Thread by @sindivanzyl

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What is oral sex?

Sexual stimulation of the anus, penis, and/or vagina using the tongue

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Can STIs Sexually Transmitted Infections be spread via oral sex?

Yes

Which STIs are spread via oral sex?

Commonest ones: herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HPV Human Papilloma Virus

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There are two types of #HSV Herpes Simplex Virus

• Type 1 - causes cold sores

• Type 2 - causes lesions in the genital area

HSV is very contagious. If you have a cold sore, you can pass on HSV via oral sex and vice versa

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Gonorrhoea is also transmitted via oral sex.

Challenge: many times there are NO symptoms of infection

Our biggest concern with gonorrhoea is the fact that we now have strains that are resistant to antibiotic treatment.

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Syphilis is another STI Sexually Transmitted Infection that can be spread via oral sex. 📷 : WebMD

Aside: we screen all pregnant women for syphilis because it can be transmitted to baby and cause severe illness

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#HPV Human Papilloma Virus

There are different types of HPV.

• those that cause warts and skin tags

• those that cause pre-cancerous cervical changes that may lead to cervical cancer

• some types may lead to throat cancer

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There are other STIs that are spread via oral sex such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and hepatitis C

I have focused on what we see the most.

Does it mean we should stop giving blow jobs or muffing?

No

We need to screen for STIs regularly and use protection when necessary

Flavoured condoms can be used during oral sex.

You can cut one open and use it as a dental dam for cunnilingus

You can perform fellatio with a flavoured condom

Cling wrap works very well by the way!

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Take home message: screen for STIs

The screening tests are usually blood tests. Chat to your doctor or nurse clinician about STI screening

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