Or maybe, just maybe, those who wish to have sex should wait until they get married, in which case there will be no STDs to catch?

For reference, a large National Institutes of Health study did not find that condoms inhibit the spread of any STD besides AIDS to any statistically significant degree. That leaves 27 other STDs. So those who take the ’sage” Dr. Fulbright’s advice will not only suffer the indignity of licking a balloon, they’re also likely to get a gift that keeps on giving.

Clarification: CMV is a mono like virus. It is a member of the herpesviral group. This group is large and also includes chicken pox. It does not cause blisters or rashes like herpies.

Not too classy of a thing. Oral one thing, but consumption?? That is some sick stuff… Curious why Zach a man, is asking this question? Have your man wear a condom. j/k

This is definitely one case where you’re better off having a known partner, who you know is disease free so you don’t have to worrk about that.

Oral sex is definitely much better without a condom.

Not only is oral sex misrepresented as a “low-risk” form of sex, but condoms are misrepresented as a cure all for prevention! Semen doesn’t have to go into someone’s mouth for them to contract an STD from oral sex. A condom may reduce transmission of STD’s that are transmitted by body fluids, but offers virtually no protection for those spread through skin-to-skin contact. For VIRAL STD’s such as HPV, Genital Herpes, and Syphilis, a condom only protects the area that it covers completely, and most of the time it is present the genital area outside what the condom covers. Comprehensive Sex ED, as far as the idea of condoms being the cure, DOES NOT WORK! Most people have no Idea what the actual CORRECT rates of protection are for condoms against STD’s. Dr. Allbright’s columns belong in PLAYBOY, not in the category of SEXUAL HEALTH!

Actually it is a myth that latex condoms protect you from STDs. They are not designed to do so, and they don’t. They are designed to block semen, but they are not even 100% fool proof on that. When it comes to the transmission of cells or fluids that are much smaller than sperm or semen, latex is unreliable. Latex has tiny holes that allow for cells (such as blood cells) to pass through even when they block the larger things such as semen.

Zach, YOU can also GET an STD from oral sex. I recently was treated for the clap, and I got it from getting oral sex.Surprise of my life!

Some girls like doing oral sex, but the thought just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Woah–we got some serious freaking people in the stone age. Wait ’till you’re married to have sex? That’s the worst advice I’ve ever heard. C’mon, be real now.

What’s wrong with oral sex? I’m a woman and I love to give it to my husband. I gave it to him before we were married and would again if I had to do it over. You religious zealots need to get a grip and get lost. We’re aware of the risks of playing with fire–and most of us consider them well worth the enjoyment.

Sex is better with a pagan…for oh so many reasons…

Connie would you like to go out with a cowboy?

Ladies, the fact is that 99.9 per cent of men enjoy oral sex pleasure from a woman. If you decide it is not for you, you risk alienating your partner. p.s. Most men equate the mouth with the vagina.

I think she missed the point, the question was not whether oral sex can be hazardous but is the consumption of semen hazardous.

“Consumption” is sick stuff? There is nothing sick about it. In a loving, committed relationship it is just another way to be intimate. Plus, stopping right at that point I imagine would be very frustrating for a man. I am quite glad to keep going to give my man the maximum amount of pleasure!

Gman–
And women such as myself consider a man’s mouth a warm pleasure toy. It goes both ways!

My suggestion to people that think oral sex is icky…dude…open up your options and mind and try it. You might become happier and less of a zealot for it.

Sex for EVERYONE!

Whoa, only a couple people even get the point of this question, and the author isn’t in that group. The question doesn’t seem to be about STDs at all, just the normal health affects of swallowing. I’m glad to see that hyping STDs as the only response is still trendy.

Elle-what’s your number?

Jenn too!

Giving a man oral sex is my ultimate pleasure! There’s nothing wrong with giving him the pleasure he deserves. I don’t understand why it’s sick? I feel sorry for their partners.

Whoa there BB – how will waiting until marriage stop someone from getting an STD? If one partner has the STD the other is at risk for getting it even when rings are exchanged. Otherwise, a great discussion.

What’s wrong about waiting for marriage for sex? If we all felt this way, well we would’nt have seen this question. Why does everyone automatically assume something is “wrong” with a person not having sex?? There are many people that can observe control over thie bodies.. Strong ones for sure!!

Abstinence, zealotry, contraceptives and STD’s aside, I was rather interested in the well-placed advertisement supplementing this article:

DON’T Pay For White Teeth
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Just wanted to pass this along.

Whoa there? Let’s face reality; if 1/3 of adults carry an STD (CDC data, 1999), abstaining until marriage can greatly reduce the chance of getting an STD. To have a 90% chance of coming into contact with one, one needs only six partners.

Marry someone who is of the same mind, and you’re probably a 10% risk or less of coming into contact with an STD. Now how exactly math, science, and statistics became “religious zealotry,” I don’t know, but as for me, I’ll recommend paying attention to the data. If you don’t want a gift that keeps on giving, keep it zipped until you’re married.

And you won’t have to lick a balloon, either. Double bonus.

For Advice Fail: Reread the original question. Zach asked about “health risks or hazards” and the Doc answered correctly unless you care to define getting STDs as neither. Perhaps you know some other issues with oral sex than STDs? If so please enlighten us rather than just accusing the Doc of failing.

For Kat: Nothing wrong about waiting if that is what you want. Good on you, have a great life, be strong. Bottom line: No problem if someone does not want sex. Heck, I think a lot of people in the world should not have sex since many do not seem to care about overpopulation which is the basic cause for most of our problems and possible problems as dwellers on this Earth.

For BB: I’m willing to agree that your statistics are correct, but what if you choose a like-minded “only have sex with one” partner but you do not get married? Same result as far as not getting the STD. It is simple – as far as not getting an STD, marriage has no impact, rather it is the behavior with regards to other sex partners that increase your chances of becoming a statistic.