Health Conditions A-Z Sexual Health How to Reduce the STI Risks of Cunnilingus Mouth to vulva sex is pretty low-risk, but there are ways to ensure it's safe. By Lead writer: Nick Burns Updated on June 24, 2022 Medically reviewed by Anju Goel, MD, MPH Medically reviewed by Anju Goel, MD, MPH Anju Goel, MD, MPH, is a public health consultant and physician with more than 10 years of experience in the California public health system. Her work has primarily focused on addressing communicable disease, health policy, health promotion, and disaster preparedness among the residents of California. For the past two years, she has worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a consultant on the COVID-19 response. Dr. Goel has also led task forces for the American Medical Women's Association, conducted pro bono forensic evaluations for asylum seekers as a volunteer for Physicians for Human Rights, and provided medical consultation for youth with diabetes in East Africa as a volunteer for Life for a Child. She received her medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine and her master of public health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. She is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. learn more Share Tweet Pin Email Sexually active adults commonly practice oral sex. In fact, more than 85% of sexually active adults aged 18 to 44 years reported having oral sex at least once with a partner of the opposite sex, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Cunnilingus is a form of oral sex in which a person's lips and tongue stimulates their partner's vagina and/or vulva, especially the clitoris, the vulva's pleasure center. It is considered a low-risk behavior compared with vaginal or anal intercourse, but there is a chance of developing sexually transmitted infections (STI). STI risks According to the CDC, anyone exposed to an infected partner can get an STI in the mouth, throat, genitals, or rectum. The risk of getting an STI or spreading one to others through oral sex depends on several things, including the particular STI, type of sex, and number of sex acts performed. "The partner performing the oral sex is at risk for STIs that can be on the skin or lining of the vagina like herpes simplex virus, HPV (human papillomavirus), or syphilis," Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Washington in Seattle, told Health. In addition, the CDC says that chlamydia and gonorrhea, two STIs that often appear together, may be transmitted during cunnilingus, though more research is needed. The receptive partner can even catch HSV-1 (the usual cause of cold sores) in the genital area because of oral sex, said Dr. Marrazzo. And HIV? "While there is no data on cunnilingus causing HIV infection," said Dr. Marrazzo, "I don't think anyone is comfortable saying that you can or cannot get it from oral sex." The CDC warns that giving oral sex on the vagina of a partner with HIV may cause HIV, though the risk of infection is thought to be very low. According to the CDC, there is more to learn about the risks of contracting an STI from giving or receiving cunnilingus. Few studies have looked at the risks of getting an STI from giving oral sex on the vagina or anus, compared to the penis. In addition, most people who have oral sex also have vaginal or anal sex, so pinpointing where the STI would have been picked up is difficult. How to reduce risk Barrier methods, such as condoms or dental dams, are believed to be effective at reducing risk, but some can really cut down on sensation. "Some women prefer to use plastic wrap to cover the area and maintain sensitivity," said Dr. Marrazzo. "In a pinch, some will cut a male condom down the middle to create a sheet of latex." Poor oral health and sores in the mouth or on the genitals may increase a person's chances of getting HIV or other STIs during oral sex if exposed to an infected partner, according to the CDC. So ensure that your mouth is in good health, and avoid oral sex if you have cuts, bleeding gums, or open sores in or around your mouth. If the receptive partner has genital lesions or otherwise knows she is positive for an STI, avoid oral sex. Following these tips can reduce the risk of transmitting STIs during cunnilingus, making it safer and more enjoyable. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit