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STIs

How Does Herpes Testing Work?

How should someone get tested for herpes? What do test results mean? Get answers to these questions and learn the basics of herpes testing with the infographic below (also available as a PDF download).

STI Statistics and Young People

Estimating how many sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases occur is not a simple task. First, most STIs can be “silent,” with no noticeable symptoms. These asymptomatic infections can be diagnosed only through testing. Unfortunately, routine screening programs are not widespread, and social stigma and lack of public awareness gets in the way of discussions between healthcare providers and patients about STI risk and the need for testing. Even from estimates, however, what is clear from the statistics about STIs in the U.S. is that young people bear a large portion of the STI burden. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • Half of all STIs occur in people 25 years of age or younger.
  • One in four new STI cases occur in teenagers.
  • Young people (age 15-24) have five times the reported rate of chlamydia of the total population, four times the rate of gonorrhea and three times the rate of syphilis.
  • In 2006, an estimated 5,259 young people aged 13-24 in the 33 states reporting to CDC were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, representing about 14% of the persons diagnosed that year.

Young people account for a substantial proportion of new STIs. Americans ages 15 to 24 account for 70% of the 820,000 gonorrhea infections among all ages; 63% of the 2.9 million chlamydia infections among all ages; 49% of the 14.1 million HPV infections among all ages; 45% of the 776,000 genital herpes infections among all ages; and 20% of the 55,400 syphilis infections among all ages. Finally, Americans ages 13 to 24 account for 26% of the 47,500 HIV infections among all ages.

A range of unique factors place youth at risk for infection. Many young women don’t receive the chlamydia screening CDC recommends. Many youth are reluctant to disclose risk behaviors to doctors. Young women’s bodies are biologically more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections. Youth often lack insurance or transportation needed to access prevention services. And many young people have multiple partners which increases STI risk.

Get Tested

The only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested. Enter your zip code in the box below to find a testing site near you.

Oral Sex and STIs

A young adult coupleCan someone be infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from oral sex?

Yes. Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, can be spread through oral sex. However, the chances of giving or getting STIs during oral sex can be lowered by using a condom or dental dam.

What is oral sex?

By definition, oral sex is when someone puts his or her lips, mouth or tongue on a man’s penis, a woman’s genitals (including the clitoris, vulva, and vaginal opening), or the anus of another person. There are different terms used to describe types of oral sex:

  • Fellatio is the technical term used to describe oral contact with the penis.
  • Cunnilingus describes oral contact with the clitoris, vulva or vaginal opening.
  • Anilingus (sometimes called “rimming”) refers to oral contact with the anus.

Oral sex is common among sexually active adults. According to a national survey conducted from June 2006 through December 2008, over 80% of sexually active youth and adults ages 15-44 years reported having had oral sex at least once with a partner of the opposite sex. The same survey found that 45% or more of teenage girls and boys (ages 15-19 years) report having had oral sex with a partner of the opposite sex.

As with other types of sexual activity, oral sex carries the risk of STIs. It may be possible to get some STIs in the mouth or throat from giving oral sex to a partner with a genital or anal/rectal infection, particularly from giving fellatio. It also may be possible to get certain STIs on the penis, and possibly the vagina, anus or rectum, from receiving oral sex from a partner with a mouth or throat infection. It’s possible to have an STI in more than one area, for example in the throat and the genitals.

STIs Transmitted Through Oral Sex

How can I reduce my risk?

The chances of giving or getting STIs during oral sex can be lowered by using a condom, dental dam or other barrier method each and every time a person has oral sex:

The surest way to not get a sexually transmitted infection from oral sex is to abstain from vaginal, anal, and oral sex or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. However, many infected persons may be unaware of their infection because STIs often have no symptoms and are unrecognized.

Sexually active individuals should get tested regularly for STIs and HIV, and talk to all partner(s) about STIs. Anyone who thinks that he/she might have an STI should stop having sex and visit a doctor or clinic to get tested. There are free and low-cost options for testing available. It is important to talk openly with a healthcare provider about any activities that might put a person at risk for an STI, including oral sex.