mouth if you perform oral sex. Your partner could also have an Anal Herpes infection, which you could also contract by performing oral sex.
HPV: If you perform oral sex, you’re more likely to get an oral HPV infection. Getting HPV from oral sex can put you at a higher risk of developing mouth cancers.
Hepatitis A: Evidence suggests that Hepatitis A can be transmitted sexually, especially during anal sex or oral sex on the anus. This is because the virus is found in the faeces of infected people and can be passed on through contact with infected faeces.

It’s also technically possible to pass on HIV through oral sex, though the risk is extremely low. However, the risk of HIV transmission is higher if your partner is an HIV positive person, even though the overall risk from oral sex remains low.

How likely am I to get an STI from oral sex?

It’s not possible to give an exact number stating the likelihood of getting an STI during oral sex. The likelihood of contracting an STI depends on several factors and is highly contextual.

However, some factors may increase your chances of getting an STI during oral sex, such as:

Having poor oral health, like tooth decay, gum disease, bleeding gums, or oral cancer
Sores in your mouth or in your partner’s mouth
Any exposure to infected bodily fluids like precum, semen, or vaginal fluids

How can I have safe oral sex?

There are many things you can do in the future to reduce your risk of getting an STI during oral sex. Practising oral sex safely by using protection, such as condoms or dental dams, and following recommended guidelines is essential to lower the risk of STI transmission.

Oral sex on the penis

Cover the penis with a condom before performing oral sex. While many people may not like the idea, many manufacturers produce flavoured condoms that can make the act more enjoyable.

Oral sex on the vagina or anus

Because the vagina and anus aren’t shaped like a penis, it can be tricky to use a condom straight out of the package in this situation. Cut the condom into a square and lay the material over the area you want to stimulate. You may also want to consider using a dental dam if you have access to one.

Get vaccinated

You can cover a few bases before you even start by getting vaccinated for a few STIs. Vaccines are widely available for HPV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing HPV infections, including those that cause genital warts and certain cancers.

When should I get tested if I have unprotected oral sex?

You should get tested after any unprotected sex, including unprotected oral sex. Most STIs aren’t detectable on an STI test until after 14 days have passed since the incident of concern, although some STIs are detectable earlier or later than this.

If you’re sexually active and perform unprotected oral sex frequently, you should get tested regularly. This could mean getting tested every few weeks.

What symptoms should I look out for?

Most STIs don’t show any symptoms. You might have an infection and feel fine. But if you’ve given or received oral sex, here are some symptoms you may want to look out for.

If you’re given oral sex:

Any sores, bumps, blisters, itching, or tingling around the lips or mouth
Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, nausea, fatigue, or feeling generally unwell
Sore or itchy throat

If you’ve received oral sex:

Sores, blisters, bumps, itching, or pain in your genitals or anus
Unusual discharge from the genitals or anus
Fever, nausea, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes

What tests should I get after unprotected oral sex?

If you’ve performed unprotected oral sex, you’ll most likely need a throat swab test to check for a Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea infection.

Other infections that could transfer to your throat or mouth from sores or warts on/around your partner’s genitals or anus, or vice versa, include Syphilis, HPV, and Herpes. These would require testing on a blood sample.

Final thoughts

If you’re concerned about your sexual health, get in touch with our team of Sexual Health Advisors by calling the number above. They can help you find your nearest sexual health clinic and book an STI test. Or you can start your own online booking by clicking the Book Now button.