It is a very widespread oral sex practice and a source of intense pleasure for women. But, in terms of health, cunnilingus can be conducive to the sharing of viruses. Papillomavirus, chlamydia, gonococci, HIV… An update on the real and false risks of cunnilingus.
An essential oral sexual practice for female pleasure, cunnilingus nonetheless remains a source of infections in certain cases. As a reminder, the word “cunnilingus” or rather “cunnilinctus” from its official name comes from the Latin “cunnus” which means “cunt” in French (the “con” designating the vulva) and “linctus” which means “to lick”. It is also called “vulvar kiss” or “clitoral kiss”. Facing the increase in the number of partners during sexual life, the risks linked to cunnilingus are more frequent (whether for the person receiving cunnilingus or who does it), especially when there is no protection (dental dam) as is very often the case. Le Dr Andreea Matefi, gynecologist, takes stock for Le Journal des Femmes.
Is chlamydia transmitted through cunnilingus?
“Without a dental dam, cunnilingus can transmit sexual infections such as gonococci and chlamydia, through liquids, leukorrhea (white losses)“, confirms Dr Andreea Matefi, gynecologist and couples therapist. Gonorrhea is the name for the sexually transmitted disease caused by the gonococcal microbe. Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In women, the infection can result in genital itching, unusual discharge, pain during sexual recall and burning when urinating. In men, it manifests as urethritis. This pathology is treated by taking antibiotics. Chlamydia is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. They affect both men (who also develop urethritis) and women. The problem is that very often, chlamydia does not cause symptoms. We can thus transmit it without knowing it. However, if left untreated, it can lead to salpingitis in women which can cause sterility or ectopic pregnancy. Hence the importance of getting tested regularly, especially if you often change sexual partners.
Cunnilingus and cold sore: can herpes be transmitted?
Yes. Cunnilingus exposes you to the risk of genital herpes if the person performing it has herpes (a cold sore for example). “It’s a liquid-to-liquid transmission, the virus enters the woman’s cells through its secretions and can then lead to herpes outbreaks” explains Dr. Matefi. Transmission can occur 15 days before the cold sore appears. “because the herpes virus is already in the saliva” . Fortunately, however, the risk is not systematic: “The woman’s immune system will fight so she will not necessarily develop genital herpes every time a man who has oral herpes performs cunnilingus on her, reassures our interlocutor. On the other hand, if she does not have antibodies, her immune system is a little weak, she is tired or she is menstruating, there is potentially a greater risk of transmission. But in any case, she can’t know that in advance.”
Is the papillomavirus transmitted through cunnilingus?
Widely prevalent among women of all ages, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). This virus can be transmitted through the skin and oral and genital mucous membranes, therefore during cunnilingus (but also during fellatio and vaginal or anal penetration). According to the gynecologist“Everyone has had one at least once in their life, whether they realize it or not.”. There are between 200 and 250 types of HPV. The risk occurs when one is contaminated by a so-called “risk” HPV because it is associated with the occurrence of cervical cancers and ENT (throat, etc.) cancers.. The state of the immune system is important at the time of transmission: “Certain immune systems will eliminate the virus. Others will not prevent it from developing (10% of cases). It’s quite a long time, the virus doesn’t flare up like that. If you have a partner at time 0, it’s possible that HPV won’t appear until two to three years later” she continues. Hence the importance, for women, of being followed regularly by a gynecologist. Especially since men are never screened. “They don’t come for a consultation, nor are they told to go see a dermatologist to find out if there are infected areas on their glans. It’s a taboo in France. Talking to a man about sexuality is complicated, remarks the gynecologist. The woman therefore bears the burden because once she is screened, if she has a regular partner or one she cares about, she will refer him to a dermatologist who will screen him.”
Risks increase during periods
► Should we avoid cunnilingus after a positive papillomavirus test? “If there are no condyloma (genital warts) outside at the level of the vulva, there is less risk of transmission of the virus if there is only cunnilingus (and no penetration, fellatio, etc.)” replies the gynecologist. Do not hesitate to discuss it with your doctor or gynecologist.
Can you get hepatitis B or C from cunnilingus?
Hepatitis B and C can be caught during cunnilingus. How ? If there are lesions in the mouth of the person giving cunnilingus (as in the case of gingivitis) or on the woman’s penis. For the hepatitis virus in question to be transmitted, there must be blood-to-blood contact. For hepatitis B, the risk remains “very weak unless cunnilingus is practiced during menstruation” specifies the Hepatites-info-service website. There is also a vaccine against hepatitis B, reimbursed by Social Security. After contamination with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), there are often no symptoms and some people clear the infection spontaneously, which does not prevent them from being reinfected. Unlike hepatitis B, HCV becomes chronic in 80% of cases.
AIDS: can HIV be transmitted during cunnilingus?
The HIV virus, which causes AIDS, can be transmitted during unprotected cunnilingus if there are lesions allowing the virus to enter the blood of the uninfected person. For example “if there is severe gingivitis (bleeding from the gums), bleeding after shaving, menstruation” explains Dr Matefi. There must be contact between the blood of the two protagonists. Saliva does not transmit HIV so if there is no lesion, there is no risk of transmission, “it’s proven.”
Syphilis and cunnilingus: contagious cankers?
Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum or “pale treponema”. It is transmitted during unprotected sex: vaginal, anal and oral-genital (fellatio and cunnilingus). How ? By contact with chancres present on the vulva, even if there are no lesions. Chancres look like single round, pinkish, hard, but non-painful lesions on the external genitalia, on the glans in men or the vulva, vagina or cervix in women. If there are cankers, you should not perform cunnilingus, otherwise you risk being contaminated.
Is cunnilingus riskier during your period?
Yes. “There are additional risks of performing cunnilingus during menstruation, replies the gynecologist, in relation to the transmission of the AIDS virus (or that of hepatitis B or C). On the other hand, if it is a stable, known partner, with negative serologies, there is no risk.”
How long after a risky relationship do we get tested?
Have you exchanged cunnilingus with a passing partner? Or with several partners? Without a dental dam… If in doubt about possible contamination (with the risks mentioned above), you must get tested. To prevent possible complications at home and new transmissions to your future partners.
► For STI serologies (chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, C, HIV, syphilis, etc.): you must wait at least 6 weeks after the report. Except in the case of clinical signs (such as the occurrence of cankers, etc.). In this case, consult as soon as they occur.
► In case of varied sexuality, multiple partners: do a screening once or twice a year. “For HPV, you need to be screened every year if there is a change of partner and not necessarily protection”recommends Dr. Matefi. In France, cervical cancer screening is based on a precise schedule: every 3 years between the ages of 25 and 29, then every 5 years after the age of 30 with an HPV test if the results are normal. These recommendations apply to the majority of women, regardless of their lifestyle.
Thanks to Dr. Andreea Matefi, Doctor of Medicine, General Medicine Specialty and holder of the IUD in Medical Gynecology.
