There are many health problems that can result from practicing unsafe anilingus, because of the presence of bacteria, viruses or parasites on or in the anus or rectum. These include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, intestinal parasites, chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), gonorrhea, herpes, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Applying the mouth to the genitals immediately after applying it to the anus can inadvertently introduce the bacterium Escherichia coli (“E. coli”) into the urethra, causing a urinary tract infection. HIV/AIDS is not believed to be easily transmitted through anilingus, although experts assert that there is a risk of acquiring HIV from anilingus.
Frequent anilingus with casual partners increases the health risks associated with the practice. Generally, people carrying infections that may be passed on during anilingus will appear healthy. If the couple knows that each of them has a healthy background, there is less risk of catching one of the serious viruses or parasites. Parasites may be in the feces if poorly cooked meat was consumed. Hepatitis A traces in feces only apply if the infected person has eaten contaminated food. Hepatitis C is rare although possible if the receiver has trace amounts of infected blood through his/her anus or feces.
If the receiving partner has wounds or open sores on their genitals, or if the giving partner has wounds or open sores on or in their mouth, or bleeding gums, this poses an increased risk of STD transmission. Brushing the teeth, flossing, undergoing dental work, or eating crunchy foods such as potato chips relatively soon before or after performing anilingus also increases the risk of transmission, because all of these activities can cause small scratches on the inside of the lips, cheeks and palate. These wounds, even when they are microscopic, increase the chances of contracting STDs that can be transmitted orally under these conditions. Such contact can also lead to infections from common bacteria and viruses found in and around the genitals and anus.
Another recent study suggests a correlation between oral sex and throat cancer. It is believed that this is due to the transmission of HPV because this virus has been implicated in the majority of cervical cancers. The study concludes that people who had one to five oral sex partners in their lifetime had approximately a doubled risk of throat cancer compared with those who never engaged in this activity and those with more than five oral-sex partners had a 250% increased risk.
Prevention
Owing to disease risks, many medical professionals advise the use of dental dams when performing or receiving anilingus with a partner whose STD status is unknown. A makeshift dental dam can be made out of a condom (instructions). Using a real dental dam is preferable, as real dental dams are larger, and the makeshift version may be accidentally damaged during the cutting procedure. Plastic wrap may also be used, but this is less preferable because the thickness can reduce sensation.
All one must do to make a dental dam out of a condom is take a pair of sharp scissors, cut the tip off of the condom, and then cut the condom in half lengthwise. Unroll the condom into a rectangular sheet and you have a dental dam.
A few tips for an optimal DIY dental dam experience:
- Use unlubricated, non-spermicidal condoms if you can. Lube and spermicide can make the dam taste bad.
- Try using a flavored condom.
- Ultra-thin condoms make for more sensitive dental dams.
- Just like a condom, never ever reuse a dental dam. Just throw it away when you’re done.
