Jojo Ming (Image: Pixabay)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmitted through the mouth can encompass various diseases that are passed from one person to another through oral contact, including kissing, oral sex, or other forms of intimate oral contact. These infections can affect the mouth, throat, and sometimes other parts of the body. It’s important to note that while some STIs primarily affect the genital area, they can also be transmitted to the mouth and vice versa.
- Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2): Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) can both cause sores or blisters around the mouth and on the genitals. HSV-1 is commonly associated with oral herpes, often transmitted through oral contact such as kissing. However, it can also be transmitted to the genital area through oral sex. Conversely, HSV-2 is typically associated with genital herpes but can be transmitted to the mouth through oral sex.
- Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can affect the throat (pharyngeal gonorrhea) when transmitted through oral sex. It can cause symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Chlamydia: Like gonorrhea, chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to the throat through oral sex. Pharyngeal chlamydia may not always cause symptoms but can lead to sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and discomfort.
- Syphilis: Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. While it’s more commonly transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, syphilis can also affect the mouth and throat if exposed to the bacteria. Primary syphilis presents as a painless sore or ulcer (chancre) at the site of infection, which can occur in the mouth.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a common virus that can cause genital warts and various cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. HPV can be transmitted through oral sex, leading to infections in the mouth and throat. Oral HPV infections may not always cause symptoms but can lead to lesions or warts in the mouth or throat.
- HIV/AIDS: While HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including oral sex, it’s less commonly transmitted through oral sex compared to vaginal or anal sex. However, the risk still exists, particularly if there are open sores or cuts in the mouth or on the genitals. HIV can lead to AIDS if left untreated, compromising the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.
- Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be transmitted through sexual contact, including oral sex. While the risk of transmission through oral sex is lower than through vaginal or anal sex, it’s still possible, especially if there are cuts or abrasions in the mouth. Hepatitis B can cause liver inflammation and lead to chronic infection, which may increase the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Mycoplasma genitalium: Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial STI that can infect the genital and urinary tract. While less common, it can also be transmitted to the mouth through oral sex, causing symptoms such as sore throat and discomfort.
- Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is a parasitic STI caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. While it primarily affects the genital area, it can also infect the mouth and throat if transmitted through oral sex. Oral trichomoniasis may not always cause symptoms but can lead to irritation and discomfort in the mouth or throat.
It’s essential to practice safer sex and get regularly tested for STIs, especially if engaging in oral sex or other forms of intimate contact. Using condoms or dental dams during oral sex can help reduce the risk of transmission. Additionally, communication with sexual partners about STI status and practicing mutual monogamy can further reduce the risk of STI transmission. If experiencing symptoms such as sores, lesions, or unusual discharge in the mouth or genital area, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly for testing and treatment.