Oral sex is rarely discussed in our society, perhaps one reason why so many teens (and adults) are uninformed or misinformed about the important facts pertaining to this risky sexual activity. People sometimes think that it’s a “safe” alternative to sexual intercourse, a myth that has caused some very serious physical, emotional, intellectual, and social consequences.

Oral sex, the contact of one person’s mouth or tongue with the genitals of another person, carries with it the risks of dangerous, untreatable, and life-threatening diseases in both women and men. Diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, genital herpes, HPV, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and possibly hepatitis C have been shown to spread through oral sex. Although a woman will not get pregnant from this act, oral sex is anything but safe. If you would like more information on this, and other STI facts, click here.