Dear Rozzwel,

For safer oral sex, use a condom to cover the penis, or a Glyde dam or plastic wrap to cover the vulva or anus.

Unprotected oral sex (without using a condom or other barrier) puts both partners at risk for a number of sexually transmitted infections, whether they are giving or receiving genital stimulation. These infections include gonorrhea, syphilis, chancroid, herpes, hepatitis A & B, cytomegalovirus, human papilloma virus (HPV), herpes, and, rarely, HIV and chlamydia.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.