Differentiate the facts from myths about Oral Sex

Ever since the Sexual Revolution that began in the 1960s, oral sex has gradually caught up and cuts across all age groups. Only a select minority couples used to practice Fellatio (oral stimulation of the penis) and cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the vagina) but now it seems to be an everyday occurrence. A common term, “going down” has become more popular than before.

The following are the myths and misconceptions that have resulted from this popularity:

1. Syphilis can’t be spread through oral sex

Fact: The reality of the matter is that an Common STDs can be transmitted through oral sex, Syphilis being one of them. There has been rising cases of syphilis over the recent years and the CDC has shown that unprotected oral sex has had a fair contribution here. The effects of syphilis range from a painless sore either on the genitals, lips, or mouth, or a rash during the later stages of infection. In combating the effects of oral sex, the CDC recommends that condoms be used during oral sex. Always go for an STD test to be sure of yourself.

2. STIs can’t be spread through oral sex

Fact: Just as stated above, you can get an STI from oral sex. The risk of an STI from oral sex is much higher if the person administering oral sex has wounds in the mouth. Giving oral sex to a woman experiencing menstrual blood increases the risk much higher, if she has an STD in addition to HIV.

3. You can get HIV if you brush your teeth before oral sex

Fact: Brushing your teeth results into small wounds in the mouth that is not large enough for bloodstream to pass through. In addition, saliva produces an enzyme that offers unsuitable conditions for the survival of HIV. For that matter HIV is rarely transmitted through kissing as explained by AIDS Vancouver.

4. Women need only vaginal sex to orgasm

False: Many have always believed that women rely only on vaginal sex to orgasm but that’s not true. According to Planned Parenthood, over 80% find it hard to orgasm just out of vaginal intercourse. But through manual or oral stimulation, women do achieve orgasm.

5. Pineapple juice changes the taste of semen

Fact: One’s body fluid such as seminal fluids, vaginal secretions, saliva and sweat are impacted by your diet and lifestyle. But that does not imply that if you drink pineapple juice just before oral sex will change semen’s taste. Although semen can be a bit more concentrated, a healthy, balanced diet and staying hydrated can help make it less pungent.