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girls' health
Your Body & All of Its Parts
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guys' health
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glbtq
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deciding about sex
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birth control and condoms
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sexually transmitted infections
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pregnancy...am I/Is she?
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teen parenting
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abortion
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adoption
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emotional health
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Sizes, Shapes, and Smells!
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alcohol & drugs
Effects of Alcohol & Drugs
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girls' health
guys' health
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deciding about sex
birth control & condoms
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Ask the Experts Frequently Asked Questions
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Can you get a sexually transmitted infection from oral sex?

Absolutely! Whenever there is vaginal, anal or oral sex between two people, there is a danger that a person who has an STI, including HIV, will transmit it to a person who does not. The vagina, anus and mouth all are lined by mucous membranes that can soak up the blood, semen or vaginal fluids of an infected person. And that�s how many STIs are spread.

So how do you deal with these facts? The only 100 percent, surefire way to avoid STIs is to abstain from sex � oral, vaginal and anal.

If you decide to have sex, there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of getting an infection. First, be selective. The more people you have sex with, the greater your chances of getting an STI. Get to know your partner well before having sex. Talk to your partner about your sexual histories. Get tested for STIs before having sex.

Even if you�re both declared disease-free, still use condoms, every single time you have sex. Partners sometimes cheat, even if you totally trust them. Plus, STI testing isn�t foolproof. You should also use condoms if you have oral sex. Flavored condoms are available in most drugstores. Females should use sheer glyde or dental dams to cover their vulva. These are also available in most drugstores.

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