Oral sexually transmitted diseases: types of STDs, symptoms, causes and treatment

Medically reviewed: 15, February 2024

Oral Sexually Transmitted Diseases: What You Need to Know

Oral sex is a common and enjoyable form of sexual activity, it can provide pleasure, intimacy, and satisfaction for both partners. However, oral sex can also carry the risk of transmitting or acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, which are infections that can spread through sexual contact. Certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have the potential to manifest symptoms within the oral cavity and throat, giving rise to afflictions like sores, discomfort, or inflammation. Additionally, various oral sexually transmitted diseases can afflict the genital region, anus, rectum, or other bodily regions, encompassing the skin, eyes, or even joints. Some STDs can also have serious complications, such as infertility, cancer, or organ damage. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the possible STDs that can result from oral sex, how to prevent them, how to recognize them, and how to treat them.

Definition and Scope of Oral Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) transmitted through oral sexual activities pose a significant risk to individuals engaging in such practices. These infections can be contracted or passed on through the act of oral sex, involving the intimate contact between the mouth and the genitals or anus of a sexual partner. It is important to note that oral sexually transmitted diseases can be triggered by various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, which have the potential to affect not only the mouth and throat but also the genital region, anus, rectum, and even other areas of the body. These diseases can be classified into two categories:

• Oral manifestations of STDs:

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have the potential to induce various symptoms or indications within the oral cavity or throat, manifesting as sores, blisters, ulcers, warts, or inflammation. A range of oral sexually transmitted diseases can exhibit oral manifestations, some notable ones being herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

• Oral transmission of STDs:

The following are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can be transmitted or contracted through engaging in oral sexual activities, yet they might not manifest any noticeable symptoms or indications in the mouth or throat. Instead, they have the potential to cause symptoms or indications in the genital region, anus, rectum, or various other areas of the body, such as the skin, eyes, or joints. Examples of oral transmission of STDs include herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, HIV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and trichomoniasis.

Importance of Awareness of oral sexually transmitted diseases

Oral sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pose a major threat to public health due to their potential to impact the physical and mental well-being, as well as the overall quality of life, of a vast number of individuals across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the gravity of this issue, more than 1 billion people have an STD, and more than 500 million people have an oral STD. oral sexually transmitted diseases can have various impacts, such as:

Physical impact

Oral sexually transmitted diseases can cause pain, discomfort, or difficulty in eating, speaking, or swallowing. Diseases can also affect the appearance and function of the mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, or throat. oral sexually transmitted diseases can also spread to different organs and body parts, and cause symptoms or signs such as discharge, itching, burning, bleeding, or swelling. Among infected individuals such diseases increase the risk of other infections, such as oral candidiasis, oral hairy leukoplakia, or oral Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Psychological impact

Oral sexually transmitted diseases can cause stress, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. Oral STDs can also affect the relationships, intimacy, and sexual satisfaction of the affected person and their partner or partners. Among society such diseases cause stigma, discrimination, or isolation, as some people may have negative attitudes or beliefs about oral sexually transmitted diseases or the people who have them.

Social and economic impact

Infections can affect the education, employment, or income of the affected person and their family or community. Such infections can also increase the health care costs and the burden on the health system. They can also contribute to the spread of other oral sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, and the transmission of STDs from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

Common oral sexually transmitted diseases

Oral sex can expose you to different kinds of STDs, depending on what part of your partner’s body you touch with your mouth. Some of the most common oral sexually transmitted diseases that you can get or give through oral sex are:

Chlamydia

This is a bacterial infection that can affect your throat, genitals, urinary tract, or rectum. You can get it by coming in contact with the infected discharge from your partner’s genitals or anus. You can also pass it to your partner by having oral sex with them if you have the infection in your throat. Chlamydia often does not cause any symptoms, but it can lead to serious problems, such as infertility, if left untreated.

Gonorrhea

This is another bacterial infection that can affect various parts of your body. Gonorrhea can cause symptoms such as sore throat, unusual discharge, burning sensation when urinating, or pain in the lower abdomen. Gonorrhea can also cause complications such as infertility, if left untreated.

Syphilis

This particular ailment is caused by bacteria and has the potential to impact various areas of the body, including the lips, mouth, throat, genitals, anus, rectum, and other regions. The transmission of this infection occurs through direct contact with the infected sores or ulcers present on the genitals or anus of an affected individual. Moreover, if an individual has the infection in their mouth or throat, it can also be transmitted to their partner through engaging in oral sexual activities.

Syphilis has four stages:

• primary,
• secondary,
• latent,
• and tertiary.

Syphilis can cause symptoms such as painless sores, rash, fever, fatigue, headache, or swollen lymph nodes, cause complications such as damage to your heart, brain, nerves, eyes, bones, or joints, if left untreated.

Herpes

Herpes is a highly contagious viral infection that has the ability to manifest in various parts of the body. The transmission of this infection occurs when one comes into contact with the infected blisters or ulcers present on their partner’s genitals or anus. Additionally, engaging in oral sex with a partner can also result in transmission if the infected individual has the herpes virus in their mouth or throat.

It is important to note that herpes exists in two distinct forms:

• herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
• and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes, which can cause symptoms such as cold sores, blisters, or ulcers on or around your mouth.

HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes, which can cause symptoms such as blisters, ulcers, or sores on or around your genitals or anus. However, both types can infect any part of your body, and oral sex can transmit HSV-1 to your partner’s genitals or HSV-2 to your partner’s mouth, cause complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or neonatal herpes, if left untreated.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly contagious viral infection that has the potential to affect your body in a very unpleasant way. With over 100 different types, some strains of HPV can lead to the development of warts, while others have the potential to cause cancer. Transmission of the virus can occur through direct contact with infected warts or skin on your partner’s genitalia or anus. Additionally, engaging in oral sex with an infected individual who has the virus in their mouth or throat can also result in transmission to your partner. Consequently, being infected with HPV can manifest symptoms such as the appearance of warts in or around the mouth, throat, genitals, or anus. Untreated HPV can cause complications such as oral, cervical, anal, penile, or throat cancer, if left untreated.

HIV

This is a viral infection that affects your immune system, making it harder to fight off infections and diseases. You can get it by coming in contact with the infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or rectal fluid from your partner’s genitals or anus. You can also pass it to your partner by having oral sex with them if you have the infection in your mouth or throat. HIV can cause symptoms such as fever, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, or weight loss.

These are some of the common oral sexually transmitted diseases that can be transmitted or acquired through oral sex, but there are others that can also affect you, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or trichomoniasis. Therefore, it is important to be careful and protect yourself and your partner when you have oral sex, and to get tested and treated if you have any symptoms or signs of an STD.

Prevalence and Incidence of oral sexually transmitted diseases

The prevalence and incidence of oral oral sexually transmitted diseases are difficult to estimate, as many people do not report or seek medical attention for their oral symptoms or signs, or do not disclose their oral sexual history or behavior. Moreover, many oral STDs do not cause any symptoms or signs, or may be mistaken for other conditions, such as cold sores, canker sores, or oral thrush.

Therefore, the available data on oral oral sexually transmitted diseases may not reflect the true extent of the problem. However, some studies have attempted to measure the prevalence and incidence of oral oral sexually transmitted diseases, by using various methods, such as surveys, interviews, examinations, or tests. The following are some of the findings from these studies:

• Chlamydia:

In a comprehensive analysis conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was determined that the occurrence of oral chlamydia among individuals who engage in sexual activity in the United States stood at 1.3% during the period of 2013-2014. The data further unveiled that this prevalence was relatively higher among women, reaching 1.9%, compared to men, where it was recorded at 0.6%. Additionally, when examining the prevalence across different racial or ethnic groups, it was observed that non-Hispanic blacks exhibited a notably higher rate of 3.2% in contrast to other racial or ethnic backgrounds. Furthermore, in a separate study focusing on men who engage in same-sex relationships, it was found that the incidence of oral chlamydia among this specific population in the US escalated to a significant 7.7% during the years 2015-2016.

• Gonorrhea:

In a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was found that the occurrence of oral gonorrhea among individuals engaged in sexual activities in the United States during the timeframe of 2013-2014 amounted to 0.7%. The prevalence was higher among men (1.1%) than women (0.3%), and among non-Hispanic blacks (1.8%) than other racial or ethnic groups. The incidence of oral gonorrhea among MSM in the US was 16.9% in 2015-2016.

• Syphilis:

According to a study by the CDC, the prevalence of oral syphilis among sexually active adults in the US was 0.2% in 2013-2014. The prevalence was higher among men (0.3%) than women (0.1%), and among non-Hispanic blacks (0.4%) than other racial or ethnic groups. The incidence of oral syphilis among MSM in the US was 4.6% in 2015-2016.

• Herpes:

Similarly, the study also shed light on the prevalence of genital herpes (HSV-2) among individuals aged 14-49 years in the US during the same time period. It was found that approximately 11.9% of this population had genital herpes. Once again, the prevalence rate was higher among women (15.9%) compared to men (8.2%). Additionally, non-Hispanic blacks were observed to have a substantially higher prevalence rate of genital herpes (34.6%) compared to other racial or ethnic groups.

Based on a research conducted by the CDC, it was found that in the year 2015-2016, almost half of the population aged between 14-49 years in the United States had oral herpes (HSV-1), with a prevalence rate of 47.8%. Interestingly, this prevalence was observed to be higher among women (49.9%) compared to men (45.6%). Furthermore, the study revealed that non-Hispanic blacks had a significantly higher prevalence rate of oral herpes (65.9%) compared to other racial or ethnic groups. These findings highlight the significant prevalence of both oral and genital herpes among the US population, with certain demographic groups being more affected than others. The higher prevalence rates among women and non-Hispanic blacks suggest the need for targeted interventions and awareness campaigns to address the disparities and provide appropriate education and resources for prevention and management of herpes infections.

• HPV:

During the research conducted by the CDC, it was discovered that the occurrence of oral HPV in adults aged 18-69 years in the United States during the period of 2011-2014 was 7.3%. However, the prevalence of this virus was found to be higher among men at 11.5% compared to women at 3.3%. Additionally, non-Hispanic blacks were more likely to have oral HPV with a prevalence rate of 9.7% in comparison to other racial or ethnic groups. Furthermore, the study also identified a subset of oral HPV known as high-risk, which has the potential to cause cancer. It was found that 4.0% of adults aged 18-69 years in the US had this high-risk oral HPV strain during the same time period. Similar to the overall oral HPV prevalence, men had a higher prevalence of high-risk oral HPV at 6.8% compared to women at 1.2%. Non-Hispanic blacks also had a slightly higher prevalence rate of 4.3% for high-risk oral HPV compared to other racial or ethnic groups.

• HIV:

According to a study by the CDC, the prevalence of oral HIV among adults aged 18-59 years in the US was 0.4% in 2011-2012. The prevalence was higher among men (0.6%) than women (0.2%), and among non-Hispanic blacks (1.2%) than other racial or ethnic groups. The incidence of oral HIV among MSM in the US was 1.7% in 2015-2016.
Hepatitis A: Based on research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was found that the occurrence of hepatitis A among individuals in the United States between the ages of 18 and 49 was 0.6 per 100,000 people in the year 2016. Furthermore, the study revealed that the incidence was greater in males, with a rate of 0.8 per 100,000, compared to females, who had a rate of 0.4 per 100,000. Additionally, the research indicated that non-Hispanic white individuals had a higher incidence of 0.7 per 100,000 compared to individuals from other racial or ethnic backgrounds.

• Hepatitis B:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study that revealed that in the United States in 2016, the occurrence of hepatitis B amongst individuals aged 18-49 years old was reported to be 1.1 cases per 100,000 people. Interestingly, the incidence of this disease was found to be higher among males at a rate of 1.6 cases per 100,000 individuals, while females had a lower incidence of 0.6 cases per 100,000 people. Furthermore, the study also discovered that non-Hispanic black individuals had a significantly higher incidence of hepatitis B compared to other racial or ethnic groups, with a rate of 2.3 cases per 100,000 individuals.

• Hepatitis C:

According to a study by the CDC, the incidence of hepatitis C among adults aged 18-49 years in the US was 2.9 per 100, 000 population in 2016. The incidence was higher among men (4.1 per 100, 000) than women (1.7 per 100, 000), and among non-Hispanic whites (3.4 per 100, 000) than other racial or ethnic groups.

• Trichomoniasis:

Based on a comprehensive analysis conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this oral sexually transmitted disease determined that approximately 2.3% of women aged 14 to 49 residing in the United States were afflicted with trichomoniasis during the period of 2013 to 2014. This sexually transmitted infection was found to be more prevalent among non-Hispanic black women, with a staggering 8.9% affected, compared to individuals from other racial or ethnic backgrounds. Unfortunately, data regarding the prevalence of trichomoniasis among men aged 14 to 49 in the US was not obtainable, leaving an important gap in our understanding of this health issue within the male population.

Risks and Transmission of STDs

Let’s apeak about factors influencing risks of oral sexually transmitted diseases through oral sex. The transmission of STDs through oral sex depends on several factors, such as:

• The type of oral sex:

The type of oral sex refers to the contact of the mouth with the penis, vagina, or anus of a partner. The type of oral sex can affect the exposure to the bodily fluids or skin that may carry the infection, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, rectal fluid, or fecal matter. The type of oral sex can also affect the area of the mouth or throat that may come in contact with the infection, such as the lips, tongue, gums, teeth, or tonsils. Generally, oral sex on a penis or vagina poses a higher risk of transmission than oral sex on an anus, as the penis or vagina may produce more fluids or have more sores or ulcers than the anus. However, oral sex on an anus can also pose a risk of transmission, especially if there is contact with fecal matter, which can contain hepatitis A or other bacteria or parasites.

• The type of oral sexually transmitted diseases:

The type of STD refers to the cause, nature, and behavior of the infection, such as bacteria, virus, fungus, or parasite. The type of oral sexually transmitted diseases can affect the mode of transmission, such as through fluids or skin, and the likelihood of transmission, such as how easily or quickly the infection can spread or multiply. Generally, bacterial or parasitic STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or trichomoniasis, are more likely to be transmitted through oral sex than viral or fungal oral sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes, HPV, HIV, or candida, as bacterial or parasitic STDs can survive and thrive in the moist and warm environment of the mouth or throat, while viral or fungal STDs may be inactivated or destroyed by the saliva or immune system. However, viral or fungal STDs can also be transmitted through oral sex, especially if there are cuts, abrasions, or lesions in the mouth or throat, or if the infection is active or symptomatic.

• The presence or absence of symptoms or signs:

The presence or absence of symptoms or signs refers to the manifestation of the infection in the mouth, throat, genitals, anus, rectum, or other parts of the body, such as sores, blisters, ulcers, warts, discharge, pain, or inflammation. The presence or absence of symptoms or signs can affect the visibility and detectability of the infection, and the awareness and behavior of the person or partner. Generally, the presence of symptoms or signs can increase the risk of transmission, as the infection may be more active or contagious, and the contact with the infected area may be more direct or intense. However, the absence of symptoms or signs can also pose a risk of transmission, as the infection may be asymptomatic or latent, and the person or partner may be unaware or unaware of the infection, and may not take preventive measures or seek medical attention.

Statistics on oral sexually transmitted diseases

The statistics on oral transmission of oral sexually transmitted diseases are difficult to obtain, as many cases of oral STDs are not reported or diagnosed, or are not attributed to oral sex. Moreover, many cases of oral sexually transmitted diseases are co-infected or co-transmitted with other STDs, making it hard to determine the source or route of the infection. However, some studies have attempted to estimate the probability or rate of oral transmission of STDs, by using various methods, such as mathematical models, laboratory experiments, or epidemiological surveys. The following are some of the findings from these studies:

Risk to get infected with Chlamydia

Based on research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it has been determined that the likelihood of chlamydia being transmitted orally from a penis to a mouth stands at a rate of 0.6%. Similarly, the probability of oral transmission from a vagina to a mouth was found to be 1.3%, while the chance of transmission from an anus to a mouth was recorded at 0.5%. Conversely, the chances of chlamydia being transmitted from a mouth to a penis were observed to be 0.3%, from a mouth to a vagina were calculated to be 0.2%, and from a mouth to an anus were assessed to be 0.1%.

Risks to get Gonorrhea

According to a study by the CDC, the probability of oral transmission of gonorrhea from a penis to a mouth was 6.9%, from a vagina to a mouth was 0.4%, and from an anus to a mouth was 0.6%, from a mouth to a penis was 0.4%, from a mouth to a vagina was 0.3%, and from a mouth to an anus was 0.1%.

Risks to get infected with Syphilis

According to a study by the CDC, the probability of oral transmission of syphilis from a penis to a mouth was 4.6%, from a vagina to a mouth was 0.3%, and from an anus to a mouth was 0.5%. The probability of oral transmission of syphilis from a mouth to a penis was 0.5%, from a mouth to a vagina was 0.2%, and from a mouth to an anus was 0.1%.

Risks to get infected with Herpes

In a recent investigation conducted by the University of Washington, it was discovered that the likelihood of transmitting herpes from the genital area to the mouth during sexual intercourse varied depending on the specific body parts involved. The study determined that the chances of transmitting herpes from a penis to the mouth were approximately 0.9 per 1000 instances of sexual activity.

Similarly, the risk of transmitting the virus from a vagina to the mouth was found to be around 0.7 per 1000 sexual encounters. On the other hand, the rate of transmitting herpes from an anus to the mouth was relatively lower, with a probability of 0.4 per 1000 instances of sexual engagement. These findings shed light on the varying transmission rates of herpes depending on the specific body parts involved in sexual contact. It is crucial to be aware of these statistics in order to make informed decisions regarding sexual health and to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of herpes. Interestingly, the study also examined the reverse scenario of transmitting herpes from the mouth to the genital area. It was revealed that the likelihood of transmitting the virus from the mouth to the penis was approximately 1.5 per 1000 sexual acts.

Moreover, the risk of transmitting herpes from the mouth to the vagina was found to be around 1.1 per 1000 instances of sexual interaction. Lastly, the rate of transmitting the virus from the mouth to the anus was relatively lower, with a probability of 0.6 per 1000 instances of sexual activity.

Chances to get infected with HPV

According to a study by the University of California, San Francisco, the rate of oral transmission of HPV from a penis to a mouth was 1.7 per 1000 sex acts, from a vagina to a mouth was 0.6 per 1000 sex acts, and from an anus to a mouth was 0.3 per 1000 sex acts. The rate of oral transmission of HPV from a mouth to a penis was 0.9 per 1000 sex acts, from a mouth to a vagina was 0.3 per 1000 sex acts, and from a mouth to an anus was 0.2 per 1000 sex acts.

Chances to get HIV during oral sex

According to a study by the University of California, San Francisco, the probability of oral transmission of HIV from a penis to a mouth was 0.04%, from a vagina to a mouth was 0.01%, and from an anus to a mouth was 0.01%. The probability of oral transmission of HIV from a mouth to a penis was 0.01%, from a mouth to a vagina was 0.01%, and from a mouth to an anus was 0.01%.

Specific Oral STDs and its symptoms

In this section, we will discuss some of the specific oral sexually transmitted diseases that can be transmitted or acquired through oral sex, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), gonorrhea, and syphilis. We will describe the characteristics, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of each oral STD, and provide some examples and statistics.

Symptoms of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that can affect the mouth, throat, genitals, anus, rectum, or other parts of the body. HPV has more than 100 types, some of which can cause warts, and some of which can cause cancer. HPV can be transmitted or acquired through oral sex, by contact with infected warts or skin on the genitals or anus of a partner. HPV can cause symptoms such as warts on or around the mouth, throat, genitals, or anus. HPV can also cause complications such as oral, cervical, anal, penile, or throat cancer.

HPV may not cause any symptoms, or may cause symptoms that are mild or unnoticed. Some of the possible symptoms of oral HPV include:

Symptoms of genital Warts

Warts are small, flesh-colored, or white growths that can appear on or around the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, or tonsils. Warts can vary in size, shape, number, and appearance. Warts can be flat, raised, smooth, rough, or cauliflower-like. Warts can be painless or painful, and may bleed or become infected. Warts can be caused by low-risk types of HPV, such as HPV 6 or 11, which do not cause cancer.

Is Cancer an Oral Sexually transmitted disease?

Cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, and invade and damage normal tissues and organs. Cancer can affect the mouth, throat, or other parts of the body. Cancer can be caused by high-risk types of HPV, such as HPV 16 or 18, which can cause cancer. Cancer can cause symptoms such as a sore or ulcer that does not heal, a lump or mass that does not go away, difficulty swallowing or speaking, hoarseness or change in voice, ear pain or ringing, or unexplained weight loss.

The diagnosis of oral HPV can be done by a doctor, who can examine the mouth and throat, and look for signs of warts or cancer. The doctor can also take a sample of tissue or cells from the mouth or throat, and send it to a laboratory for testing. The testing can include:

• HPV DNA test: This test can detect the presence of HPV DNA in the sample, and identify the type or strain of HPV. This test can help diagnose oral HPV, and determine the risk of cancer.
• P16 test: This test can detect the presence of p16 protein in the sample, which is a marker of HPV infection and cancer. This test can help diagnose oral HPV, and confirm the diagnosis of cancer.