Someone asked us:

Can you get a std from oral sex, either giving or receiving?

YES! Mouth + genitals = risk for getting an STD. Infections like herpes, HPV, and pubic lice are easily passed by oral sex. HPV can be transmitted to your throat and potentially cause cancer down the line, and while not super likely, it is possible to transmit oral herpes to genitals, and vice versa. So whether you’re on the giving or receiving end, make sure you’re protecting yourself and your partner by using condoms and/or dental dams.

Getting tested with your partner before you have any kind of sex — oral, anal, or vaginal — is so much better than panicking after you’ve already done the deed. If you know your status, you can relax during sex and actually enjoy it instead of worrying about STDs.

-Chelsea @ Planned Parenthood