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Safer/safest vaginal and oral sex
Can oral sex or vaginal sex be done in a way that further decreases STD risks when you are not sure about a partner.
For example, would vaginal sex with a condom and shallow penetration with no skin-to-skin contact (in the genital area) be safer than deeper penetration where there is skin-to-skin contact? Does this significantly or insignificantly add to safety?
Similarly, would receiving oral sex as a man with a condom on be any safer if it was done in an inverted position (penis facing down) where no saliva from the woman reached the base of the penis?
Or are there no increased safety benefits from these practices? Curiously, I have searched for hours on safest (ultra safe) practices but have not found anything. Any other thoughts on how to minimize risks with oral or vaginal sex would be appreciated.
Thank you, Johnpx
For example, would vaginal sex with a condom and shallow penetration with no skin-to-skin contact (in the genital area) be safer than deeper penetration where there is skin-to-skin contact? Does this significantly or insignificantly add to safety?
Similarly, would receiving oral sex as a man with a condom on be any safer if it was done in an inverted position (penis facing down) where no saliva from the woman reached the base of the penis?
Or are there no increased safety benefits from these practices? Curiously, I have searched for hours on safest (ultra safe) practices but have not found anything. Any other thoughts on how to minimize risks with oral or vaginal sex would be appreciated.
Thank you, Johnpx
Thank you. That's a very clear answer and much appreciated.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
The answer to the opening question is obvious and you have stated it well in the next paragraph. Condoms are highly protective. The depth of penetration probably isn't relevant. However, as you seem to know, skin-skin contact above the condom carries small risk of STDs transmitted by such exposure, such as herpes, syphilis, and HPV. But sexual position probably makes no difference. Saliva contact with skin doesn't transmit STDs.
For vaginal sex, I suggest you just assume there will be skin-to-skin contact, even if condoms are used. A decision to have casual vaginal or anal sex with unknown or risky partners means the person is accepting the small risk of HSV, HPV, and syphilis. Oral sex is basically very low risk even without a condom, but is probably 100% safe with one.
The bottom line is this: If you demand no risk at all of any STD -- which seems to be your goal for "ultra safe" sex -- then you are stuck with not having sex at all, or limiting yourself to mutual masturbation. And even that may not be truluy 100% risk free, especially in regard to HPV.
Regards-- HHH, MD
The answer to the opening question is obvious and you have stated it well in the next paragraph. Condoms are highly protective. The depth of penetration probably isn't relevant. However, as you seem to know, skin-skin contact above the condom carries small risk of STDs transmitted by such exposure, such as herpes, syphilis, and HPV. But sexual position probably makes no difference. Saliva contact with skin doesn't transmit STDs.
For vaginal sex, I suggest you just assume there will be skin-to-skin contact, even if condoms are used. A decision to have casual vaginal or anal sex with unknown or risky partners means the person is accepting the small risk of HSV, HPV, and syphilis. Oral sex is basically very low risk even without a condom, but is probably 100% safe with one.
The bottom line is this: If you demand no risk at all of any STD -- which seems to be your goal for "ultra safe" sex -- then you are stuck with not having sex at all, or limiting yourself to mutual masturbation. And even that may not be truluy 100% risk free, especially in regard to HPV.
Regards-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
