STDs stand for sexually transmitted diseases, while STIs stand for sexually transmitted infections.
While both terms are health conditions contracted via sex, the difference between an STI and an STD lies in the fact that the former is an infection while the latter has developed into a disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 people have a sexually transmitted infection.
The World Health Organization reported that more than 30 different viruses, bacteria, and parasites are transmitted via sexual contact, and more than 1 million STIs are acquired globally every day.
Oral sex involves the stimulation of the genitals using the mouth and the tongue. There are different types of oral sex, namely: cunnilingus (stimulating the female genitalia with the tongue and lips), analingus (oral contact with the anus), and fellatio (stimulating the penis with the tongue and lips).
These oral sex practices can transmit oral, genital, and respiratory infections from one part of the body to another. They are one of the ways that sexually transmitted infections are passed from one person to another.
You can get a sexually transmitted infection if you have only one partner (particularly if you are not the only one your partner is having sex with). However, your risk of contracting an STI increases if you have multiple partners.
Many STDs and STIs can be spread through oral sex depending on factors like the number of sex acts performed, the particular STI a sex partner is infected with, and the type of sex the individuals are involved in.
Some common STIs and STDs that can be transmitted through oral sex include:
Gonorrhoea is a contagious bacterial infection that spreads via sexual contact through the anus, vagina, mouth, and penis.
Symptoms of gonorrhea include discharge from the penis, pain during urination, and bleeding between periods. However, most cases of gonorrhea are asymptomatic.
It is best to treat gonorrhea immediately because gonorrhea can cause serious health complications if left untreated.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads just like gonorrhea. It can also spread when a person’s skin comes in contact with syphilis sores during sex. Syphilis sores may even be small or unnoticeable, which is why people need to get tested to be sure they are STD-free.
Syphilis can appear as small blister sores that develop into rashes later. If left untreated, syphilis can harm mucous membranes and affect vital organs like the heart and brain.
Unlike syphilis and gonorrhea, human papillomavirus is a viral infection. This infection is transmitted via skin-to-skin contact and often during sexual intercourse. According to the CDC, HPV is the most commonly transmitted sexual infection in the United States.
There are more than 100 varieties of HPV, and more than 40 of them can be transmitted via sexual contact and can affect the mouth, genitals, or throat. HPV infections often don’t cause noticeable symptoms.
But, while not all types of HPV are threatening to health, some types can cause genital warts and even cancers of the cervix and throat. There are different tests and treatments available for HPV.
Every sexually active person is at risk of contracting this infection. Hence, testing for HPV is recommended particularly for women because they are at risk of developing cervical, anal and vaginal cancers as a result of HPV infection.
Genital herpes is also a viral infection typically transmitted via sexual contact with a person that has herpes. Genital herpes appears like blister-like sores around the genitalia and is highly contagious.
The sores easily spread to the buttocks and thighs and may affect the lips, tongue and mouth. This shows that herpes can be easily spread via oral sex. Note that there are also cases where herpes shows no symptoms. In such a case, you may not know a person has it unless tested.
There is no cure for herpes. However, there are medications that can help manage the condition.
HIV is a viral infection contracted when a person's bloodstream comes in contact with the body fluids of an infected person.
HIV usually doesn't cause symptoms in its early stage; however, with time, it weakens the immune system causing the affected person's body to be vulnerable to attack by other infectious agents. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
Currently, there is no effective cure for HIV. However, some treatments can help manage the condition. People with HIV can still live a vibrant life, provided they take their medications and adopt healthy lifestyles.
Chlamydia infects a person after having oral, vaginal, penile or anal contact with a person infected with chlamydia.
Chlamydia is usually asymptomatic. However, there are cases where people infected with it have symptoms like genital burning or itching accompanied by pain when urinating.
Here are some facts about sexually transmitted diseases and oral sex you need to know about:
Abstinence is the only sure way to avoid getting sexually transmitted diseases. However, if you are sexually active, there are things you can do to drastically reduce your chances of contracting STDs.
Some measures to take to prevent STIs and STDs include:
If you are sexually active, consider talking to your doctor about the risks of having oral sex with a person that has not tested for STDs. Also, it might help to keep open communication with your partner and share reliable medical information.