Most sexually active students know the potential consequences of not using a condom when having sex – possible pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS – but when it comes to oral sex, it seems the condom consideration is often left out.

Whether it’s that the rubber protection is unappealing or it’s just not common practice, most don’t realize there can be dangers to unprotected oral sex, said Susan Haney, clinical program coordinator for Student Health Services.

Haney said STDs are the most frequent consequences of oral sex, and often the most unexpected among college and high school students. A survey conducted by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation in 2003 found that about half of all teens engage in oral sex, yet one-third of all young adults had no idea that doing so could possibly give them an STD.

“Not many people realize it, which makes it even more dangerous,” she said.

Haney said the most commonly orally contracted STD is genital herpes because it is very easily spread just by coming into contact with an infected area, and a significant percentage of people have the disease.

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in five adolescents have oro-facial herpes, often called cold sores or fever blisters, and are often found on or near the lips. Symptoms, when breakouts occur, include mouth sores, blisters and genital abrasions.

“Using a condom is very effective in stopping herpes from spreading,” Haney said. “There is a very small chance that anything will be transmitted if using a condom, even during oral sex.”

While catching herpes is the most likely consequence of not using a condom during oral sex, there are still other risks, though somewhat rare. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can infect your throat and give you strep-like symptoms, but can be treated with antibiotics, Haney said.

HIV and syphilis can also be contracted through unprotected oral sex if there are cuts in the mouth or sores in the esophagus, though the chances of this are low, Haney said.

Still not convinced a condom is the best way to go with oral sex? There’s one obvious way to get around it – get tested to make sure you and your partner don’t have any STDs before engaging in the act.

Haney said, “If you make sure you’re clean, you won’t have to use a condom, now would you?”

“Weekly check up” is a regular feature in the Life section. If you have a health topic you want to know more about, e-mail [email protected].