Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are spread through sexual contact. While most people associate STDs with vaginal or anal intercourse, they can also be contracted through oral sex.

In fact, many STDs can be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. This article will discuss some of the most common STDs that can be contracted through oral sex, their symptoms, and how they can be treated.

1. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can be contracted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can affect the urethra, cervix, rectum, or throat.

Symptoms of gonorrhea include a burning sensation when urinating, discharge from the penis or vagina, and sore throat. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics.

2. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection that can be contracted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and can affect the urethra, cervix, rectum, or throat.

Symptoms of chlamydia include pain or burning during urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, and sore throat. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.

3. Herpes

Herpes is a viral infection that can be contracted through oral or genital contact. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can affect the mouth, genitals, or anal area.

Symptoms of herpes include painful blisters on or around the mouth, genitals, or rectum, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help to manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.

4. Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be contracted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and can affect the genitals, anus, or mouth.

Symptoms of syphilis include painless sores or ulcers on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth, rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious complications such as blindness, paralysis, and dementia. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics.

5. HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that can be contracted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It is caused by the human papillomavirus and can affect the genitals or mouth.

Symptoms of HPV include genital warts or warts in the mouth or throat. While there is no cure for HPV, it can be prevented through vaccination and managed through the use of topical medications.

6. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can be contracted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus and can affect the liver. Symptoms of hepatitis B include fever, fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain.

If left untreated, hepatitis B can lead to serious complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination and treated with antiviral medications.

7. HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection that can be contracted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex as well as through sharing needles or through mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding.

It is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus and can affect the immune system. Symptoms of HIV include flu-like symptoms, such as fever and fatigue, and can take years to appear. If left untreated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is a life-threatening condition.

While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help to manage the virus and reduce the risk of transmission.

8. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection that can be contracted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis and can affect the vagina, urethra, or prostate gland.

Symptoms of trichomoniasis include itching, burning, or redness around the genitals, discomfort during urination or sex, and foul-smelling discharge from the vagina or penis. Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics.

9. Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection that can be contracted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina and can affect women and people with vaginas.

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include itching, burning, or swelling in the vaginal area, and a foul-smelling discharge that may be gray or white in color. Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics.

10. Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that can be contracted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. It is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus and can affect the genitals, anus, or mouth.

Symptoms of molluscum contagiosum include small, raised, and round lesions on the skin that can be itchy or painful. While there is no cure for molluscum contagiosum, it can be managed through the use of topical medications.

Conclusion

STDs can be contracted through oral sex and can have serious consequences if left untreated. It is important to practice safe sex and to get tested regularly if you are sexually active.

If you experience any symptoms of an STD, seek medical attention right away. With proper treatment, most STDs can be cured, and the risk of transmission can be greatly reduced.