How to Use A Condom During Oral Sex and Why You Should

Oral sex won’t result in pregnancy, but it isn’t necessarily “safe” sex. You can still transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between partners.

If this hasn’t crossed your mind before, you’re far from alone. While condoms and dental dams provide protection against oral STIs, they’re commonly neglected.

Below is what to understand about oral STIs, how to discuss protection with your partner, ways to incorporate barriers into foreplay, and other practical tips.

How common are oral STIs?

It’s clear oral sex can expose both the giver and receiver to STIs, but estimating the overall transmission risk is challenging. Part of the difficulty stems from the fact that many people who engage in oral sex also have vaginal or anal sex, making the exact route of transmission harder to identify.

To date, research on contracting STIs other than HIV during oral sex is limited. Even less is known about STI transmission after performing oral sex on the vagina or anus.

So what is known? The following STIs are frequently transmitted via oral sex:

• gonorrhea
• genital herpes, most often caused by herpes simplex virus 2
• syphilis

The following infections occur less often after oral sex:

• chlamydia
• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• hepatitis A, B, and C
• genital warts, usually from human papillomavirus (HPV)
• pubic lice

The infections below can be passed through oral sex, but exact probabilities are unclear:

• herpes simplex virus 1
• trichomoniasis

Other bacterial infections — such as those from Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Shigella — and intestinal parasites can also be transmitted via anilingus (oral-anal contact).

Remember: Barrier methods aren’t foolproof

Condoms and dental dams are effective tools, but they don’t offer complete protection. User mistakes, like incorrect application, lower their effectiveness. Tears or tiny punctures in the material can allow viruses and bacteria to pass between partners. STIs can also spread through skin not covered by the barrier — for instance, genital herpes and syphilis can transmit through any skin-to-skin contact in the genital area, including the pubic mound and labia.

Talk to your partner about protection beforehand

It’s often awkward to set boundaries once clothes are coming off. If possible, have a conversation about protection before things heat up.

Open, honest communication can deepen intimacy and mutual understanding in sexual relationships. If you and your partner clarify expectations ahead of time — rather than letting misunderstandings arise — you’ll likely find it easier to relax and enjoy the encounter.

What to expect from taste and sensation

Using a barrier during oral sex will feel different — that’s normal. But it doesn’t need to be unpleasant or uncomfortable.

Taste

Some people say condoms or dental dams can taste off. Choosing a material other than latex or polyurethane may reduce this. Lubricants and additives also influence flavor — sometimes for the worse. Pre-lubricated condoms often have an undesirable taste, so you might start with an unlubricated option and add a compatible edible flavored lube if desired. Just ensure the lubricant is safe to ingest and won’t degrade the barrier material.

Sensation

Contrary to some beliefs, you’ll still perceive pressure, warmth, and movement. One person described oral sex with a condom as “about 80 percent there,” noting the overall sensation was similar to vaginal intercourse. For some, a slightly dulled sensation is beneficial — if oral sex tends to be too intense, a barrier can help extend endurance.

What kind of condom should I use?

Nearly any condom suitable for penetrative sex can also be used for oral protection. Keep these tips in mind:

• Size matters. Poorly fitting condoms can slip, tear, or leak, increasing exposure risk.
• Lubricant is optional. While pre-lubricated condoms might taste unpleasant, lubricant can sometimes mask the material’s flavor.
• Spermicide is risky. Avoid condoms with nonoxynol-9 spermicide. N-9 can numb the mouth and raise the chance of injury.

You can use an external condom to cover the penis during oral sex. Internal condoms and dental dams can protect the vulva and anus. If you don’t have a dental dam, you can fashion one from an internal or external condom: cut off the tip and the rolled end, then slice down the length and unroll the material to place over the vagina or anus. In a pinch, plastic wrap might be used, but it’s not designed for this purpose and there’s no research confirming its effectiveness for STI prevention.

How can I work this into foreplay?

There’s no single correct way to introduce a barrier before oral sex. You could be straightforward, pausing to put the condom or dam in place, or you might make applying it part of the playful routine. Either approach is fine. Consider these suggestions:

• Minimize effort. Open the condom or dental dam package before starting foreplay so you don’t have to interrupt the moment to find it.
• Reward the rolling. Keep your mouth away from fluids until the barrier is positioned — use your hands to place it, then follow with oral contact.

General do’s and don’ts

Do: Use a new condom if you want to move on to penetration.

Condoms are single-use. If you switch to vaginal or anal penetration, remove the barrier and apply a fresh one.

Don’t: Use your teeth to apply the condom.

Even if you can’t see them, teeth can create tiny punctures in the barrier, allowing exposure to infectious fluids.

Do: Consider flavored lube to mask unpleasant tastes or smells.

Flavored lubricants can make oral sex more enjoyable by covering the barrier’s flavor. Confirm the lube is safe for oral use and compatible with the condom or dam — water- and silicone-based lubes are generally safe with most condom materials.

Don’t: Use foods as lube.

Oils found in many foods can weaken latex and polyurethane, increasing the risk of tearing. Stick to approved products rather than edible sauces.

Do: Put the barrier in place before any contact with fluids.

Avoid assuming that withholding ejaculation prevents STI transmission. Bacteria and viruses can be present and contagious well before climax. Apply the condom or dam as soon as you plan to touch the genitals or anus.

The bottom line

Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need. The key to satisfying sex is feeling safe, secure, and comfortable. If you don’t feel protected, you won’t relax or enjoy the experience — and it’s perfectly fine to pause or decline until your questions are answered and a plan for protection is in place.