Unprotected oral sex

Unprotected oral sex is no longer safe and can be a cause for an increased risk to syphillis, says a new study.

Unprotected oral sex is no longer safe and can be a cause for an increased risk to syphillis says a new study published in the 'Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report'.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention report has shown that a substantial proportion of syphilis cases have actually occurred through unprotected oral sex. The CDC has recommended that people should use condoms during oral sex to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can be transmitted through oral sex, and infection with bacteria can cause serious problems. Called 'the great imitator', syphilis can cause problems ranging from a painless sore, occurring on the genitals, lips, or mouth, or a rash in its later stages of infection. Besides, it can also be a gateway for HIV transmission.

A recent study by Chicago's Department of Public Health, after interviewing people with syphilis, also revealed that syphilis is more common than people may think.

Overall, almost 14 per cent of the participants surveyed said that they only had oral sex during the time frame when they were likely infected with syphilis.

Among male syphilis patients with male sex partners, 20 per cent said oral sex was their only sexual exposure during the transmission period.

In contrast, 6 per cent of heterosexual male syphilis patients and 7 per cent of heterosexual women with syphilis said they only had oral sex around the time they got syphilis.

"Persons who are not in a long-term monogamous relationship and who engage in oral sex should use barrier protection (e.g., male condoms or other barrier methods) to reduce the risk for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV transmission," reports the CDC.