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Performing Safer Oral Sex

Oral Sex is Safe with a Few Precautions

By Mark Cichocki, R.N., About.com

Updated: January 20, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Susan Olender, MD

To many people's surprise, there are some risks associated with oral sex. While the risk of HIV transmission is low it does exist as does the risk of sexually transmitted disease infection. With a few simple precautions, those risks can be minimized.

Avoid Risks of Oral Sex

  • keep semen and vaginal fluids out of your mouth

  • make sure your mouth is healthy, free of cuts or sores, and without bleeding gums.

Oral Sex on a Woman

Keep vaginal fluids out of your mouth by:

Oral Sex on a Man

Keep semen ("cum") out of your mouth by:
  • use unlubricated condoms which do not contain spermicide

  • use commercially available flavored condoms

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