His and Her Health

Can a person contact an STD/HIV from having oral sex with a woman? I say they can. My partner diagrees. Please settle this issue.<P>Thank You,<BR>Cynthia

Depending on the STD, yes, you can absolutely contract it from having oral sex. A prime example of this is AIDS (though it's a small likelihood, it's still possible). Herpes, genital warts, crabs (though not technically an STD), Hepatitis B, Gonorrhea (which can infect your throat), Syphilis, and HTLV-I and the list goes on (note that syphilis and HTLV-I infections are not as easily passed as some of the others). You are at more risk giving oral sex than recieving, but you're at risk either way. If you are unsure about your partner's health status either don't have sex--or or otherwise--or use a condom and dental dam, which is kind of like a condom for oral sex.<P>To confirm this, you can simply call your gyn.<p>[This message has been edited by dona1 (edited 26 September 2003).]