Oral Sex and Sexually Transmitted Diseases: What risks?

[iblade]

Hi people. I wanted to know if there were any risk in practising fellatio/cunnilingus on your partner when either one is infected with a sexually transmitted disease. Do you have any info on that?

[Pragma]

A quick google search on "STDs from oral sex" turned up a variety of results, with this being one of them. The website has a variety of information on the risk of transmission and also how to have oral sex with protection - and goes into a variety of protection methods. If you don't know much about it, it's worth a read.

Though there's admittedly less risk of STIs in oral sex than in vaginal or anal sex, the risk still exists. You can get a bacterial infection of chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea in your mouth and/or throat, and in some rarer occasions, can develop genital warts in the mouth. Herpes is commonly passed between genitals and the mouth, and HIV can be passed through cuts in the mouth or small abrasions.

The only 100 percent effective way to avoid an STI is not to have oral, vaginal or anal sex at all. If you are planning to have oral sex, know how to make it safer by avoiding the exchange of bodily fluids and other risky contact.

[abaya]

Yes, there is a risk, as Pragma explained. If you are suspicious, I highly recommend using a dental dam when going down on her, and using a condom for when she goes down on you. There's no other way to be sure that you are safe, if you don't know each other's sexual histories, haven't been tested, etc. (Do you know each other's history, and have you been tested?)

[iblade]

What do you call tested? HIV?

[abaya]

hoooo boy. No, I mean tested for every STD that they can test you for. When I've done it, I just asked them to run all the tests they had... it's a good habit to get in to. Keep in mind that not all STD's are testable... many don't even manifest themselves, even if you are infected... so you can still transmit them without knowing it. (HPV is a good example, and it can be transmitted even when using condoms.) I suggest you educate yourself on all sexually-related matters as quickly as possible, for your own good as well as your partner's. Also, to talk over everything with her as openly as possible.

[Martian]

Originally Posted by abaya

if you don't know each other's sexual histories, haven't been tested, etc. (Do you know each other's history, and have you been tested?)

The safest and only way to be sure. Me and mine had a very frank discussion re: sexual history (length of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, etc) prior to bedding down for the first time. As neither of us had been sexually active for over a year we decided to take a miss on the testing, but that would've been different if either one uf us had actually been having sex in the period prior to getting together.

In terms of casual sex, that's just not practical, which is where the rubbers/dental dams come into play. They do make flavoured condoms, y'know.

[doncalypso]

There are definitely many risks for catching STDs doing fellatio and cunnilingus. I thought that was common knowledge.

[iblade]

Originally Posted by abaya

hoooo boy. No, I mean tested for every STD that they can test you for. When I've done it, I just asked them to run all the tests they had... it's a good habit to get in to. Keep in mind that not all STD's are testable... many don't even manifest themselves, even if you are infected... so you can still transmit them without knowing it. (HPV is a good example, and it can be transmitted even when using condoms.) I suggest you educate yourself on all sexually-related matters as quickly as possible, for your own good as well as your partner's. Also, to talk over everything with her as openly as possible.

I asked what you tested because for example, in my case, in am infected with Hepatitis B, but I am what you may call a "Helathy Carrier", that means the disease does not manifest itself in me, but I can transmit it to others... So what were you tested for exactly?

Originally Posted by Martian

The safest and only way to be sure. Me and mine had a very frank discussion re: sexual history (length of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, etc) prior to bedding down for the first time. As neither of us had been sexually active for over a year we decided to take a miss on the testing, but that would've been different if either one uf us had actually been having sex in the period prior to getting together.

But you still used condoms, right?

I mean what is the purpose of testing each other? Is it to have unprotected sex?

Originally Posted by doncalypso

There are definitely many risks for catching STDs doing fellatio and cunnilingus. I thought that was common knowledge.

Yes but my question is, how high are they?

[snowy]

Originally Posted by iblade

I mean what is the purpose of testing each other? Is it to have unprotected sex?

Yes but my question is, how high are they?

The risk is great, especially if YOU are the carrier. Women are less likely than men to transmit STDs through exposure to vaginal secretions, but as you are male and the carrier of the HepB you need to ALWAYS WEAR A CONDOM.

Secondly, if your partner does not know you have HepB, you need to tell them, NOW. Do not wait. Then you need to see about getting her a HepB vaccination, pronto, in case of accidental exposure (she should have one anyways, they're always a good idea).

The point of communicating about sexual histories is not necessarily to have unprotected sex. Condoms do break; dental dams slip. STDs and pregnancy are risks that need to be discussed. Besides, if you can't talk about these things with a partner, you probably shouldn't be having sex with them. Frank discussion is ESSENTIAL to good, healthy sexual relationships, and if you can't do it, you should seriously consider celibacy.

Good luck.

[iblade]

Fortunately, I did talk about it with her. Yet when I was examined by the specialist for HepB, he did mention to always wear a condom, but nothing about oral sex.

I agree talking is necessary, but what if you get carried away in the moment?

[abaya]

Originally Posted by onesnowyowl

Besides, if you can't talk about these things with a partner, you probably shouldn't be having sex with them. Frank discussion is ESSENTIAL to good, healthy sexual relationships, and if you can't do it, you should seriously consider celibacy.

Snowy knows what she's talking about. Look man, if you find yourself getting so caught up in the "heat of the moment" that you can't slow down to consider the very real, and very scary reality of STDs, then I agree that you should consider celibacy until you can handle that kind of thing.

Sex is SERIOUS business. Sorry to be dramatic, but sex can eventually kill or seriously damage a person from a single moment of carelessness, where something got transmitted because you or she didn't want to take a moment to think ahead. Obviously I don't advocate repression or waiting till marriage, but jesus man, take a cold shower and realize how dangerous sex can be... then proceed with caution, EVERY ** SINGLE ** TIME.

I say these things not to be harsh, but to provide a wake-up call for a situation that could do you or your partner serious harm. There is no such thing as "heat of the moment" if you are both mature enough to be having sex.

[snowy]

Originally Posted by iblade

Fortunately, I did talk about it with her. Yet when I was examined by the specialist for HepB, he did mention to always wear a condom, but nothing about oral sex.

I agree talking is necessary, but what if you get carried away in the moment?

Saran wrap works as well as a dental dam. ALWAYS keep necessary items on hand if you even REMOTELY think you will be having sex.

"Carried away in the moment" is how people get pregnant, get STDs, and a lifetime of misery. Stop. Think. Have safe sex.

[iblade]

Yeah, I agree. But don't get me wrong. I am not thinking about unprotected sex. Of course, sex should be safe all the time. I'm just thinking, what if you don't know your partner well enough, but you want to have sex, you plan on using a condom, everything is fine, things are heating up. Should you just stop and say "Hey, did you take STD tests?"

Another point. What if all is going well, and your partner suddenly starts to motion towards giving you oral sex. Is it that risky as to prevent her from doing it?

[Martian]

iblade - As a healthy carrier it's easy for you to forget the potential consequences of the disease you carry, but they can be very serious. Any sexual partner needs to know about the infection; if you can't trust them with the information you probably shouldn't be having sex anyway.

Nobody's advocating abstinence here. If you use proper protection and everyone knows the risks involved, there's no reason for you not to have sex. There should be no sexual contact, be it vaginal, oral or anal, without proper protection. Again, there's a reason they make flavoured condoms and no, she does not have taste buds down there.

With proper care, the risk is small. Unprotected, it's huge. You owe it to her and yourself to be safe every time.

[iblade]

I think that from now on, I will always mention the problem beforehand. The thing is, when I went to see a specialist for HBV, he told me that all I needed to care about was using a condom when having sex. That is why, since I always make sure we're using a condom, I didn't feel the need to tell it. We talked about it because she had a problem recently. But still, I don't think the risks are that high for transmission through oral sex.

How many of you always check everything before moving on to oral sex, or use protections for oral sex?

[waxmax]

Originally Posted by iblade

How many of you always check everything before moving on to oral sex, or use protections for oral sex?

I've been around for 34 years and never once heard the term dental dam. Also, the thought of putting Saran Wrap® between a girl's legs has got to be a show stopper. I could never get it to tear correctly and it would probably wind up on top of my head anyway. As for condoms during blow jobs, I have heard it discussed but never heard it practiced. Maybe with hookers...?

I think if you keep yourself clean and well maintained below the belt, you should be good to go. I'll bet most people are concered about smell during oral sex and not a dread disease.

[Locobot]

Originally Posted by iblade

How many of you always check everything before moving on to oral sex, or use protections for oral sex?

Knowing that you carry Hep B it would be extremely sleazy and most likely criminal for you to not have a two minute discussion with your partner about this, or to have unprotected sex be it oral/vaginal/anal/armpit/nasal/whatever before said discussion. Knowing the low oral transmission rates for many STDs, knowing my own tested disease-free status, AND having a fair knowledge of a girl's background I may skip this discussion before unprotected oral-only contact. Note that you iblade do not meet these criteria.

As an aside, I'd rather have a handjob than receive oral sex wearing a condom...

[iblade]

Originally Posted by Locobot

Knowing that you carry Hep B it would be extremely sleazy and most likely criminal for you to not have a two minute discussion with your partner about this, or to have unprotected sex be it oral/vaginal/anal/armpit/nasal/whatever before said discussion. Knowing the low oral transmission rates for many STDs, knowing my own tested disease-free status, AND having a fair knowledge of a girl's background I may skip this discussion before unprotected oral-only contact. Note that you iblade do not meet these criteria.

As an aside, I'd rather have a handjob than receive oral sex wearing a condom...

I'd like to question your disease free status... Do you ever know? I mean, for example, do you know if you do not have Hepatitis B? Have you had your HBe antibody rate level checked recently? There are a lot more STD than just the regular ones...

I agree I do not meet these requirements. If I did not pay attention to it, it is because a hepatitis specialist (gastro anterologue in French) told me I only needed to make sure about using a condom when having sex. I consider asking my dad (whose a doctor) soon about the dangerosity of oral sex.

Now in my situation what do you think is the best course of action?

[Martian]

Originally Posted by iblade

How many of you always check everything before moving on to oral sex, or use protections for oral sex?

I have in the past stopped things from going further specifically to talk backgrounds and safety. I want to know where she's been and I want her to know where I've been. That's without any infections on my part. If I knew I had an infection it would become essential. If she doesn't want to go down on you without protection or you don't want to wear a rubber while getting head, then fine. There are other ways to get off.

Nobody knows for certain whether or not they have an infection. Nobody knows for certain whether they have cancer or a potentially fatal heart defect either. Anyeurisms can happen instantaneously and be quite fatal. Life is controlled risk. I get my tests done and take my chances. That has no bearing on your situation; you absolutely know that you are a carrier for this illness, you know it can be transmitted orally. Turn the tables around; would you want to go down on a girl with HPV or herpes without knowing? I'm guessing not.

The risk may not be huge orally, but lets not forget the potential consequences. Scirrhosis springs to mind, which can be fatal. I don't know if I can stress that enough. She can die by contracting this from you. Do you really want to take that chance?

If it's a long-term relationship, vaccination is a viable option. Hell, even if it's not it might be worth looking into on her part. Until and if she gets that vaccine, you cannot take any chances.

[iblade]

Hum. Yeah, I know. I agree with you that she needs to know if there is a risk. I already told her.

If I didn't before, it was because a specialist told me that I only needed to be careful with the sex part, and use a condom. I thought the rest was risk free. Now I'd like to have a specialist's point of view on the matter of Oral sex before taking any other decision.

[iblade]

I was checking out the web on hepatitis B this morning and I found this:

http://www.hepb.org/hepb/transmission.htm

Transmission

Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and infected bodily fluids. This can occur through:

- direct blood-to-blood contact
- unprotected sex
- unsterile needles
- from an infected woman to her newborn during the delivery process.

Other possible routes of infection include sharing sharp instruments such as razors, toothbrushes or earrings. Body piercing, tattooing and acupuncture are also possible routes of infection unless sterile needles are used

Hepatitis B is NOT transmitted casually. It cannot be spread through sneezing, coughing, hugging or eating food prepared by someone who is infected with hepatitis B. Everyone is at some risk for a hepatitis B infection, but some groups are at higher risk because of their occupation or life choices.

High Risk Groups

Health care workers and emergency personnel
Infants born to mothers who are infected at the time of delivery
Partners or individuals living in close household contact with an infected person
Individuals with multiple sex partners, past or present
Individuals who have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease
Illicit drug users (injecting, inhaling, snorting, popping pills)
Men who have sex with men
Individuals who received a blood transfusion prior to 1992
Individuals who get tattoos or body piercing
Individuals who travel to countries where hepatitis B is common (Asia, Africa, South America, the Pacific Islands, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East)
Individuals emigrating from countries where hepatitis B is common, or born to parents who emigrated from these countries (see above)
Families adopting children from countries where hepatitis B is common (see above)
Individuals with early kidney disease or undergoing kidney dialysis
Individuals who use blood products for medical conditions (i.e.hemophilia)
Residents and staff of correctional facilities and group homes

"Unprotected sex": does it include oral sex?

[iblade]

After making some research on the net, I notice that most sites with information about HBV do not mention oral sex as being a factor of transmission. Neither did my doctor who took care of my HBV case.

However, most sites that deal about oral sex do claim that there is a risk of transmission for STD.

So my question is what should I do from now on? Should I stop considering oral sex as a whole? Personnaly, I don't consider oral sex using condoms or protection... Should I only consider it once my partner gets vaccined (which takes 6 months)? Is the risk low enough to allow me to do it? I don't really know what do do...

[asaris]

You know, you could probably ask your doctor about this.

[iblade]

Yeah. Thing is, my dad's a doctor. I'll ask him.

My question was more like: ok, I know that even if very very small there is a risk that I can transmit HBV to my partner through oral sex. That means next time I'm with a new partnet and she goes down on me, will I have the strength to tell her stop?

[snowy]

Originally Posted by iblade

Yeah. Thing is, my dad's a doctor. I'll ask him.

My question was more like: ok, I know that even if very very small there is a risk that I can transmit HBV to my partner through oral sex. That means next time I'm with a new partnet and she goes down on me, will I have the strength to tell her stop?

She had better know about your HepB BEFORE you even THINK about reaching that point.

When it says "unprotected sex" in the literature, that means oral, vaginal, anal, etc.--ANY kind of contact where your penis makes contact with another person.

Here is a worst-case scenario for you adminstering oral sex to another person: You go down, decide not to use a dental dam, and have a cut in your mouth or on your lip. While going down, the cut comes open and you start to bleed a little. Your partner, in turn, has an abrasion on her vulva she hasn't told you about. Voila, you just gave your partner HepB.

Another scenario: You touch yourself while giving your girl oral. You go to finger her, and you still have your own precum on your hands. There is an abrasion in her vaginal wall you don't know about. Good job, sport--you just gave her HepB.

Shoot, you share a toothbrush and one or both of you has gingivitis...you just gave her HepB.

Vaginal and vulvar injuries and abrasions are not uncommon, and the vagina is a pretty welcoming environment for outside predators at times. These are worst-case scenarios, but they ARE NOT OUTSIDE THE REALM OF POSSIBILITY.

And won't you feel great when your girlfriend or a former sex partner comes to you and says, "Thanks for giving me HepB"?

[tecoyah]

Originally Posted by iblade

Hum. Yeah, I know. I agree with you that she needs to know if there is a risk. I already told her.

If I didn't before, it was because a specialist told me that I only needed to be careful with the sex part, and use a condom. I thought the rest was risk free. Now I'd like to have a specialist's point of view on the matter of Oral sex before taking any other decision.

OK....I am going to be somewhat blunt, but honestly, you need it.

It took me less than ten seconds to find this:

How Is Hepatitis B Transmitted?
The Hepatitis B virus is transmitted by blood-to-blood contact such as through blood transfusions, semen donation or through sexual intercourse with an infected person. Today with excellent screening of blood and semen, the most common route of blood-to-blood contact is through the sharing of needles by injecting drug users, who may not know they are infectious. Health workers are also at risk through accidental needle stick injuries. There are a number of other less obvious ways the virus can be transmitted:

* Oral sex, especially swallowing semen from an infected person, may transmit hepatitis B.
* Sharing toothbrushes or razors with an infectious person may spread the disease.
* Women who are carriers may infect their babies before or at birth.

http://www.well-net.com/STD/HepatitisB.html

How long have you been typing the replys in here. If indeed you neglected to tell her you were infected, and she becomes a carrier....You are going to be so freakin Karmically impaired as to be cursed.

I would also like to point out one thing....if by chance, this was my Daughter you had infected....HepB would be the least of your worries.

[abaya]

Originally Posted by iblade

That means next time I'm with a new partnet and she goes down on me, will I have the strength to tell her stop?

Well, this is what your whole thread comes down to... not the transmission of HepB, but rather, are you mature enough to have sex and handle the consequences, including taking someone else's life as a result?

You didn't have the strength (integrity) to have an open, honest conversation with your current SO before you had sex with her, and you use the excuse that it's because a specialist told you it was safe. Even if it was safe, that is no reason for avoiding the discussion in the first place.

I damn well hope that if you have sex with someone else in the future, you'll have the strength to talk about EVERYTHING before you even have to "stop" in the moment. That means not getting INTO the moment until everything is on the table. And if you do get into the moment without talking first, YES, by god, it means having the balls to tell her to STOP, because you care about that person.

Sorry if this is harsh, but sex is SUCH an incredibly dangerous thing to undertake in this day and age. I can only try to scare the shit out of people who don't realize what damage they can inflict on others... the rest is up to them.

And by the way, waxmax, I think a LOT of people care about "dreaded diseases," far more than the smell of oral. Dental dams or even saran warp ARE effective measures; don't rule them out for someone else just because you haven't worried about diseases.

[iblade]

Thanks for all your replies.

I understand. Of course from now on, I'll always talk about it first. I am honest when I say I didn't think about stoping her because of what the specialist told me. Since there is a risk (even the slightest one), I will always warn my partners from now on.

Still on the very fact of transmission of STD through Oral, I remain dubious. I've found statistics that show that the transmission rate through Oral Sex is very low. Plus I know that Health Organizations try to scare people with exaggerated statistics to prevent the disease. I'd really like to talk to a specialist about this.

Originally Posted by abaya

Well, this is what your whole thread comes down to... not the transmission of HepB, but rather, are you mature enough to have sex and handle the consequences, including taking someone else's life as a result?

I guess I wasn't mature enough, but I really thought it was safe. I also thought to a certain extent that having such a discussion would be awkward. I will certainly be more mature in the future.

[snowy]

Originally Posted by iblade

Still on the very fact of transmission of STD through Oral, I remain dubious. I've found statistics that show that the transmission rate through Oral Sex is very low. Plus I know that Health Organizations try to scare people with exaggerated statistics to prevent the disease. I'd really like to talk to a specialist about this.

Any responsible doctor is going to tell you the same thing we've told you here, repeatedly. Trust me on this--I've studied STDs as much as any health education teacher, nurse, or doctor.

Approximately 300,000 new cases of hepatitis B are diagnosed per year [25]. Ten thousand of those cases require hospitalization. Six to ten percent of infected persons become chronic carriers and may infect others despite showing no signs of illness themselves. These numbers are unconscionably large given that HBV can be fairly easily prevented. HBV can be transmitted through contact with blood, semen, and saliva. Following the safer sex guidelines to prevent HIV transmission will help in avoiding HBV transmission as well, but those guidelines are not enough. It is important to note that because hepatitis B virus is more contagious than HIV, oral sex and deep kissing are much higher risk activities for the transmission of HBV. While, historically, homosexual men have had a higher prevalence of HBV infection than any other single group [26], the advent of safer sex practices among gay men has decreased the number of new cases among gay and bisexual men in this group. On the contrary cases attributable to heterosexual activity have increased 77% between 1982 and 1988 [27].

from:
Hepatitis B & HIV Infection

Gay Men's Health Crisis: Treatment Issues - Volume 5 no. 4, May 15, 1991
Gabriel Torres, M.D.

http://www.aegis.com/pubs/gmhc/1991/gm050404.html


From the FAQ of the Hepatitis Foundation International:

Hepatitis B is often sexually transmitted. The virus is 100 times more infectious than AIDS and is found in blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. Sexual partners of an infected person should practice safe sex and be vaccinated for hepatitis B.

As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time around health professionals and studying health education, I do assure you that the "safe sex" umbrella term means oral sex in addition to vaginal and anal intercourse.

From: The Virtual Naval Hospital, http://www.vnh.org/PreventionPractice/ch59.html

...indicating that partners can transmit infection even if males withdraw before ejaculating. Infection can be transmitted during all forms of sexual intercourse, including oral sex.

According to a very informative Power Point presentation from Virology-Online, HBV can even be present in moderate levels in saliva, as well as semen and vaginal secretions. The bodily fluids that give off the most HBV are blood, serum, and exudate from wounds. But even urine, sweat, and tears can have low levels of HBV present.

As said in the first quote, HBV is 100x more transmittable than HIV. You are, essentially, a loaded gun. Put the safety on. Please.

[iblade]

Okay, there's a risk, I know. I do not want to transmit HBV to anyone. In my case, what should I do? Next time I want to receive a BJ, should I wait until my partner gets vaccined?

I mean this is kind of scary. Knowing that there are a lot of silent HBV carriers out there is everyone taking his precautions? I mean oral sex seems just as dangerous as normal unprotected sex here.

Do we have figures? Taking the posts of snowy, I just understand there is a great risk. But how big is it?

[ngdawg]

Let's put it this way...if you were told there's a 2% chance of your partner getting sick within 5 years of engaging in oral sex, would you risk that? Do the odds truly matter or are you just that selfish to want a BJ over and above whatever numbers come up?
Sorry if that sounds crass, but as a potential partner, I'd want to know you cared enough to NOT take that chance with my health.

[iblade]

You're right. I'm strong enough to think that way.

I was wondering if anyone was in the same situation as me? And for those who aren't what do you think about all the silent carriers of Hep B who aren't aware of their condition.

[snowy]

Here is a good article about transmission of HBV rates amongst various groups in Canada:

The Sexual Transmission of HBV

The highest titres of HBV are found in blood. However, HBV has also been found in semen and saliva (Heathcote, Cameron, & Dane, 1974) and vaginal secretions (Darani & Gerber, 1974). Further, saliva (by injection but not oral application) and semen (by intravaginal application) have transmitted HBV infection to non-human primates (Scott, Snitbhan, Bancroft, Alter, & Tingpalapong, 1980).

Hersh, Melnick, Goyal, and Hollinger (1971) were the first to provide evidence for the sexual transmission of HBV, describing eight female cases of HBV that were linked to intimate contact with six infected males. In a more recent series of studies, Alter et al. (1986; 1989) provided strong epidemiologic evidence of heterosexual transmission. During the 1970s, it became clear that male homosexuals were at high risk for HBV, one reason why homosexuals were the prime subjects for the early HBV vaccine trials (Szmuness et al., 1980). More recently, Kingsley et al. (1990) demonstrated that among homosexual men, HBV is more easily transmitted than human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The estimated risk of HBV transmission from a single unprotected sexual contact with an infected person is 1-3% (Hadler & Margolis, 1993). It is now accepted that, in the developed world, sexual transmission is the major recognized mode of transmission; in the developing world, while perinatal and early childhood horizontal transmission are of prime importance, sexual transmission is a significant contributor (Hadler & Margolis, 1993).

Epidemiologic studies focusing on the sexual transmission of HBV have usually examined homosexual/bisexual males, female sex trade workers, clients at STD clinics, and sexual partners of HBV infected persons. All of these groups have been found to have a high prevalence of HBV infection, past or present. Data for Ontario suggest that of acute cases of HBV in which risk factors have been identified, about one third are attributable to sexual transmission (Ontario Ministry of Health, 1995). Data on the epidemiology of acute cases of HBV infection in the Montreal area indicate that 55% are related to sexual transmission (Dion, 1994).

Data from an active surveillance study of viral hepatitis in several cities in the United States indicate that between 1982 and 1991, the distribution of risk factors for HBV infection shifted, with cases linked to male homosexual transmission and intravenous drug use decreasing, while cases linked to heterosexual transmission increased to become the most frequently identified risk category (Alter & Mast, 1994). It is noteworthy that the reduced rate of transmission among homosexual men may be due to the incorporation of safer sex practices on the part of gay men in response to the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. The risk factors associated with the sexual transmission of HBV are summarized in Table 2.
Prevention of Sexual Transmission of HBV
Immunization

HBV infection is the only STD for which an effective and safe vaccine is available. HBV vaccine has been available in Canada since 1982. Beginning with British Columbia in 1992, all provinces, except Manitoba, now have a universal hepatitis B vaccination program for pre-adolescents, and New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Northwest Territories also have a universal infant vaccination program (Tepper & Gully, 1997). The targeting of pre-adolescents for a universal vaccination program was predicated, to a large extent, on the recognition that sexual activity is an important mode of HBV transmission in Canada (Health Canada, 1994). These universal immunization programs are expected to have a significant effect on the incidence of HBV infection in the next decade as those young people who are immunized now will be protected from HBV infection during adolescence and young adulthood, a period in which sexual activity is likely.

Despite the universal immunization programs currently aimed at young people, targeted immunization of high risk groups remains important (Health Canada, 1993). These groups include sexually active homosexual/bisexual males, males and females with multiple sexual partners, those with a recent history of STD, sexual contacts of HBV carriers, and international travellers who are likely to have sexual contact with residents in areas with high levels of endemic disease. Most Canadian provinces provide publicly funded vaccine for some, but not all, of these risk groups. Reports from programs to immunize STD clinic patients at risk for HBV have documented vaccine completion rates of 24% (three doses) (Bhatti et al., 1991) and 21% (two doses) (Weinstock et al., 1995). A similar Canadian study (Yuan & Robinson, 1994) indicated completion rates (three doses) of 47% for homosexual/bisexual men and 25% for heterosexual men. A randomized trial in Canada found that compliance with immunization among STD patients can be enhanced with more aggressive follow-up (telephone and mail as opposed to mail only) (Sellors et al., 1994). A 1990 STD clinic study in the U.S. indicated that if vaccine was offered to all of an estimated 18,000 new STD encounters who visited the clinic each year, 636 infections would be prevented annually at a cost of $875 (U.S.) per infection prevented (Weinstock et al., 1995).
Safer Sex

The recommendations for safer sex made in light of the HIV epidemic apply equally to the sexual transmission of HBV (Health Canada, 1995). Laboratory testing indicates that latex condoms provide an effective barrier to HBV (Minuk et al., 1987). A study by Rosenblum et al. (1992) of female prostitutes found an association between spermicide and/or diaphragm use and a reduction in risk of HBV infection. However, the efficacy of the spermicide nonoxynol-9, included on some condoms, in inactivating HBV is not known.

Unprotected anal intercourse appears to be a particularly high risk behaviour for acquisition of HBV infection, and unprotected vaginal intercourse also carries a demonstrated risk. As a result, STD prevention education programs that emphasize the reduction of high risk behaviours and promote the consistent use of condoms, particularly those targeted at specific STD risk groups, may be beneficial in preventing the spread of HBV in the Canadian population.

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cjhs/cjhs6.html

Here is also a link to a PDF regarding the epidemiology of STDs in Manitoba. I'm sure if you take a look at it you'll find a specific figure somewhere.
http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publiche...ance/desti.pdf

I could dig up some more case studies for you, but I'm tired of saying the same things over and over again in my posts, since obviously this is like talking to a wall.

[iblade]

No not at all. You did make me realize that oral sex is dangerous. Thanks for your posts, I have grown wiser. Thing is I have been addicted to porn for some time as a teen, and kept thinking "Wow, BJ must be the damn best good things on earth." In never thought there could be a possibility of transmission to my partners. Keep in mind that for many people, oral sex is safe. So I was like "WTF, now that I'm getting some, I can't anymore?" Yet, my partner's safety comes first.

You have at least made me consider that it is dangerous for my partners. I do not want to take any risk for my partner that is why I'll stop oral sex from now on, and with all my future partners, until they are vaccined.

But the internet being what it is, I think I need to hear it directly form a specialist to be convinced or to completely make it permanent in my head. I don't know, it's psychological.

If possible, if you could find studies with figures related directly to Oral Sex and STDs, in terms of risk, that would be nice...

[Gamer90]

Originally Posted by onesnowyowl

The risk is great, especially if YOU are the carrier. Women are less likely than men to transmit STDs through exposure to vaginal secretions,

So if I eat a woman out, the chances of me catching an STD is much lower?