If you use lubricants, only use water-based ones, which are available from pharmacies. Oil-based lubricants such as lotion and moisturiser can cause condoms to break or fail. Oral sex involves sucking or licking the vagina, penis or anus. Some men and women (gay and straight) choose to do this as part of their sex life, and others don't. There's a risk of getting or passing on STIs if you're giving or receiving oral sex. The risk increases if either of you has sores or cuts around the mouth, genitals or anus. This is because viruses and bacteria, which may be present in semen, vaginal fluid or blood, can travel more easily into a partner's body through breaks in the skin. Generally, the risk of infection is lower when you receive oral sex than when you give someone oral sex. hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.herpes – type 1 and type 2, which can cause cold sores around the mouth and on the genitals or anus.STIs that can be passed on through oral sex include: However, it is still possible for STIs to be passed on. If you have a cold sore and you give your partner oral sex, you can infect them with the herpes virus. Similarly, herpes can pass from the genitals to the mouth.
