Expert: John Thai, MD - 11/3/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi ,
Can one get any diseases from giving oral sex when there is smegma and from having it int he mouth? what about precum.
If the other person has no diseases, does smegma initself casue disease when ingested?

ANSWER: Hi John,

You are at risk of contracting sexually transmittable infections (STI) when ingesting precum as it still contains ejaculatory fluids and sperm. The most common STIs are gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, warts, trichomonas, hepatitis B, and fungal infections. There is very low risks of contracting HIV and hepatitis C by ingesting precum or cum unless the giver (the one performing the oral sex) has poor dentition or oral lesions.

The receiver of the oral sex is at risks of contracting herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, candida, and rarely warts.

Smegma is a natural production by oily glands to help lubricate the genitals. The only risks imposed on the giver are gonorrhea, chlamydia, skin bacterial and fungal infections. However, there is an increased risks for the receiver (the one receiving the oral sex) as bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can definitely sustain in their smegma and transferred into their urethral opening.

Regards,

John Thai, MD

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dr Thai,
THese risks you mention are they substantial risks? and the oral lesions, soemtimes you eat a bone and get a rent in the mucosa, could that be an open wound?

ANSWER: Hi John,

They are still risks meaning it is a gamble whether the individual you are having a sexual encounter with is infected with these infectious agents.

An open lesion is anything that breaks the lining of the mouth, including a knick on the mucosa from a bone or accidentally biting your lips, tongue, or cheeks.

Regards,

John Thai, MD

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Dr Thai
Thank you for your response, I have one last question, which I would appreciate your opinion on. In the event of sex between two guys, if one has another guys penis in the area of the anus, but not inside it, and maybe soem fluid on the penis, is there a risk of catching HIV
The penis was not at any time inside the anus. just around it or on it, but nevr inside
thanks
John

Answer
Hi John,

No. The risks of contracting HIV from your scenario is 0. The only method is if his seminal fluid remains on the perianal region and you manually insert it in. The only risks are warts, herpes, and fungal infections and maybe gonorrhea/chlamydia.

Regards,

John Thai, MD