Introduction
Gay men often engage in oral sex, but the safety of this practice is often debated. This article aims to provide an in-depth look at the practice, including its prevalence, reasons for use, safety concerns, and the potential risks involved.
Prevalence and Reasons
According to a 2015 research, 82% of gay and bisexual men in the US have ever engaged in anal sex in their lifetime, with half of them having done so in the previous year alone. The second most common practice is oral sex, which is also commonly practiced among gay men in the US. In a study of gay and bisexual men in China, 88.1% respondents had received oral sex within the past year, with 72.9% reporting that they had done so within three months.
Reason for Use
The reasons for practicing oral sex among gay men can vary. While some may engage in oronasal sex solely for pleasure, others do so to prepare for anal intercourse. Additionally, some men may use oronasal sex as a form of intimacy, a sense of sharing intimacy, an expression of power, or to satisfy their clients' preferences.
Safety Concerns
Despite the commonality of oral sex among gay men, there are significant concerns regarding its safety. This includes the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially HIV, and the potential for transmission during oral sex.
STI Risk
Oral sex poses a risk of STI transmission, although studies suggest that it is less likely to than anal or vaginal sex. The risk depends on factors such as the type of STI, the partner's STI status, and the specific oral sex activities being performed.
HIV Transmission
While the risk of HIV transmission during oral sex is generally low due to the fluid nature of oral cavity, it can occur if the partner is infected with the virus and there are open sores in the mouth that can break the skin barrier. However, the odds of contracting HIV from an oral sex partner are generally low if the partner is not infectious.
Other Risks
Other risks associated with oral sex include bacterial vaginosis due to anaerobic bacteria, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis, which can occur independently or as a co-infection. There is also an increased risk of tuberculosis due to high levels of bacteria in the mouth.
The Role of condoms
Condoms should always be used whenever there is a risk of STI transmission, even during oral sex. However, since the risk of HIV transmission from oral sex is relatively low, condoms are often not necessary to protect against HIV.
##Gay oral sex is a common practice that has been historically overlooked due to factors such as stigma and lack of education. However, with the increased awareness and understanding of STIs and safer sexual practices, gay men can make informed decisions about their sexual health. Whether or not to use condoms during oral sex is ultimately a personal preference based on a risk assessment and the individual's comfort level with the practice.
Acknowledgements
This research received no specific funding but involved collaboration with community organizations and was supported by a grant from the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under award number R24 AI106729 and by the support of icddr,b. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of any of the institutions mentioned above.
