Short answer?
Yes, you can get an STD from oral sex, whether you’re the one giving or receiving it. While oral sex is generally considered lower risk than vaginal or anal sex, it’s not risk-free. Infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, HPV, and HIV can still be transmitted through oral contact with the genitals or anus. Some of these STDs can spread even if your partner has no visible symptoms. Using protection like condoms or dental dams helps reduce the risk but doesn’t eliminate it entirely.
We’ll break down how oral STDs happen, what kinds of infections you can get, and how to protect yourself.
STD Spread is Possible Through Oral Sex
Oral sex involves contact between the mouth and the genitals or anus. During this type of contact, bacteria or viruses that cause STDs can pass from one person to another even if there are no visible symptoms.
That means both giving and receiving oral sex can put you at risk for infections like gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, HPV, chlamydia, and in rare cases, HIV.
Can You Get an STD from Receiving Oral?
When someone performs oral sex on you, their mouth may carry viruses or bacteria that can infect your genitals. For example, a person with cold sores (oral herpes) can transmit herpes to your genitals even if they’re not having an active outbreak. Similarly, if they have an undiagnosed throat infection like gonorrhea or chlamydia, those bacteria can spread during oral sex.
Even if the giver doesn’t show symptoms — and many don’t — they can still be infectious. That’s why getting an STD from receiving oral is not just a theoretical concern. It’s a real risk, especially if protection isn’t used.
Can You Get an STD from Oral Sex with a Condom?
Using a condom during oral sex definitely lowers your chances of getting an STD but it doesn’t eliminate the risk entirely.
Condoms reduce exposure to genital fluids and some skin-to-skin contact, which helps block transmission of infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. However, they don’t cover all areas such as the base of the penis, scrotum, or areas around the mouth where herpes, HPV, or syphilis sores can still be present.
So if you’re wondering if you can get an STD from oral with a condom, the answer is: your risk is lower, but not zero.
STDs Commonly Spread Through Oral Sex
Some STDs are more likely to be transmitted through oral sex than others.
Gonorrhea: Can infect the throat (oral gonorrhea) or genitals. Often has no symptoms but can cause a sore throat or discharge.
Herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2): Can be passed from mouth to genitals or vice versa. HSV-1 (oral herpes) is the common cause of cold sores, but it can also cause genital herpes.
Syphilis: Transmitted through contact with sores or rashes. Can infect the mouth, lips, or genitals.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Some strains are linked to throat or oral cancer. Often has no symptoms.
Chlamydia: Rare in the throat, but still possible.
HIV: Low risk through oral sex, but risk increases with bleeding gums, open sores, or the presence of other STDs.
Signs You Might Have an Oral STD
Many oral STDs have no symptoms, especially early on. But when symptoms do show up, they may include:
- Persistent sore throat
- Painful swallowing
- Sores, bumps, or rashes in or around the mouth or genitals
- Unusual discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever or general fatigue
If you notice any of these, or if you’ve had unprotected oral sex, it’s a good idea to get tested, even if you feel fine.
How to Protect Yourself
You can’t eliminate all STD risk from oral sex, but you can reduce it significantly by taking some simple steps:
- Use protection. Most condoms are effective enough.
- Don’t have oral sex if there are cuts or sores in your mouth or on your partner’s genitals.
- Avoid oral sex during active outbreaks of cold sores or genital herpes.
- Get tested regularly and encourage your partners to do the same.
- Consider HPV vaccination, especially for those under age 45.
Get a Full STD Screening at Dr Prevents
Oral sex may be lower risk than other types of sexual activity, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. STDs can spread through giving and receiving oral sex and they often show no symptoms.
So if you’ve been wondering can you get an STD from oral sex? The answer is yes but you can take steps to protect yourself. Use protection, stay informed, get tested, and talk openly with your partners.