How to protect yourself during oral sex?

Oral sex is a widespread and popular sexual practice, but it also carries risks of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It's crucial to understand these risks and to know what protection methods are available.
This article takes a closer look at the issue of protection during oral sex, with references and examples specific to Switzerland.

Risks associated with oral sex

- Herpes simplex virus (HSV): There are two types of HSV, type 1 (HSV-1) generally associated with oral herpes, and type 2 (HSV-2) generally associated with genital herpes.
However, both types can be transmitted during oral sex, resulting in lesions on the genitals or in the mouth.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): This virus can cause genital warts and is also associated with certain cancers, including cancer of the mouth and throat.
- Gonorrhea: It can affect the throat (gonococcal pharyngitis) and be asymptomatic, making it more difficult to detect.
- Syphilis: Transmitted by direct contact with a syphilitic wound, it can appear on the genitals, anus, lips or mouth.
- HIV: Although the risk of HIV transmission through oral sex is lower than through other sexual practices, it is not zero, especially if open sores or bleeding are present in the mouth.

Statistics in Switzerland

In Switzerland, data show an increase in cases of certain STIs. For example, cases of gonorrhea rose by 17% between 2018 and 2019, according to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) . This alarming trend highlights the importance of protection, even during oral sex, which is often wrongly perceived as less risky.

Methods of protection

Use of condoms

Male latex condoms are an effective method of reducing the risk of STI transmission during oral sex on a man.
Here are a few tips on how to use them correctly:
- Choose an unflavored condom: Flavored condoms may contain chemicals that irritate the mouth and throat.
- Check the expiration date: Using a condom past its expiration date can reduce its effectiveness.
- Put the condom on before any oral contact: The condom should be put on at the start of the act, not after a certain amount of contact.
- Use water-based lubricant: This can improve comfort and reduce the risk of condom tears.

Female condoms

Female condoms[/url] can also be used for oral sex. They are inserted into the vagina or anus and provide a protective barrier between the genital or anal organs and the mouth.
How to use a female condom:
- Insert the condom into the vagina or anus before any oral contact.
- Make sure the condom's outer ring remains on the outside for optimum protection.
- Never reuse a female condom.Oral hygieneMaintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to reducing risk. Sores or bleeding in the mouth can increase the risk of STI transmission.
Here are some oral hygiene tips:
- Avoid oral sex if you have sores or bleeding in your mouth: Wait for sores to heal completely before practicing oral sex.
- Brush your teeth and use antiseptic mouthwash regularly: This helps maintain good oral health and reduce the presence of bacteria and viruses.
- Avoid brushing your teeth immediately before oral sex: Brushing can create micro-cuts in the gums, increasing the risk of infection.

Practical advice

Communicating with your partnerOpen and honest communication with your partner is essential for a healthy and fulfilling sex life. Here are some topics to discuss:
- STI history: Discuss your medical history and recent screening tests.
- Preferred sexual practices: Talk about your preferences and limits to ensure mutual consent.
- Methods of protection: Decide together which methods of protection you will use.

Regular screening

Regular STI screening is crucial, especially if you have several partners. In Switzerland, many health centers and clinics offer free or reduced-cost anonymous screening tests.
Frequency of screening: We recommend screening every six months to a year, or more frequently if you have new regular partners.
Specific tests: Be sure to test for a full range of STIs, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and HPV.
Sharing results: Share your test results with your partners for full transparency and informed decision-making.

Vaccinations

Vaccination against HPV is strongly recommended, as this virus can cause cancers of the mouth, throat and genitals. In Switzerland, HPV vaccination is included in the national vaccination program and is recommended for adolescents and young adults.
Swiss vaccination program: Vaccination is generally given to girls and boys aged 11 to 14, with catch-up vaccination possible up to age 26.
Vaccination efficacy: Vaccination is highly effective in preventing infection with the most common and dangerous HPV types.
Access to vaccination: HPV vaccines are available from vaccination centers, sexual health clinics and general practitioners.

Examples and testimonials from Switzerland

Testimonial from Marie, 27, Geneva
"I'd never really thought about the risks of oral sex until my partner and I tested positive for gonorrhea of the throat. We had always used condoms for intercourse, but never for oral sex. This experience opened my eyes to the importance of protecting yourself at all times."
Testimonial from Lucas, 32, Zurich
"After contracting oral herpes from unprotected oral sex, I learned the importance of protective barriers. I now use dental dams and flavored condoms to make the experience more pleasurable while remaining protected."

Local initiatives and awareness programs

In Switzerland, several local initiatives and awareness programs are working to educate the public about the risks of STIs and methods of protection.The LOVE LIFE associationThe LOVE LIFE initiative, supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, promotes sexual health and STI prevention through media campaigns, educational tools and free screening services.
Media campaigns: LOVE LIFE uses posters, videos and social networks to raise public awareness of safe sex practices.
Educational tools: LOVE LIFE's website provides detailed information on STIs, protection methods and testing facilities.
Screening services: Mobile clinics and partner health centers offer free or reduced-cost screening in several Swiss cities.

Profa Foundation

The Profa Foundation is a non-profit organization offering sexual and reproductive health services, including counseling, screening and vaccinations.
Personalized counseling : Profa offers individual consultations to discuss sexual practices and protection methods suited to each individual.
Screening and treatment: Screening tests for STIs are available at their centers, as well as appropriate treatment in the event of a positive test.
Education and awareness: Profa organizes workshops and information sessions for different age groups and communities.

Conclusion

Protection during oral sex is essential to prevent the transmission of STIs. In Switzerland, as elsewhere, the rising incidence of certain infections highlights the importance of prevention. Using condoms, dental dams and maintaining good oral hygiene are simple but effective measures to protect oneself and one's partner.

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