Hey Doc!
I give great head and lots of it! But I hate condoms. One day I hear blow jobs are safe. The next day I hear they aren't. So what's the bottom line on giving head? Can you please settle this issue once and for all?
Gratefully,
I.Lovedick

Well, every guy needs a hobby now doesn't he? And you're right Ð the issue of safety and blow jobs can be downright confusing. So let's try to make it simple.

Fact #1 The one who gives the blow job gets more of the risk. Your lucky recipient has much less to worry about. (HIV and some STDs can be transmitted to the receiver. This is rare, but possible.) Today we'll just talk about giving blow jobs, not getting them.

Fact #2 Yes, there is clear risk for STDs. It's easy to get gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes from giving head. You can become infected if your mouth touches any sores, rashes, bumps, etc. So a thorough penis inspection is always smart before you begin. And play with any foreskins to check them out also. You can easily disguise it as teasing or foreplay. But inspecting a penis won't make it safe! You can pick up an STD even if you don't see any symptoms! This is especially true for herpes and gonorrhea (very common STDs among gay/bi men in Denver). So be careful Ð there can be more than meets the eye!

Hepatitis is also a risk. But you can eliminate this risk by getting vaccinated for hep A and B. Call the HIV/STD hotline at 303-692-2777 for info on free vaccines. There is still little evidence that hepatitis C is transmitted through sex.

Fact #3 There is some risk for HIV. There are reported cases of HIV transmission through oral sex. So, experts are agreed that there is some risk. However, the number of cases is tiny compared to the whopping number of blow jobs that happen every day! So, the risk must be pretty small, smaller still for the person getting blown. Skin-to-skin oral sex is clearly less risky than anal barebacking.

The experts agree on two points:

1. You are less likely to get HIV from oral sex than anal sex, and
2. HIV risk is virtually zero if you use a condom when you give head.

Fact #4 Your risks for any STD or HIV increase if:

• You have open sores or cuts in your mouth. These are the express lanes for infection! And since crystal is famous for causing gum problems and loose teeth, your mouth could be in serious trouble!
• You have just brushed or flossed. Scratches or tiny cuts in your gums can easily invite infection.
• You take cum in your mouth. Therefore, a lot of guys agree on this before the action begins. And many men prefer to "let it fly" anyway so it could be a win-win for you both!

So here's my free advice to lovers of dick everywhere:

• Check your own mouth. Don't brush or floss before or just after giving head. Crystal users - take EXTRA steps to avoid gum disease and tooth decay!
• Check your partner's dick, especially under any foreskins. If you see anything unusual, use a condom.
• Don't take cum in your mouth.
• When in doubt, use a condom. And the flavored ones (and lubes) can actually be tasty. So why not give them a try!
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

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