Dear rosalee,

Yes. Most people agree that a virgin is someone who has never had vaginal intercourse. But many sexually transmitted infections can be passed through oral sex and anal sex as well as vaginal intercourse, and some infections can also be passed by skin-to-skin contact.

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, herpes, hepatitis A & B, cytomegalovirus, human papilloma virus (HPV), herpes, and, rarely, HIV and chlamydia.

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

It's possible for someone to carry an infection and not show any symptoms. That's why many people unknowingly pass infections along to their partners.

The latex and female condom reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. They also provide good protection against pregnancy.

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.